Version 1
: Received: 18 September 2024 / Approved: 18 September 2024 / Online: 19 September 2024 (07:40:39 CEST)
How to cite:
Lemos, T.; Pinto, E.; Vasconcelos, M.; Sousa, S.; Pinho, S.; Gomes, A. M. Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-from and Organic Foods. Preprints2024, 2024091407. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1407.v1
Lemos, T.; Pinto, E.; Vasconcelos, M.; Sousa, S.; Pinho, S.; Gomes, A. M. Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-from and Organic Foods. Preprints 2024, 2024091407. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1407.v1
Lemos, T.; Pinto, E.; Vasconcelos, M.; Sousa, S.; Pinho, S.; Gomes, A. M. Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-from and Organic Foods. Preprints2024, 2024091407. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1407.v1
APA Style
Lemos, T., Pinto, E., Vasconcelos, M., Sousa, S., Pinho, S., & Gomes, A. M. (2024). Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-from and Organic Foods. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1407.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Lemos, T., Simão Pinho and Ana M. Gomes. 2024 "Exploring Demand: Challenges and Opportunities for Free-from and Organic Foods" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1407.v1
Abstract
The rising prevalence of food intolerances and increased health and environmental consciousness has driven demand for free-from (FF) and organic products. This study aims to analyze consumer needs, motivations, and challenges related to these products in Portugal through an online survey with 2268 eligible responses, with a participants’ median age of 41 years, predominantly women (76.9%). Results show that 97.4% of respondents are aware of FF products, with 60.0% being regular consumers, particularly of lactose-free milk and gluten-free bread and biscuits. Significant market gaps were identified in the variety of FF bread (62.8%), pastries (49.0%), and cookies (38.4%). Consumers identified high prices (84.9%) and excessive sugar/fat content (52.1%) as the main drawbacks of FF products currently on the market. Women showed greater knowledge and purchase levels compared to men. Trust in organic certification was low (21.4%), with skepticism higher among lower-income and male participants. Despite this, 78.1% believed in the health benefits of organic products, and 72.2% agreed that increased demand could lower prices. Overall, the study highlights the need for greater products’ variety, improved transparency, and consumer education to enhance market trust and accessibility.
Public Health and Healthcare, Public Health and Health Services
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
