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A Powerful Word: The Influence of the Term 'Organic' on Perceptions and Beliefs Concerning Food

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  • Vega-Zamora, Manuela
  • Parras-Rosa, Manuel
  • Murgado-Armenteros, Eva María
  • Torres-Ruiz, Francisco José

Abstract

The controversy between altruistic (environment) and egoistic (health) values as explanatory factors of organic food consumption raises suspicions that consuming organic foods is not an end in itself but a means—a way to achieve healthiness rather than an expression of environmental values. In this case, the term 'organic' could be assumed to be a heuristic cue. This paper examines whether the heuristic role of the term 'organic' can indeed be assumed. Personal interviews were conducted with 800 individuals. Results indicated that the term 'organic' plays an important role as a heuristic cue of superiority.

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  • Vega-Zamora, Manuela & Parras-Rosa, Manuel & Murgado-Armenteros, Eva María & Torres-Ruiz, Francisco José, 2013. "A Powerful Word: The Influence of the Term 'Organic' on Perceptions and Beliefs Concerning Food," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 16(4), pages 1-26, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ifaamr:159660
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.159660
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    3. Manuela Vega-Zamora & Manuel Parras-Rosa & Francisco José Torres-Ruiz, 2020. "You Are What You Eat: The Relationship between Values and Organic Food Consumption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Eva M. Murgado-Armenteros & María Gutierrez-Salcedo & Francisco José Torres-Ruiz, 2020. "The Concern about Biodiversity as a Criterion for the Classification of the Sustainable Consumer: A Cross-Cultural Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-14, April.
    5. Francisco José Torres-Ruiz & Manuela Vega-Zamora & Manuel Parras-Rosa, 2018. "False Barriers in the Purchase of Organic Foods. The Case of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-14, February.

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