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Insights into Organic Food Consumption in Tenerife (Spain): Examining Consumer Profiles and Preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Pablo Alonso González

    (Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 Tenerife, Spain)

  • Celia Extremo Martín

    (Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 Tenerife, Spain)

  • Raimundo Otero Enríquez

    (Grupo de Estudios Territoriales, University of A Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain)

  • Raquel de la Cruz Modino

    (Instituto de Investigación Social y Turismo, Universidad de La Laguna, 38280 Tenerife, Spain)

  • Francisco Nauzet Arocha Alonso

    (Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 Tenerife, Spain)

  • Samara González Rodríguez

    (Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 Tenerife, Spain)

  • Eva Parga Dans

    (Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), 38206 Tenerife, Spain)

Abstract

This paper explores consumer profiles and preferences for organic food on the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). With a growing demand for organic products driven by health-consciousness and environmental concerns, understanding the factors that influence consumer behavior in this market is crucial. This study analyzes socio-demographic characteristics and market trends to uncover the motivations behind the demand for organic food through a survey of shoppers in stores selling certified organic products. By examining consumer awareness, perceived benefits, willingness to pay premium prices, proximity consumption patterns, and meat consumption, valuable insights are gained. Findings reveal that organic purchase habits and consumer profiles mostly align with the overall Spanish profile. A specific category of consumers who claim to follow a Mediterranean diet are identified as “switchers” who oscillate between organic and conventional produce without ideological and ethical commitment. Consumers clearly differentiate between the kinds of products they prefer to buy with organic or proximity attributes. Organic meat consumption correlates with a higher income and willingness to pay for it. By identifying distinct consumer profiles within the organic food market, this study provides actionable recommendations for businesses and policymakers to tailor their strategies and foster the growth of the organic food sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo Alonso González & Celia Extremo Martín & Raimundo Otero Enríquez & Raquel de la Cruz Modino & Francisco Nauzet Arocha Alonso & Samara González Rodríguez & Eva Parga Dans, 2025. "Insights into Organic Food Consumption in Tenerife (Spain): Examining Consumer Profiles and Preferences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:2123-:d:1603193
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Oleg Bazaluk & Olha Yatsenko & Oleksandr Zakharchuk & Anna Ovcharenko & Olga Khrystenko & Vitalii Nitsenko, 2020. "Dynamic Development of the Global Organic Food Market and Opportunities for Ukraine," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-20, August.
    2. Molinillo, Sebastian & Vidal-Branco, Murilo & Japutra, Arnold, 2020. "Understanding the drivers of organic foods purchasing of millennials: Evidence from Brazil and Spain," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    3. Maria Raquel David Pereira Ventura Lucas & Cristina Isabel Galamba Oliveira Costa Marreiros, 2008. "Quality, Safety and Consumer Behaviour Towards Organic Food in Germany and Portugal," CEFAGE-UE Working Papers 2008_05, University of Evora, CEFAGE-UE (Portugal).
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