Publication
Exploring demand: challenges and opportunities for free-from and organic foods in Portuguese market
| dc.contributor.author | Lemos, Teresa | |
| dc.contributor.author | Vasconcelos, Marta | |
| dc.contributor.author | Sousa, Sérgio | |
| dc.contributor.author | Pinho, Simão | |
| dc.contributor.author | Gomes, Ana M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Pinto, Elisabete | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2024-12-06T12:01:42Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2024-12-06T12:01:42Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024-11-14 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The rising prevalence of food intolerances and increased health and environmental consciousness has driven the 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 median age of the participants of 41 years. The sample was predominantly female (76.9%), with male participants comprising 23.1% of the sample. The results show that 97.4% of the respondents were 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%). The consumers identified high prices (84.9%) and excessive sugar/fat content (52.1%) as the main drawbacks of FF products currently on the market. The women showed greater knowledge and purchase levels compared to the men. The trust in organic certification was low (21.4%), with skepticism higher among the 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, this study highlights the need for greater product variety, improved transparency, and consumer education to enhance market trust and accessibility. | pt_PT |
| dc.description.version | info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion | pt_PT |
| dc.identifier.doi | 10.3390/app142210492 | pt_PT |
| dc.identifier.eid | 85210229684 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2076-3417 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/47455 | |
| dc.identifier.wos | 001366823800001 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | pt_PT |
| dc.peerreviewed | yes | pt_PT |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Consumer behavior | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Food intolerances | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Free-from food products | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Market demand | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Organic products | pt_PT |
| dc.subject | Portugal | pt_PT |
| dc.title | Exploring demand: challenges and opportunities for free-from and organic foods in Portuguese market | pt_PT |
| dc.type | journal article | |
| dspace.entity.type | Publication | |
| oaire.citation.issue | 22 | pt_PT |
| oaire.citation.title | Applied Sciences (Switzerland) | pt_PT |
| oaire.citation.volume | 14 | pt_PT |
| rcaap.rights | openAccess | pt_PT |
| rcaap.type | article | pt_PT |