What motivates consumers to buy organic foods? Results of an empirical study in the United States

PLoS One. 2021 Sep 10;16(9):e0257288. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257288. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Consumers perceive organic foods as more nutritious, natural, and environmentally friendly than non-organic or conventional foods. Since organic foods developed, studies on consumer behavior and organic foods have contributed significantly to its development. The presesent study aims to identify the factors affecting consumer buying behaviour toward organic foods in the United States. Survey data are collected from 770 consumers in the Midwest, United States. ANOVA, multiple linear regression, factor analysis, independent t-tests, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis are used to analyze the collected primary data. This research confirms health consciousness, consumer knowledge, perceived or subjective norms, and perception of price influence consumers' attitudes toward buying organic foods. Availability is another factor that affected the purchase intentions of consumers. Age, education, and income are demographic factors that also impact consumers' buying behavior. The findings help marketers of organic foods design strategies to succeed in the US's fast-growing organic foods market.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Empirical Research
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Food, Organic*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult