Consumers' intention to buy cheeses with geographical indications: The case of Serbia

Abstract

In recent years, GI cheese consumption has attracted increasing interest among consumers, due to its beneficial properties for local economies and the surrounding environment. Given the high importance that consumers ascribe to geographical indications, considered one of the most relevant attributes for agro-food consumers, this study aims at detecting the main variables that influence purchasing intention for GI cheese. A total of 806 consumers took part in the study from all four regions of the Republic of Serbia. For this purpose, a binary logistic regression model analysis was performed. The research highlights that tradition and origin, education, and higher knowledge only had a significant effect on consumer attitudes toward GI cheeses.

Consumer Attitudes and Habits About Products With Geographical Indication in Serbia

“…Research within the European Community has shown that an increasing number of consumers when buying food opt for products that bear a geographical indication, although such products fetch a higher price than conventional ones. Also, research conducted by Užar et al (2022) showed that consumers who value quality of the products perceive GI as a confirmation of its quality and means of support to local producers. Examples from the EU countries show that a properly established system of GI inevitably brings huge economic benefits -this approach to ensuring the quality and brand of food products ensures the development of the region; it drives the economy, and above all, tourism in a certain region, especially rural areas (Savić, Đurić, 2008).…”