Even with the sharp increase in popularity of local and organic foods, nearly one in five consumers confuse the two terms.
Gainesville, Fla./University of Florida -- Even with the sharp increase in popularity of local and organic foods, nearly one in five consumers confuse the two terms, according to researchers at the University of Florida.
A recently published UF study, in partnership with three other research universities, looks to help sellers and producers of local and organic products to market their messages better, by either reinforcing awareness or dispelling consumer misconceptions. After spending millions of dollars promoting brand awareness, the organic-food industry found that many consumers confuse “organic” food with “local” food products, said economist Ben Campbell of the University of Connecticut, the study’s lead author.