Neue Publikation: Do consumers still prefer ‘local’ when losing variety? Evidence from a choice experiment about canteen salads in Germany  [21.05.26]

Agricultural and Food Economics 14, 45. doi.org/10.1186/s40100-026-00484-9

Abstract:

Many studies have found a preference of European consumers for locally produced food products and in several countries, policymakers seem to respond through measures that aim to support local sourcing and want to increase their share in out-of-home catering. However, when seasonal crops are not locally available year-round, consumers may face a trade-off regarding their love for variety. This trade-off is analysed using side salads in German canteens by means of a choice experiment (N = 906). Half the respondents were informed that local varieties may not be available during all seasons. Results from our mixed logit models show that the provided information affects respondents’ choice behaviour primarily through a higher likelihood of rejecting the available salad options. We do not find evidence that respondents would accept variety losses in canteen salads in favour of local product origin.

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