July 11, 2025 | Food and Humanity |
The study conducted by the University of Palermo, Italy, examined consumer interest in Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certifications, with a focus on tropical fruits. Growing attention to food origin, quality, and sustainability has increased consumer willingness to choose locally produced and certified foods, making certification an important factor in food purchasing decisions.
The research was based on a questionnaire survey of 511 consumers in Sicily and analyzed factors influencing willingness to pay (WTP) for tropical fruits, particularly those carrying PGI or PDO labels. A regression model was used to evaluate the effects of socio-economic characteristics and consumption behaviors on WTP. The results showed that family size, place of residence (urban versus rural), income level, and educational background significantly influenced consumers’ willingness to pay a premium for certified tropical fruits. In addition, consumption habits and purchasing preferences contributed to differences in WTP across consumer groups.
Overall, the findings suggest that certification schemes such as PGI and PDO can add economic value to tropical fruits, but their effectiveness depends on specific consumer characteristics. This study provides useful insights for producers and policymakers aiming to promote certified tropical fruits and strengthen local food markets.
