Consumer Perceptions, Preferences and Awareness Towards Potential Geographical Indication of Products in Tanzania

Consumer Perceptions, Preferences and Awareness Towards Potential Geographical Indication of Products in Tanzania

This paper assesses consumer awareness, preference and perception of high-quality products from information provided in the market, and on the labels for coffee and rice products in Mbeya and Kilimanjaro regions of Tanzania. This paper is a part of a study that was established to understand the potential of geographical indication protection in Tanzania, which looked at producers, sellers, and consumers. The study collected data from a sample of 130 consumers: 58 and 72 rice and coffee consumers, respectively. A mixed method approach was used to analyse data; specifically a logit model was used to understand the determinants of consumers awareness; and providing a clear description of the different factors that determine consumers’ preferences and perceptions. The results showed that 62% of the consumers had awareness of the different qualities they seek in a product. Price and label/brand information were found to be the main factors influencing and signalling the preferences and perceptions of consumers to high-quality products.

The article was published in the Tanzanian Economic Review. Read the original article here.