Labeling for Sustainable Food: The Consumer's Point of View
Résumé
This chapter reports on a study that aimed to explore the role that labeling plays and what role it could play in the future to change consumer behavior. It deals with the role of information on choices of consumers who have already been widely solicited on this issue. Through numerous opinion polls, they have shown their interest in information within the scope of sustainable food: nutritional information, geographical origin of products, and carbon footprint. In addition, an abundance of scientific literature in economics and marketing has focused on nutritional labeling, environmental labeling and ethical labeling. The chapter compares consumer statements with their actual behavior in using information on sustainable food. It considers the opinions, beliefs and perceptions of information by participants, to the extent that they impact actual behaviors. To understand consumer attitudes and practices towards food information, the chapter develops four data collection techniques: experimental economics; directive interview; quantitative survey; and collective expertise.