Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 15 ISSUE 4
Written by Ovidija EIČAITĖ, Vida DABKIENĖ

This study aimed to identify the meaning of local food to consumers in Lithuania, to examine the interest in purchasing local food and to uncover the main drivers and barriers towards purchase of local food. Data were gathered through a survey of 415 Lithuanian residents. The analysis of collected data was performed using the methods of mathematical statistics. The results suggest that a majority of Lithuanian consumers perceived local food as being produced within more than 100 km from their home. Respondents also strongly agreed with the definitions of local food as food grown or produced in Lithuania and food sold by Lithuanian famers directly to consumers. Three quarters of Lithuanian consumers regularly purchased local food and one fourth of respondents rarely or never purchased local food. Socio-demographic characteristics were not dominant factors in determining who purchased local food. Social conscience, health concern and shopping benefits were found to be the main drivers of purchasing local food. Alternatively, the main barriers were identified as buying inconvenience, lack of marketing, lack of trust and inadequate quality

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