Consumer Preferences for State-Sponsored Designations: The Case of the Missouri Grown Label
By: Grashuis, Jasper; Su, Ye
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Citation
Grashuis, Jasper; Su, Ye, Consumer Preferences for State-Sponsored Designations: The Case of the Missouri Grown Label, Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Volume 48, Issue 1, January 2023, Pages 103-116
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Abstract
There is much empirical evidence of consumer preferences for food products with state-sponsored designations. However, the behavioral characteristics that form the foundation of such consumer preferences are unknown. Using a choice experiment, we explain preferences for the Missouri Grown state-sponsored designation from the perspective of consumer ethnocentrism. According to the results, most consumers have a significant willingness-to-pay for the Missouri Grown label. However, the price premium is substantially higher for consumers who think that products from Missouri conform with in-group preferences. These novel findings imply a strong motivation for producers and legislators to expand adoption and support of state-sponsored programs.