Traditional Food Products and Consumer Choices

This chapter focuses on the role played by traditional food products (TFPs) in consumer food choices. It starts by discussing how consumers conceive and define the concept of TFPs. Some TFP products are protected by the European Union (EC Regulation 1151/2012) through the implementation of a set of quality labels such as Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication, and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed. It also describes consumer awareness and knowledge about both TFPs in general and the European quality labels in particular. It then explores the motives driving consumers to purchase TFPs as well as the main deterrents. With TFPs and EU quality-labeled products sold for high premium prices, the consumers’ preference and willingness to pay for these products play a crucial role in determining their potential market. The consumption habits and sociodemographic characteristics affecting such measures are also reported.