Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Understanding the Importance of Eco-Labeling for Organic Foods at UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: A Case Study of the Cocoa Powder at the Dong Nai, Vietnam

An Thinh Nguyen
* ORCID logo ,
Van Dinh Ha
,
Huy Kien Ngo
,
Ngoc Anh Le
,
Phuong Mai Khong
,
Ngoc Tram Thi Do
,
Minh Thuan Trinh
,
Tuan Dat Nguyen
ORCID logo ,
Tran Quoc Khanh Ngo
,
Linh Chi Vu
,
My Luong Thi Do
,
Anh Tu Le
,
Binh Minh Tran
,
Van Thuong Nguyen
Version 1 : Received: 21 April 2023 / Approved: 23 April 2023 / Online: 23 April 2023 (04:10:32 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Nguyen, A.T.; Ha, V.D.; Ngo, H.K.; Le, N.A.; Khong, P.M.; Do, N.T.T.; Trinh, M.T.; Nguyen, T.D.; Ngo, T.Q.K.; Vu, L.C.; Do, M.L.T.; Le, A.T.; Tran, B.M.; Nguyen, V.T. Understanding the Importance of Eco-Labeling for Organic Foods at UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: A Case Study of the Cocoa Powder at the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Sustainability 2023, 15, 9603. Nguyen, A.T.; Ha, V.D.; Ngo, H.K.; Le, N.A.; Khong, P.M.; Do, N.T.T.; Trinh, M.T.; Nguyen, T.D.; Ngo, T.Q.K.; Vu, L.C.; Do, M.L.T.; Le, A.T.; Tran, B.M.; Nguyen, V.T. Understanding the Importance of Eco-Labeling for Organic Foods at UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: A Case Study of the Cocoa Powder at the Dong Nai, Vietnam. Sustainability 2023, 15, 9603.

Abstract

This study examines the Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) of consumers and the determinants of eco-labeling for the organic cocoa powder produced in the Dong Nai UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (DNBR), Southern Vietnam. Eco-labels are designed according to Tiers of eco-labeling for biosphere reserves (BR) introduced by UNESCO include BR Destination (Tier 1), BR Quality Label (Tier 2), and Professional Certification Label (Tier 3). Questionnaires are delivered to 203 customers in the DNBR and nearby places, such as Dong Nai and HCMC. This study employs a hybrid approach using descriptive statistics, ANOVA test, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that gender and educational level have a positive effect on consumers' preferences. Customers are willing to pay more for cocoa powder with an eco-label than one with an organic label. Perceived food safety and product knowledge lower customers’ WTP, whereas agricultural environment and pricing concerns increase it. Tier 2 is suggested for labeling cocoa powder in the DNBR. The DNBR Management Board, together with the federal and provincial governments, should all follow a similar certification process. Increased eco-label awareness is crucial for the future of environmentally responsible shopping and responsible business practices.

Keywords

Eco-label; Customer; WTP; PLS-SEM; Cocoa powder; Biosphere reserve; Dong Nai; Vietnam.

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Environmental Science

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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