Acceptance of nanotechnology foods: a conjoint study examining consumers' willingness to buy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine consumers' willingness to buy health‐beneficial food products produced using nanotechnology.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from two representative mail surveys conducted in Switzerland (n=255 and n=260, respectively). Consumers' decision‐making process was modeled using conjoint analysis.

Findings

Results suggest that consumers attribute a negative utility to nanotechnology foods, even though the products had a clear benefit for the consumers. Results suggest that consumers are interested in products with additional health effects only when the effect is due to natural additives.

Research limitations/implications

Other descriptions of nanotechnology may result in other evaluations.

Practical implications

The study suggests that attitudes towards nanotechnology should be taken into account at an early stage of product development.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to those interested in nanotechnology and food.

Citation

Siegrist, M., Stampfli, N. and Kastenholz, H. (2009), "Acceptance of nanotechnology foods: a conjoint study examining consumers' willingness to buy", British Food Journal, Vol. 111 No. 7, pp. 660-668. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700910972350