Geographic Proximity of Products and Preference: A Forced-Choice Evaluation

ABSTRACTIt has been reported that information about the country of origin or the method of cultivating a food product influences individuals’ judgment. However, the effect of informing people that a product is produced locally has never been examined. A taste study was conducted in Brittany on the West Atlantic coast in France, a part of the country with a strong regional identity. Two identical products were presented in two numbered jars for a taste test. Participants were instructed to designate which of the two products they liked better. One product was presented as made in Brittany. It was reported that the made in Brittany product was preferred by the Breton participants, whereas this information had no effect on non-Breton participants. The importance of local product labels is discussed.