2024, Volume 27, Paper 12
ISSN: 2209-6612

How Do Consumer Preferences for Sustainability Attributes Affect the Market Demand for Organic Dairy Products in Australia?

Greta Hayes – Undergraduate student, University of Melbourne

Abstract

Consumer preferences play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of the dairy market, particularly when it comes to choices between organic and conventional dairy products. Increasingly, consumers in Australia are not only concerned about the nutritional aspects of dairy products but also prioritise sustainability and ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions. Heightened awareness and concerns regarding environmental impacts, climate change, and biodiversity conservation have propelled sustainability to the forefront of purchasing decisions. Ethical considerations, such as animal welfare and fair-trade practices, also significantly shape consumer behaviour, driving demand for products that align with these values. Organic dairy products are produced using methods that prioritise sustainability and animal welfare. These practices aim to minimise environmental impact, enhance soil health, and conserve natural resources. In this study the aim is to explore how consumer preferences for sustainability attributes influence the market demand for organic dairy products in Australia compared with that for dairy products produced from conventional production systems. 

Key words: sustainability preferences, organic dairy, conventional dairy, consumer behaviour, Australia

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