The effects of indication of local geographical origin on food perceptions

This research examines the impact of a local origin label on perceptions and purchase intent regarding food products. It also reveals the psychological mechanism specific to local origin to explain these effects. Two experiments, conducted on a total of 632 consumers, show that cheese (Study 1) and apples (Study 2) are perceived as healthier, better tasting, and more respectful of the environment and the work of farmers when they are presented as local foods (as opposed to national or from another “region”). Purchase intention is also higher when products are labeled as locally sourced. Study 2 shows that these effects can be explained by construal level theory. Local produce is perceived as spatially and psychologically closer by the consumer, who can thus picture more specifically how it was grown and prepared, and this in turn positively influences perceptions and purchase intent. These effects are measured on products that are not typical of the territory. They persist regardless of the degree of local identity of the person evaluating the product.