Consumer demand for novel fruit and vegetable products with extended shelf lives in East Africa: a multinational multi-product analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the potential of products made out of underutilised fruits and vegetables for closing seasonal nutritional gaps among rural and urban consumers in East Africa.

Design

The multinational analysis combines sensory testing and experimental auctions to assess consumers' perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for 6 different fruit and vegetable products.

Setting

Open markets in rural and urban areas in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Participants

There were 939 male and female adults who were at least 18 years old.

Results

Tobit models for each product show that besides sensory perception, similar socio-demographic characteristics influence consumers' WTP for these products in all 3 countries. The products are especially liked among younger, male and urban consumers.

Conclusion

We conclude that there is demand and a potential market for processed fruit and vegetable products based on indigenous raw material in East Africa. The products, thus, have promising potential to improve nutrition, especially during off-season conditions when access to fresh produce is limited.

SUBMITTER: Tepe J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9991703 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature