Impact of environmental, societal and health information on consumers' choices for nanofood. (Special Issue: Quality promotion through eco-labeling.)

摘要

An experiment was conducted in Germany to evaluate the impact of environmental, societal and health information about nanotechnology on consumers' willingness to pay for two types of orange juice produced by means of nanotechnologies. Participants had to choose successive messages revealing information about potential but uncertain impacts. Results show that health information is of priority for participants and it significantly decreases WTP for both juices, while societal and environmental information does not significantly influence WTP. Based on a welfare simulation, we determine the economic value of nano-product introduction and additional information about health consequences of nanotechnology applications. Information about health impacts is necessary for guaranteeing a welfare improvement. However, as many participants are reluctant regarding these food innovations, the profit variations suggest that the emergence of these new products is unlikely.