In search of fair trade: ethical consumer decision making in France

• Published in: International journal of consumer studies Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 502 - 514
• Main Authors: Ozcaglar-Toulouse, Nil, Shiu, Edward, Shaw, Deirdre
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Oxford, UK : Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-09-2006; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Consumer behavior; Consumer behaviour; consumer decision making; Consumers; Consumers - Decisions; Consumers - France; Decision making; Descriptive labeling; Ethics; Fair trade; France; Free trade and protection - International aspects; Grocery business - France; Grocery stores; International trade; markets; purchasing; Studies; Theory of Planned Behaviour; France
• ISSN: 1470-6423; 1470-6431
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1470-6431.2006.00532.x

While the market for fair trade products has been growing in many countries, this paper examines the French market where fair trade remains marginal but is experiencing growth. Using a modified Theory of Planned Behaviour framework the research examines consumer intention to purchase fair trade grocery products in order to explain the pertinent decision-making criteria of both consumers of and potential consumers of fair trade. Results reveal that concerned consumers should not be treated as one homogeneous group, rather, the distinct variations in the factors that influence their decision making must be considered when promoting, labelling and distributing fair trade products. Implications for both sustaining and developing the market for fair trade products in the future are highlighted and discussed.