Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods: a conceptual review

Abstract

China has become one of the largest food markets in the world. Alone with its rising market power, we conceptually review relevant literature to discuss important issues on Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods. Important factors that might determine consumer willingness to pay were discussed (i.e. culture, demography, attitudinal factors, health consciousness, individual norms, consumer knowledge, food safety, environmental concern, animal welfare, purchasing power, nutritional value). We then put forward a prospect of the future research on consumers’ willingness to pay for organic foods in China and other developing countries. Practical and policy implications are also elaborated.