Factors Affecting Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Certififed Organic Food Products in United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Organic food consumption is increasing among United Arab Emirates (UAE) consumers in the last few years. This increase is due to high per capita income, more awareness on healthy food and the diverse population. Consumers are willing to pay higher prices for the certified organic food products. The objective of this paper is to examine consumers’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the organic food in UAE. Data was collected in UAE from 300 respondents. Regression model was used to identify major determinants of consumers WTP for the organic food. The results showed that majority of consumers responded positively when asked if they are willing to pay more for the organic food products. The age, nationality, education; household size and income were deciding factors for consumers to pay higher price for the organic food. These results will provide key information to organic food industry that will help to promote organic food markets in the UAE.