Survey says organic label 'an excuse to charge more'

Thursday, June 6, 2013

The "organic" label is in trouble, if a poll conducted in March in the United States is an indication.

According to a press release for the poll, conducted by Harris Interactive, 59 per cent of consumers "agree" that labelling food or other products as organic is just an excuse to charge more. About 41 per cent think organic food tastes better or fresher than non-organic food, while 47 per cent disagree with that statement.

Three per cent are concerned about the carbon footprint of fresh produce brought to their local grocery store, while 52 per cent said it wasn't an issue.

The survey linked feelings about the environment to economic concerns. "While Americans feel better about the economy, many are wary of the 'green washing' concept that gives companies a chance to cash in on consumers who want to help the planet but are confused by all of  the eco-friendly jargon."

The poll found eight in 10 Americans will seek out green products, but only three in 10 are willing to pay extra for them.  The poll was conducted in March among 2,276 adults aged 18 and over.

Not too surprisingly, Republicans were more likely than Democrats or independents to be cynical about the organic label and less likely to say organic products were healthier than conventional foods. BF