In Pursuit of Safe Foods: Chinese Preferences for Soybean Attributes in Soymilk
Published online on April 24, 2013
Abstract
This study examines Chinese consumers’ preferences for organic and non‐GM (genetically modified) attributes of soybeans used in soymilk. An enumerated consumer survey was conducted in three types of grocery outlets in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. We found that respondents were willing to pay a premium for organic and non‐GM attributes as well as for information on where soybeans were produced. The organic attribute certified by U.S. agencies was valued more than that certified by Chinese agencies, but the converse was true for the non‐GM attribute. Preferences were heterogeneous, particularly toward U.S.‐certified organic and soybeans of Chinese origin. [JEL Classifications: Q13, Q17]