Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain

This study evaluates the perceived value of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label in beef purchasing decisions, comparing its influence with two well-established official certifications: organic and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). A face-to-face survey was conducted with 900 consumers across...

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Main Authors: Miguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio, José Manuel Perea, Alfonso Carbonero, Jennifer Claros-Zafra, Manuel Luque, Elena Angón
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2411
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author Miguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio
José Manuel Perea
Alfonso Carbonero
Jennifer Claros-Zafra
Manuel Luque
Elena Angón
author_facet Miguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio
José Manuel Perea
Alfonso Carbonero
Jennifer Claros-Zafra
Manuel Luque
Elena Angón
author_sort Miguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio
collection DOAJ
description This study evaluates the perceived value of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label in beef purchasing decisions, comparing its influence with two well-established official certifications: organic and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). A face-to-face survey was conducted with 900 consumers across Spain, using a choice-based conjoint experiment and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results indicate that although price is the primary determinant at the aggregate level, segmentation revealed distinct consumer profiles for whom the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label generated higher utility than other attributes. Specifically, four clusters were identified: Group I (18.6%) preferred the organic label; Group II (46.6%) prioritized low price; Group III (22.9%) valued the combination of PGI and the autochthonous breed label; and Group IV (11.9%) showed a preference for high-priced products featuring the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label. The findings highlight the strategic potential of this certification as a differentiation tool for sustainable, extensive, and territorially embedded livestock systems.
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spelling doaj-art-014e7558124a4c7698df41b649dd69602025-08-20T03:08:01ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-07-011414241110.3390/foods14142411Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in SpainMiguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio0José Manuel Perea1Alfonso Carbonero2Jennifer Claros-Zafra3Manuel Luque4Elena Angón5Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainDepartamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainDepartamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainDepartamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainReal Federación Española de Asociaciones de Ganado Selecto (RFEAGAS), C/Castelló 45, 2° Izda, 28001 Madrid, SpainDepartamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Cordoba, SpainThis study evaluates the perceived value of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label in beef purchasing decisions, comparing its influence with two well-established official certifications: organic and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). A face-to-face survey was conducted with 900 consumers across Spain, using a choice-based conjoint experiment and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results indicate that although price is the primary determinant at the aggregate level, segmentation revealed distinct consumer profiles for whom the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label generated higher utility than other attributes. Specifically, four clusters were identified: Group I (18.6%) preferred the organic label; Group II (46.6%) prioritized low price; Group III (22.9%) valued the combination of PGI and the autochthonous breed label; and Group IV (11.9%) showed a preference for high-priced products featuring the “100% Autochthonous Breed” label. The findings highlight the strategic potential of this certification as a differentiation tool for sustainable, extensive, and territorially embedded livestock systems.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2411consumer preferencesautochthonous breedbeefquality labelsconjoint analysiscluster analysis
spellingShingle Miguel A. Cantarero-Aparicio
José Manuel Perea
Alfonso Carbonero
Jennifer Claros-Zafra
Manuel Luque
Elena Angón
Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
Foods
consumer preferences
autochthonous breed
beef
quality labels
conjoint analysis
cluster analysis
title Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
title_full Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
title_fullStr Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
title_full_unstemmed Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
title_short Credence Signals in Beef Consumption: The Strategic Role of the “100% Autochthonous Breed” Label in Spain
title_sort credence signals in beef consumption the strategic role of the 100 autochthonous breed label in spain
topic consumer preferences
autochthonous breed
beef
quality labels
conjoint analysis
cluster analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/14/2411
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