PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE AND CONSUMPTION OF ORGANIC FOODS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This study examines the perception, knowledge, and consumption of organic foods among university students, given the increasing consumer interest in healthier and more sustainable food choices. Utilizing a quantitative exploratory approach, a survey was conducted with 100 Business Administration students from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul. The findings revealed that, although all respondents reported being aware of what organic foods are, and the majority (61%) claimed to consume these foods, there was a noticeable lack of detailed understanding regarding their benefits and characteristics, indicating information asymmetry. These results underscore the importance of certification to ensure the quality and credibility of organic products and suggest that greater dissemination of information about the benefits of these foods could enhance their consumption and help mitigate the information asymmetry in the market.