A significant number of shoppers prioritize natural and organic products, but many remain unclear about what these terms mean, leading to hesitancy in purchasing, according to a report released recently by Acosta Group.
The study found that while three-quarters of the 1,500 surveyed shoppers had purchased at least one natural or organic product in the six months before the survey, 40% believed the two terms were interchangeable. This lack of understanding has contributed to reluctance in purchasing such products, despite growing consumer interest in health-conscious choices.
Nearly 60% of respondents expressed a preference for products that are categorized as natural or organic, and over 20% reported increasing their purchases of these goods during the surveyed period. Many shoppers cited perceived health benefits, including fewer synthetic chemicals and additives, as key reasons for choosing these products.
Despite this interest, the confusion surrounding these labels has deterred some consumers from making purchases. Around one-fifth of those who typically buy conventional products avoid natural and organic alternatives due to uncertainty about their definitions.
Affordability concerns also play a significant role in purchase decisions. More than 70% of consumers who prefer conventional products indicated that price was the main factor preventing them from buying natural or organic goods in the months leading up to the survey.