A Study on Consumer Buying Behaviour of Organic Products

Abstract

At present there is a paradigm shift among the consumers from commercial products to organic products. This transition is more evident post COVID 19 pandemic because of the rising risk factors related to health and immunity. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has triggered the consumers to switch to organic products especially food products. Apparently there is a tremendous change in the global organic market as well. Organic products include, food products, textile products, personal care products, household materials, furnishings etc. Even though organic products are expensive than non-organic products, consumers widely choose organic products because it would be organic certified, free from chemicals and harsh toxins, eco-friendly, preserve our eco system, sustainable development of community and also build stronger future generations. This study was done in Bangalore Urban among 210 consumers, which included students, home makers, professionals and elderly people through random sampling method. Their age group ranged from 20 to 75 years. Structured questionnaire was framed and the study was conducted online. The objective of the study was to (a) study the buying behaviour of consumers on organic products pre and post pandemic lockdown times and (b) gain knowledge about factors influencing the consumers’ buying behaviour towards organic products and the problems associated with it. Buying behaviour of the organic products including food products, textile products, personal care products, household materials and décor was studied. The data collected was analysed and the results revealed that 92% of the consumers had a positive attitude towards organic products, the main reason being health consciousness. The problems they faced in buying organic products where mainly irregular availability, high cost and limited availability