Socio-economic Characteristics and Perception of the Lettuce Consumer

Abstract

Lettuce is the most consumed leaf vegetable in the world. Knowing the preferences and opinions of consumers of this important vegetable species can not only make the future availability of a better-quality product possible, but also redefine marketing methods and production in the field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of lettuce consumers based on their socio-economic characteristics. Interviews with consumers were carried out to gather the information. The data found with the research showed that socio-economic characteristics such as gender, schooling, age and income do not significantly influence the perception of the lettuce consumer. The conclusion was therefore, that consumers make up a homogeneous group with similar behaviour patterns, characterising a market that is not very complex and is easily understood and accessed by producers, where there are no niches to be explored nor the need to differentiate the product to meet the needs of specific groups (men and women, young and old, people with more or less education or income).