Organic food for health: A new consumer trend.

(GLO) - Faced with the threat of contaminated and unsafe food, many consumers have not hesitated to spend generously on organic food to improve their health.

Organic food is a term used to describe food that is grown, processed, and prepared in an environmentally safe manner. For agricultural products, this refers to products grown without the use of artificial chemicals (pesticides, chemical fertilizers, preservatives, etc.). For animal meats, organic food is free from growth hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms.

According to a survey by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the cost of growing and caring for organic fruits and vegetables is typically 20% higher than that of conventionally grown produce.

Ms. Luong Ngoc Quynh (Group 4, Phu Dong Ward, Pleiku City) shared: “Although organic food is more expensive, my family still chooses to buy it because of the product quality and safety for our health. For example, ST25 Ong Cua Shrimp Rice, which is cultivated on shrimp farming land, costs over 400,000 VND per 5 kg bag, much higher than regular rice. Or Fuji apples, which have USDA certification, also cost 2-3 times more.”

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thao Nguyen (alley 84, Chi Lang Street, Pleiku City) said: “I usually buy food at supermarkets or organic food stores, unless the supermarket doesn't have the products my family needs. I know the food here is more expensive than at the market, but I still accept it for the peace of mind regarding origin and food safety.”

To ensure their health, many people have bought organic food to consume. Photo: KN

Understanding consumer psychology, in Pleiku City, besides Co.op Mart supermarket and WinMart mini-supermarket system, more and more small shops specializing in selling organic food and clean fruits are appearing.

Notable examples include: Van Tri Clean Food Store, Cay Ba Trong, Hoa Qua Sach, Huka Organic Farm, King Fruit… These stores typically sell products with clear certificates of origin, thus building trust among consumers.

Ms. Ho Thi Mai, owner of the Clean Fruit Shop (21A Hai Ba Trung Street), said: “For nearly 10 years, I have been selling organic and clean fruits. My shop has a full range of fruits, both domestic and imported. Domestic products like papaya, mango, custard apple, dragon fruit... all have VietGAP certification and come with invoices; while imported products like kiwi, Australian black grapes, Envy apples, Australian finger grapes... all have organic certification and clear origins.”

The prices of domestic fruits are usually about 15-20 thousand VND/kg higher than regular fruits; for imported goods, the price varies depending on the type and season. Although we sell some products at a higher price than the market, we always have a fairly stable customer base because they trust the quality of our products and our service."

Ms. Ho Thi Mai, owner of Hoa Qua Sach (21A Hai Ba Trung Street, Pleiku City), introduces the clean produce being sold at her shop. Photo: KN

The demand for organic products has become an integral part of modern life, meaning the organic market promises to continue its strong growth in the future. However, many consumers are still not entirely reassured by the abundance of food marketed as organic, clean, and safe.

Mr. Le Anh Tuan (Group 8, Yen Do Ward, Pleiku City) stated: “Consumers also need a basis to ensure that they are actually buying organic products – products they are willing to pay more for than conventional products without origin certification. This is something that organic food stores and businesses need to have to build their reputation.”

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/thuc-pham-huu-co-vi-suc-khoe-xu-huong-tieu-dung-moi-post324995.html