Abstract
Investigating Consumer Motivations in the Purchase of Organic Foods Using Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique
The demand for organic foods and popularity of organic food consumption have been increasing day-by-day. Organic foods have shifted from being a lifestyle choice for a small share of consumers to being consumed by many Turkish consumers. However, little is known about the motivations of Turkish consumers who regularly buy organic foods. In this study we interviewed eight Turkish consumers using Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique. Our metaphor analysis contributes to an understanding of consumers’ motivations of organic food consumption. We derive three deep metaphor (individualistic perspective, sociological perspective and benefit), nine thematic categories (health, social status, lusciousness seeking, living in harmony with nature, environmental consciousness, nostalgia, cultural mirroring, supporting local farmers, subjective well-being) and nine conceptual metaphors (shield, bourgeoisie, foody, nature lover, traditionalist, guardian angel, mirror, conservative, antidepressant).
Keywords
Metaphor Elicitation Technique, organic food consumption, consumer purchase motivation
