Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)
Original Research Article

Influence of information about fungus-resistant grape varieties on hedonic ratings by consumers – a central location test in Germany

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  • Christoph Kiefer,
  • Gergely Szolnoki
Christoph Kiefer
Department of Wine & Beverage Business, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Von-Lade-Straße 1, D-65366 Geisenheim
Gergely Szolnoki
Department of Wine & Beverage Business, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Von-Lade-Straße 1, D-65366 Geisenheim
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/wep-16110

Published 2024-09-23

Keywords

  • PIWI,
  • Innovation,
  • Wine quality,
  • Sustainability,
  • sensory quality

How to Cite

Kiefer, C., & Szolnoki, G. (2024). Influence of information about fungus-resistant grape varieties on hedonic ratings by consumers – a central location test in Germany. Wine Economics and Policy, 13(2), 43–57. https://doi.org/10.36253/wep-16110

Copyright (c) 2024 Christoph Kiefer, Gergely Szolnoki

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Funding data

Abstract

As the wine industry faces increasing challenges from grapevine diseases, Fungus-Resistant Grape Varieties (FRGVs) offer a promising solution for sustainable production. To evaluate their market potential, our study investigates how knowledge of FRGVs affects consumer hedonic quality assessments and willingness to pay for wines produced from these innovative varieties compared to those made from conventional grape varieties. The study utilises data from a central location test conducted with 244 consumers in Germany featuring 8 different wines. The sample was carefully selected to ensure representativeness across gender, age and frequency of wine consumption. The data were analysed using descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques. The results indicate that consumers rate the hedonic quality and willingness to pay for wines made from FRGVs similarly to wines produced from conventional grape varieties when tasted without any prior information about the FRGVs in viticulture. However, providing consumers with information prior to tasting results in a positive effect on their assessment of hedonic quality and willingness to pay for wines made from FRGVs. By offering information about the positive effects of resistant grapes in viticulture, it is possible to enhance consumer acceptance and increase their willingness to pay for wines from FRGVs.

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