A Study of Consumer's Perception Towards Organic Products as Authentic or Premium in Reference to Navi Mumbai

Abstract

This study investigates consumer perceptions towards organic products in Navi Mumbai, specifically examining whether consumers view organic products as authentic (natural, genuine, and trustworthy) or premium (exclusive, high-quality, and luxury-oriented). Primary data was collected from 85 valid respondents using a structured 15-item questionnaire measured on a 5-point Likert scale, organized across three dimensions: Availability & Scarcity Perception, Authenticity Perception, and Premium & Quality Perception. The findings indicate that authenticity emerged as the dominant perceptual frame, with the section recording the highest mean score (2.94) among all three dimensions. Notably, 45.9% of respondents strongly agreed that organic products are more natural and genuine than conventional alternatives (Q6, mean = 3.51), and organic products were rated highest for quality (Q11, mean = 3.62). However, despite strong quality associations, willingness to pay a higher price for organic products remained low (Q14, mean = 2.25), with 60% of respondents disagreeing with paying a premium. Scarcity perception scored the lowest across dimensions (mean = 2.57), and consumers did not associate limited availability with premium appeal (Q13, mean = 2.22). These findings suggest that Navi Mumbai consumers relate to organic products primarily through an authenticity lens rather than a premium one, yet price sensitivity continues to limit actual purchasing intent.