概要

This article explores the role of credence attributes for product differentiation in the competitive UK market for frozen whitefish. The researchers conducted 94 weekly observations in 7 different retail chains in Glasgow of 91 frozen whitefish products. They then used a hedonic model to estimate price premiums for a range of credence attributes, including fishing method, country of origin, and certified and uncertified eco-labels. The results show a substaintial premium for line-caught, Scottish, Icelandic, and Marine Stewarship Council-certified attributes, however, a reduced price for products with an uncertified manufacturer eco-label. The results also show substantial price differences between attributes, for example a higher premium for non-home country origin (Icelandic) products compared to home coutnry origin (Scottish) products. The paper concludes that credence attributes present substantial opportunities for product differentiation in the frozen whitefish market, which could help to improve sustainable resources use along the value chain.