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Preferences of consumers in Evros region regarding the quality characteristics of olive oil (Master thesis)

Χατζηαποστόλου, Χρύσα/ Chatziapostolou, Chrysa

In the Introductory part of the work, a thorough literature research was carried out that related to all types of oil, which are produced from the olive fruit, with a special emphasis on the quality and taste characteristics that distinguish the category of extra virgin olive oil, to which the Makris olive oil also belongs. Makris olive oil is considered a product of high nutritional value with special characteristics and organoleptic properties which, although it has been produced since ancient times, has become known to the general public in the last period of time, winning prizes in competitions and being recognized as a distinguished D.P.O. oil. Regarding the research part of the work, a survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire on a sample of 91 people/residents of Evros Prefecture, where questions were asked that were distinguished into: 1. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics, in order to distinguish the type of sample that participated, such as sex, age, and annual salary. 2. Detailed information concerning olive oil, such as the benefits, characteristics, and type of preference of olive oil consumers in the region. Indicatively, such questions concerned the color, acidity, and taste of the olive oil consumed by the sample, whether they recognize its nutritional value, and the way of olive oil procurement for each of them. 3. Consumer preferences, specifically for Makris olive oil. These concerned the taste, the price, and the quality characteristics of the local extra virgin olive oil, but also what percentage are aware that the specific product is now on the PDO list. products. In conclusion, it seems that the consumers of N. Evros support the local producers and the majority of them prefer to buy Makris extra virgin olive oil. They distinguish it mainly for the color, acidity, taste, and density which are very characteristic of Makris olive oil compared to olive oils from the rest of Greece and the rest of the world. Regarding the price, although a large percentage of consumers consider it to be expensive as a product, they continue to choose extra virgin olive oil for their diet