The Value of different Quality Clues in the Italian Olive Oil Market

Abstract

This study focuses on high segments of the Italian olive oil market in order to assess the role and effectiveness of different quality clues in the creation of value. To meet this goal, the work relies on a hedonic price model where the price of a bottle of oil is regressed on different quality clues. The analysis covers about 1000 olive oils from Italian markets as reviewed by Slow Food guide, 2013 edition. Results indicate that the highest segments of the Italian olive oil market is increasingly sophisticated and follows the main tendencies established in the quality wine markets where many quality attributes are intensely active.