Local Cheese Demand Characteristics in Crete: A Qualitative and Quantitative Survey

Crete is the largest island of Greece and fifth of the Mediterranean basin which produces traditional and high‐quality cheeses from sheep′s and goat′s milk. Reports a qualitative and quantitative market survey to determine which factors affect purchasing behaviour with respect to cheese. Results showed that the Cretan cheeses are much preferred by consumers. Price, convenience (packaged), hygiene and dietary value (low fat) of the cheese are the main determinants of their choice. However these depend on the age, education and economic status of respondents. There was a high degree of desire for low fat and packaged cheese.