Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Economics

The Role of Virtual Space and Online Sales Platforms in the Marketing of Golestan Agricultural Products in Tehran under Sanctions

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Professor and faculty of Mohaghegh Ardabili University
2 .PhD Candidate in Business Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/iaes.2025.2075697.2155
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the role of cyberspace and online sales platforms in promoting the production of agricultural products of Golestan Company in Tehran, and the sanctions conditions are used as a modifier in them. The pressures resulting from sanctions and structural restrictions on access to the international market have doubled the need for the use of digital channels for domestic brands. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in nature. The statistical population includes users of the platforms Digikala, Snapmarket, and Basalam, along with the audience of the official Golestan website and consumers of selected products including tea, rice, legumes, spices, and dried fruits. The sample size was determined using the Cochran formula as 384 people and the data was collected in a prepared manner. The validity of the instruments was conducted with factor analysis and reliability was examined with Cronbach's alpha, and the hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling in SmartPLS3 software. The results showed that cyberspace has the greatest effect on increasing information and credibility, and online sales platforms play an important role in purchasing and increasing conversion rates. Also, in the context of sanctions, the synergy of these two tools has further strengthened the affected paths. The path coefficients of the intermediate steps were between 0.56 and 0.80, and the statistical results were higher than 1.96, which reflects the main hypotheses of the research at a 95% confidence level. These results show that digital dynamism in restrictive conditions is the transfer of information from cyberspace communication capital to online sales platforms and the transformation into customer dependence. A mechanism that can lead to market retention and sustainable competitive advantage for agricultural brands in the context of sanctions.
Keywords
Subjects

Ahmad, S., Liang, L., Iqbal, A., & Sarki, I.H. (2024). Authenticity as a strategic weapon: Navigating the social media battlefield to enhance brand loyalty. Review of Marketing Science, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/roms‑2023‑0118
AlShaikh, M., AlGharagher, A.I., & AlShohaib, K.A. (2023). Social media and its role in marketing agricultural products (A field study on small farmers in the Jordan Valley area). In A.Y. Al-Hamadi & M. A. Al-Hashimi (Eds.), Artificial intelligence (AI) and finance (pp. 425-435). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-39158-3_41
Alalwan, A.A., Rana, N.P., Dwivedi, Y.K., & Algharabat, R. (2017). Social media in marketing: A review and analysis of the existing literature. Telematics and Informatics, 34(7): 1177-1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2017.05.008
Béné, C. (2020). Resilience of local food systems and links to food security- A review of some important concepts in the context of COVID-19 and other shocks. Food Security, 12(4): 805-822. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01076-1
Ettis, S.A., & Sellami, A. (2024). “I’ll do it for myself”: Enhancing customer value through online product customization experience. Journal of Retailing and ConsumerServices, 82: 104143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2024.104143
Furlong, M., & Boucher, F. (2017). Social media as a marketing tool for rural agribusinesses. Journal of Rural Studies, 55: 24-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2017.07.004
Han, H., Xiong, J., & Zhao, K. (2022). Digital inclusion in social media marketing adoption: The role of product suitability in the agriculture sector. Information Systems and e-Business Management, 20(4): 657-683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10257-021-00522-7
Hassen, T., Bilali, H.E., & Allahyari, M.S. (2021). Consumer perception of food transparency and safety in digital marketplaces. British Food Journal, 123(12): 4177–4195. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-04-2021-0456
Hsu, L.-C., & Chen, M.-Y. (2023). Digital marketing strategies and sales growth of packaged food in e-commerce: Evidence from Asia-Pacific markets. Industrial Marketing Management, 109: 93-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2022.08.004
Jia, M., Li, W., Wang, K., Zhou, C., Cheng, T., Tian, Y., Zhu, Y., Cao, W., & Yao, X. (2019). A newly developed method to extract the optimal hyperspectral feature for monitoring leaf biomass in wheat. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 165: 104942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2019.104942
KaramiFard, F., Rostami, F., & Garavandi, S. (2022). Future-oriented scenario for development of agricultural digital marketing. Progress and Development of Kermanshah Province, 2(1): 112-130. Retrieved from https://www.sid.ir/paper/1041513/en (In Farsi)
Khaledi, K., & Ardestani, M. (2022). The impact of sanctions on economic growth of Iran’s agricultural sector. Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 29(4), 251-284. https://doi.org/10.30490/aead.2022.354555.1334 (In Farsi)
Klerkx, L., & Rose, D.C. (2020). Dealing with the game-changing technologies of Agriculture 4.0: How do we manage diversity and responsibility in food system transition? Global Food Security, 24: 100347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2019.100347
Li, C. (2025). Artificial intelligence in Chinese agriculture: Applications and prospects. Sino-German Agricultural Centre (DCZ). https://www.dcz-china.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Study_AI-applications-in-agriculture_2025-01_FINAL.pdf
Majidian, M., & Pishbahar, E. (2025). Designing a strategic framework to enhance the competitiveness of Iran’s agricultural exports: An analysis of structural and environmental factors in the transition to a non-oil economy. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.22034/iaes.2025.2057807.2119 (In Farsi)
Manning, L., & Reardon, T. (2022). Future of food system resilience: Role of digitalization and e-commerce in developing Asia. Global Food Security, 33: 100640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100640
Molaei, M., Rashidghalam, M., & Hosseinpour, B. (2025). Digital agricultural marketing: Determinants of consumer engagement intentions in Urmia, Iran. Journal of Agricultural Economics & Development, 38(2): 151-164. https://doi.org/10.22034/jaed.2025.418431.13219 (In Farsi)
Morepje, M.T., Sithole, M.Z., Msweli, N.S., & Agholor, A.I. (2024). The influence of e-commerce platforms on sustainable agriculture practices among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sustainability, 16(15): 6496. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156496
Morris, W., & James, P. (2017). Social media, networking and marketing in UK small businesses: Drivers of adoption and competitive benefits. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 24(4): 985-1008. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSBED-01-2017-0011
OstadHashemi, A., AllafJafari, E., & Roosta, A. (2024). Factors affecting the acceptance of artificial intelligence in the marketing of saffron products. Intelligent Marketing Management Journal, 5(3): 45-60. https://www.magiran.com/p2904324 (In Farsi)
Sargani, G.R., Wang, B., Leghari, S.J., & Ruan, J. (2025). Is digital transformation the key to agricultural strength? A novel approach to productivity and supply chain resilience. Smart Agricultural Technology, 10: 100838. https://doi.org/10,1016/j.atech.2025,100838.
Soltani, S., Mousavi, S.H., Khalilian, S., & NajafiAlamdarloo, H. (2023). Reducing agricultural product waste: An optimal strategy to enhance food security. Agricultural Economics, 71(2): 53-66. https://doi.org/10.22034/IAES.2023.1985804.1965 (In Farsi)
Statistical Center of Iran. (2023). Internet penetration and digital economy indicators in Iran: Annual statistical report 2023. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran. https://www.amar.org.ir (In Farsi)
Tang, Z., Chen, L., & Gillenson, M.L. (2019). Understanding brand fan page followers’ discontinuance motivations: A mixed‑method study. Information & Management, 56(1): 94-108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2018.07.004
Tanti, P.C., Jena, P.R., Aryal, J.P., & Rahut, D.B. (2022). Role of institutional factors in climate-smart technology adoption in agriculture: Evidence from an Eastern Indian state. Environmental Challenges, 7: 100498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2022.100498
Tran, D., Schouteten, J.J., Gellynck, X., & DeSteur, H. (2024). How do consumers value food traceability? A meta-analysis. Food Control, 162: 110453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110453
ZandiDarrehGharibi, B., Karbasizadeh, A., & Rajabzadeh, M. (2025). Factors affecting online purchase intention of fresh agricultural products. Iranian Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development Research, 56(1): 91-106. https://www.magiran.com/p2890983 (In Farsi)
Zhao, X., et al. (2022). Blockchain-based traceability for agricultural products: Enhancing transparency and consumer trust. Food Control, 135: 108-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108128