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British Food Journal
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.5  Citation Impact (citeScore): 2 Number of Followers: 16  Hybrid journal * Containing 23  Open Access article(s) in this issue *ISSN (Print) 0007-070X - ISSN (Online) 1758-4108 Published by Emerald  [362 journals]
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- Health or environment' How do motivations affect consumers' organic food
purchasing behaviour in China'-
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Authors: Yunfeng Xing, Yuanhong Liao
Abstract: Environmental and health concerns are considered the most significant motivations for organic food purchasing behaviour (OFP). This study focuses on the roles of health and environmental concerns in OFP in China, aiming to explore whether there are differences in the effects and mechanisms of these two concerns. We use the PLS-SEM to conduct empirical tests, drawing from survey data collected from 628 Chinese consumers. The results showed that the OFP was influenced differently by health and environmental concerns. Specifically, the total effect of environmental concern on OFP outweighs that of health concern, whereas the opposite is true for direct impacts. Additionally, environmental and health concerns can influence OFP through attitude and subjective norms, although the specific mechanisms vary. Environmental concern affects OFP more through subjective norms, whereas health concern affects OFP mainly through attitude. Meanwhile, functional value quality was a significant moderator that enhanced the indirect effect of motivation on OFP. A theoretical framework is constructed to explore the role of two types of motivations in OFP within emerging economies like China, revealing their mechanism and interaction effect with functional values.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-27
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-04-2024-0356
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Revealing intelligent packaging for food products from consumers’
point of view in Georgia-
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Authors: Iza Gigauri, Maria Palazzo, Simona Andreea Apostu, Alfonso Siano
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the awareness, perception and attitude of consumers from Georgia toward smart, active and intelligent packaging of food products. This study is based on a quantitative research method using a survey questionnaire tool to gather data from consumers in Georgia. The scope of the sample is restricted to only one developing country. Yet, the research results are still significant in creating knowledge about innovative food packaging from different country contexts and to understanding the acceptance of intelligent active packaging by consumers. Intelligent packaging facilitates companies with their sustainability efforts by reducing waste and environmental impact. It increases the desirability of products as responds to customer demands and leads to consumer satisfaction. Intelligent packaging can increase trust in bioproducts; for example, it is possible to track and check or monitor the origin of a product and prove that the product producer has really manufactured a bioproduct. The study contributes to the discussion of the applicability and use of packaging with enhanced features in the food industry. In this respect, the performed pilot study fills the gap in the packaging literature by investigating consumers’ perspectives on intelligent packaging in Georgia – a non-EU, post-soviet, developing country.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-23
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-10-2023-0957
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Mediating and moderating role of socioeconomic and technological factors
in assessing farmer`s attitude towards adoption of Industry 4.0 technology
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Authors: Mohit Jain, Gunjan Soni, Sachin Kumar Mangla, Deepak Verma, Ved Prabha Toshniwal, Bharti Ramtiyal
Abstract: Agriculture is a vital sector for every country, especially for a country like India, where the majority of the population is dependent on agriculture as their earning source. Technological improvements in agriculture will increase output with proper forecasting of input resources. In this study, the author tries to investigate the attitude of end users (farmers) about the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model is used to assess the behavioral aspects. The significance of socioeconomic and technological factors is highlighted, providing the study with a thorough understanding of farmers' decision-making processes. A research questionnaire was developed for data collection, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the results using AMOS and SPSS software. A total of 371 survey responses were collected. The results demonstrate that the hypothesis regarding UTAUT model components is validated, while several mediating hypotheses are not supported, indicating that they are not significant in farmers' decision-making. In this study, socioeconomic and technological factors are considered to be mediating and moderating elements between the constructs of the UTAUT model. Increasing the accuracy and reliability of our study by integrating mediating and moderating variables. This study assists industry specialists in understanding the elements that farmers consider while switching toward new technologies.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-23
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1139
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Consumer intention to buy products containing fish with better welfare:
the role of empathy in an extended value–belief–norm model-
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Authors: Florent Govaerts, Themistoklis Altintzoglou
Abstract: A limited number of studies have aimed at understanding behavior towards animal welfare. However, there are indications that consumers make an important distinction between land animals and fish. As no studies have attempted to explain the factors that influence consumer behavior towards the welfare of fish, this study aims to explain the behavior using the value–belief–norm (VBN) model. In addition, we extend the model by using empathy as a factor influencing the formation of personal norms. This study argues that by adding empathy to the model, we will improve the ability of the VBN to explain moral behavior. The study is based on survey data from 416 Norwegian consumers. A structural equation modeling analysis with latent constructs is used to test the hypotheses. The findings validate the ability of the VBN model to explain consumer intention to buy products containing fish with better welfare. We also showed that empathy and beliefs strongly influence personal norms. The extended VBN model increased the explained variance of personal norm by 11,54%. Consumers with biospheric values are strongly likely to have empathetic feelings towards fish suffering and believe that fish can feel pain. However, consumers with hedonistic values are significantly negatively related to beliefs and empathy. By understanding the role of empathy, companies can develop marketing strategies that appeal to consumers' values, empathy and beliefs and ultimately encourage them to make purchases that support fish welfare. Practically, this study explores consumers' beliefs towards fish welfare and identifies consumers who are more likely to purchase products containing fish with better welfare based on their values.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-20
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-02-2024-0125
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Enhancing organic milk sales through cumulative power of product –
extrinsic cues: empirical evidence from China-
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Authors: Liming Zhao, Yingqiao Wang, Xu Cheng
Abstract: To examine the impact of manufacturer reputation, retailer reputation, and product price on consumers’ perceived quality and purchasing behavior regarding organic milk. Employing a 2 × 2 experiment, data were collected from 1,259 consumers in 32 provinces in China. When a low-reputation manufacturer sells products through a high-reputation retailer, it improves consumers’ perception of quality and positively influences their purchasing behavior. Interestingly, setting higher prices for products manufactured by low-reputation companies and selling them through high-reputation retailers did not significantly enhance consumers’ perceived quality and deter their purchasing behavior. The analysis expands the framework for cue diagnosis. While the existing framework primarily focuses on the influence of cue-type combinations on perceived quality, it does not integrate purchasing behavior into the conceptual framework. This limitation hinders people understanding of the theoretical mechanisms underlying the use of cues in purchasing decisions. This paper address this by gradually introducing variables, such as retailer reputation and product price, into the baseline model, thereby extending this theory. In addition, this paper advances the marketing research literature within the business-to-business-to-consumer context by examining the additive effects of manufacturer reputation, retailer reputation, and product price on consumers’ perception of quality and purchasing behavior.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-16
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2024-0064
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Modulating variables impacting the intersection of health and
environmental concerns in organic food purchasing decisions-
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Authors: Ming Xu, Qiang Xu, Sheng Wei, Xufei Gu, Furong Liu
Abstract: The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values. Using the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs. The results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship. This study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies. Few studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-13
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-09-2023-0849
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Beyond catching a glimpse: young adults' perceptions of social media
cooking content-
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Authors: Anice Milbratz de Camargo, Alyne Michelle Botelho, Moira Dean, Giovanna M.R. Fiates
Abstract: The study aims to explore how young adults perceive cooking contents on social media and their interaction with it. Qualitative study using semi structured interviews with Brazilian young adults who cook (19–24 years old, n = 31) was the method employed. Interview audio recordings were transcribed and submitted to inductive and reflexive thematic analysis. Data analysis generated six different themes. Young adults valued the profiles’ aesthetics and quality in terms of straightforwardness, trustworthiness, novelty and authenticity of information; they also identified with the profiles’ authors. When pressed for time, aesthetics was less valued than straightforwardness. Participants felt overwhelmed by the excessive information on social media and developed coping strategies to deal with this issue. The lack of cooking and food skills is a recognized barrier for healthy eating in the young adult population. Social media can play a prominent role in delivering cooking-related information to the younger generation, but research on people’s perceptions of the cooking content available online is scarce and does not focus on how actual engagement with the available content happens. This qualitative exploration revealed which features young adults prefer when using social media to access cooking content, which can inform future interventions to promote cooking and improve health.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-08-02
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2024-0091
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- It makes me happy: anthropomorphism increases consumer preference for
healthy food-
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Authors: Yichen Zhao, Shoujiang Zhou, Qi Kang
Abstract: People frequently experience a conflict between immediate pleasure and long-term health when consuming healthy food. This study investigates how anthropomorphizing healthy food influences consumers’ sense of pleasure and their subsequent food preferences. Using different samples and food items, the authors conducted five online or laboratory studies to provide empirical support for the research hypothesis, rule out potential alternative explanations, and demonstrate boundary conditions. By conducting five empirical studies involving self-reported and actual eating preferences, this study found that anthropomorphism increases consumer preference for and actual intake of healthy food. Such an anthropomorphism effect is driven by the increased positive affect evoked by anthropomorphism. However, this positive effect is suppressed for consumers who experience low trust in their affective feelings. Additionally, the effect is weakened when consumers readily attribute their affective feelings to a target-irrelevant source. This study contributes to the literature on healthy consumption, anthropomorphism, and mood, revealing whether and how food anthropomorphism affects consumers. For marketers in the field of healthy food and relevant policymakers, anthropomorphic means can be employed, such as giving products human names, to enhance consumer preference for them. Moreover, anthropomorphizing can help alleviate consumers’ concerns about the relative lack of pleasurable taste in healthy foods and compensate for the lack of hedonic value that consumers may feel, thereby enhancing consumer welfare. Anthropomorphism increases consumer preference for healthy food and actual intake of it.The anthropomorphism effect is driven by the increased positive affect evoked by anthropomorphism, through which affective feelings offer evaluative and decisional informativeness for judgments and decision-making.The positive effect of anthropomorphism is suppressed for consumers who experience low trust in their affective feelings.The anthropomorphism effect is weakened when consumers readily attribute their affective feelings to a target-irrelevant source.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-30
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1078
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Social media influencer marketing and economic performance in the Spanish
wine industry: unravelling the role of corporate social legitimacy-
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Authors: Javier Martínez-Falcó, Eduardo Sánchez-García, Bartolomé Marco-Lajara, Rosana Fuentes-Fernández
Abstract: This research focuses firstly on the impact of Social Media Influencer Marketing (SMIM) on the Economic Performance (EP) of Spanish wineries, and secondly on the mediating effect of Corporate Social Legitimacy (CSL) on this main relationship (SMIM-EP). Age, size and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) membership are used to increase the precision of the cause-effect relationships examined. The study proposes a conceptual model based on previous studies, which is tested using structural equations (PLS-SEM) with data collected from 196 Spanish wineries between September 2022 and January 2023. The results reveal a positive and significant relationship between the development of SMIM and the EP of Spanish wineries, as well as the partial mediation of CSL in the SMIM-EP relationship. The uniqueness of this study can be attributed to several factors. First, it enhances the understanding and knowledge of the benefits associated with SMIM development in the winemaking context. Second, no previous research has conducted an empirical study on the development of SMIM as a catalyst for EP in the context of Spanish wineries. Third, to the authors' knowledge, no previous study has examined the mediating role of CSL in the SMIM-EP relationship, thus representing an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge related to SMIM.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-18
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-11-2023-0994
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- How influencer characteristics drive Gen Z behavioural intentions of
selecting fast-food restaurants: mediating roles of consumer emotions and
self-construal-
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Authors: Pratik Ghosh, Sonali Upadhyay, Vimal Srivastava, Rahul Dhiman, Larry Yu
Abstract: This study measured influencer characteristics, consumer emotions, self-construal, and behavioural intentions of Gen Z consumers for selecting fast-food restaurants in India. A consumer behaviour model was conceptualized based on established theories. A cross-sectional design was employed for hypothesis testing. Influencer characteristic perceptions, consumer emotions, self-construal, and behavioural intentions were measured for Gen Z consumers in Tier 1 cities in India using structural equation modelling. Influencer characteristics significantly influenced behavioural intentions, consumer emotions, and self-construal in Gen Z consumers. Self-construal was also a significant predictor of behavioural intentions. Consumer emotions had a negative effect on behavioural intentions. Self-construal was a mediator between influencer characteristics and behavioural intentions and between consumer emotions and behavioural intentions. However, consumer emotions did not mediate the relationship between influencer characteristics and behavioural intentions. Marketers can leverage these insights to design influencer campaigns that resonate with the emotions and self-construal of Gen Z consumers. Microinfluencers with characteristics that align with the target demographic’s emotions and self-perception can be strategically chosen. Only a limited number of studies have investigated the influence of social media marketing on consumer behaviour within the fast-food industry, specifically with Gen Z consumers. This study sheds new light on the behavioural intention of Gen Z consumers predicted through influencer characteristics, consumer emotions, and self-construal through a conceptual model. The results support choosing microinfluencers and investing in them judiciously to promote fast-food businesses.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-04
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1154
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Food prices in the United States during COVID-19: generalized facts on
price inflation and volatility
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Richard J. Volpe, Xiaowei Cai, Presley Roldan, Alexander Stevens
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the food supply chain without modern precedent. Challenges in production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing led to the highest rates of food price inflation in the US since the 1970s. The major goal of this paper is to describe statistically the impact of the pandemic of food price inflation and volatility in the US and to discuss implications for industry and for policymakers. We use Bureau of Labor Statistics data to investigate food prices in the US, 2020–2021. We apply 16 statistical approaches to measure price changes and volatility and three regression approaches to measure counterfactuals of food prices, had the pandemic not occurred. Food price inflation and volatility increased substantially during the early months of the pandemic, with a great deal of heterogeneity across food products and geographic regions. Food price inflation was most pronounced for meats, and contrary to expectations, highest in the western US Forecasting approaches demonstrate that grocery prices were about 7% higher than they would have been without the pandemic as of the end of 2021. The research on COVID-19 and the food system remains in its nascent stage. As findings on food loss and waste, employment and wages, food insecurity and more proliferate, it is vital to understand how food prices were connected to these phenomena and affected. We also motivate several ideas for future work.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-02
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-05-2023-0421
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Green Lean Six Sigma in the food industry: a systematic literature review
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Authors: Olivia McDermott, Cian Moloney, John Noonan, Angelo Rosa
Abstract: The current paper aims to discuss the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in the food industry to improve sustainable practices. The focus is more specifically on dairy processors to ascertain the current state of the literature and aid future research direction. Utilising a systematic literature review (SLR), the paper addresses various terms and different written forms in the literature. The study characterises the current deployment of GLSS in the food industry and explains the reported benefits of this approach. GLSS, a concept that has yet to be fully explored in the food industry, as in other sectors, holds significant potential to enhance the food industry’s sustainability practices. The dairy sector, a subsector of the food industry known for its high greenhouse gas emissions, is a prime candidate for the application of GLSS. In instances where it has been applied, GLSS has demonstrated its effectiveness in improving sustainability, reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimising water usage. However, the specific tools used and the model for GLSS implementation are areas that require further study, as they have the potential to revolutionise food industry operations and reduce their environmental impacts. Benchmarking of this research by the food industry sector and by academics can aid understanding of the practical application of GLSS tools and aid implementation of these practices to evolve the dairy processing sector in the next decade as sustainability champions in the sector. This study extensively analyses GLSS in the food industry, with a particular focus on dairy processors.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-06-28
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2024-0100
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- The influence of aesthetics and emotions on reuse intention and compulsive
behaviour in food delivery usage
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Francisco Rejón-Guardia
Abstract: This study addresses the impact of aesthetics and formality in Food Delivery Applications (FDAs) in evoking emotions, and how these influence the intention to reuse and compulsive usage, providing critical insights for designing responsible and effective marketing strategies. A quantitative analysis of data collected from 1,029 FDA users was employed, using the PAD (Pleasure, Arousal, Dominance) theory to investigate how aesthetic design and formality affect emotions and consumer behaviour towards the applications. The study reveals that aesthetic appeal and formality significantly impact emotions of dominance, arousal, and pleasure, which are decisive in users' decisions to continue using FDAs and in the manifestation of compulsive usage behaviours. This study presents inherent limitations due to its cross-sectional design, which prevents offering a longitudinal perspective on the evolution of consumer behaviour regarding FDAs. The actual purchasing behaviour is not examined, but rather the suggested experiences. Future research could be enriched by considering cultural, social, and demographic factors, the influence of sustainability on the perception and use of FDAs, and the importance of specific sustainable practices. Adopting a longitudinal approach and utilising actual usage data would allow for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of consumer behaviour towards FDAs, taking into account both personal factors and functional attributes of FDAs along with their aesthetic appeal and emotional reactions. The findings provide guidelines for FDA companies to optimise their interfaces to enhance user experience, foster loyalty, and prevent compulsive usage. They emphasise balancing aesthetics and functionality to induce more conscious and sustainable consumption behaviours. This study highlights significant social implications stemming from the integration of aesthetic appeal and formality in Food Delivery Apps (FDAs) and their effect on consumer emotions, which in turn influences reuse intention and compulsive use. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer behaviours have shifted towards increased electronic transactions and hedonic consumption as responses to stress, anxiety, and boredom, leading to a reevaluation of life experiences through technological means. The research underlines the critical role of emotions, particularly pleasure, dominance, and arousal, in promoting the intention to reuse FDAs, which has far-reaching implications for consumer engagement, compulsive usage patterns, and the need for responsible, sustainable consumption practices. It suggests a new avenue for businesses and policymakers to consider emotional impacts and consumer satisfaction in the design and regulation of FDAs, aiming to mitigate potential adverse effects of compulsive usage and to encourage sustainable, responsible consumption behaviours. The research offers a novel perspective by exploring how aesthetic and emotional dimensions affect consumer loyalty and compulsivity. These areas are still to be examined in depth in the marketing literature. The findings enhance the theoretical and practical understanding of FDA marketing, demonstrating how design can influence consumer well-being and the sustainability of purchasing behaviour. Novel use of PAD theory to analyse FDA’s aesthetic appeal and formality on user emotions.FDA’s aesthetic appeal significantly influences reuse intentions and compulsive usage.Emotions of pleasure, dominance, and arousal are directly linked to FDA reuse intention.Pleasure and reuse intention influence the compulsive use of FDAs.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-06-03
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-03-2024-0222
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Role of influencer–follower congruence in influencing followers’ food
choices and brand advocacy: mediating role of perceived trust-
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Authors: Simran Verma, Deepa Kapoor, Ruchika Gupta
Abstract: This study attempts to encapsulate the idea of influencer marketing in the food sector and the vital role played by food influencers in shaping the dietary preferences, tastes and decisions of their social media followers and turning them into brand advocates. An online survey of 383 social media users, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, was undertaken to validate the proposed research design. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology was used to analyze the data and test the relationships between the constructs. The results confirm the validity and reliability of the research model. The research revealed the positive influence of influencer–follower demographics and attitude congruence on followers’ food choices, which in turn leads to followers’ delight and significantly impacts their brand advocacy. It also depicts how followers’ perceived trust in an influencer mediates the relationship between their similarity with the influencers, their food choices and brand advocacy. The study proposes a new theoretical framework and empirically tests the effectiveness of influencer marketing in influencing social media users’ food choice behavior and brand advocacy through the medium of followers’ congruence with social media influencers. The findings offer noteworthy theoretical and managerial implications for academicians as well as marketing practitioners.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-05-28
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1146
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- Properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging:
tool-based review for systematic reviews and bibliometric analysis
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Danusa Silva da Costa, Lucely Nogueira dos Santos, Nelson Rosa Ferreira, Katiuchia Pereira Takeuchi, Alessandra Santos Lopes
Abstract: The aim was not to perform a systematic review but firstly to search in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases on the papers published in the last five years using tools for reviewing the statement of preferred information item for systematic reviews without focusing on a randomized analysis and secondly to perform a bibliometric analysis on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging. On January 24, 2022, information was sought on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for use as food packaging published in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Further analysis was performed using bibliometric indicators with the VOSviewer tool. The searches returned 33 studies concerning the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging, which were analyzed together for a better understanding of the results. Data analysis using the VOSviewer tool allowed a better visualization and exploration of these words and the development of maps that showed the main links between the publications. In the area of food science and technology, the development of polymers capable of promoting the extension of the shelf life of food products is sought, so the knowledge of the properties is vital for this research area since combining a biodegradable polymeric material with a natural antioxidant active is of great interest for modern society since they associate environmental preservation with food preservation.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-05-06
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-04-2023-0292
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2024)
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- How do emotions influence healthy food choice' Investigating an extended
framework of the social-cognitive theory
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Katrin Brückner, Agnes Emberger-Klein, Klaus Menrad
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate how and through which social-cognitive constructs, emotions influence healthy food shopping behaviors. Direct effects of those constructs, as well as indirect effects of consumer emotions are considered. An altered version of the Social Cognitive Theory, including intention, socio-structural factors, outcome expectancies and self-efficacy with the addition of consumer emotions was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Data of 1,181 volunteers were collected in Germany in 2021 through an online survey. Intention was the most important positive predictor of food choice, while socio-structural factors had the biggest impact on intentions. Those were mostly influenced by self-efficacy, which was strongly predicted by consumer emotions. Outcome expectancies did not influence the current model in any way. Consumer emotions did not directly influence intention, nor actual choice, however showed to be influencing those variables through indirect effects. Marketers could benefit from these results by incorporating the current findings into existing marketing strategies through targeting a combination of social cognitive constructs, as well as consumer emotions to facilitate healthier food shopping behavior. Affect has received increasing attention in regards to its impact on healthy eating behaviors in recent years. Less attention has been paid to the mechanisms through which emotions influence healthy nutrition behavior, specifically how consumer emotions influence healthy food shopping behavior.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-19
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-01-2024-0105
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Food waste reduction, corporate responsibility and national policies:
evidence from Europe
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Gianluca Biggi, Ludovica Principato, Fulvio Castellacci
Abstract: This paper investigates strategies for addressing the global challenge of food loss and waste (FLW) within the food industry. It examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and state regulatory interventions for reducing FLW. This mixed method study utilizes a unique panel dataset which includes the 150 largest food industry companies in Italy, Norway and the UK. It combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights derived from corporate strategies and corporate communications. The analysis reveals that food companies with an established CSR strategy and in particular companies whose CSR reports highlight their environmental and social achievements are more likely to achieve in effective FLW reduction. Additionally, national-level regulatory interventions guided by European Union waste strategies act as pivotal benchmarks and encourage stricter corporate food waste management policies. This research underscores the significance of CSR strategies and effective state regulation in the fight against FLW and offers policymakers and businesses valuable insights enabling development of robust strategies. By emphasizing the interplay between CSR and regulatory intervention, this research contributes to the achievement of a more sustainable and efficient global food system that addresses both economic and ethical concerns and could have far-reaching societal and environmental implications. The paper sheds light on the interplay between CSR initiatives and regulatory interventions for tackling FLW and emphasizes their synergistic impact on sustainable practices within the food industry.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-16
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-11-2023-0982
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- The role of third actors in the dyadic business relationship initiation:
an empirical perspective of sommelier in the wine context
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Pier Franco Luigi Fraboni, Andrea Sabatini, Maria Rosaria Marcone, Valerio Temperini
Abstract: Starred restaurants, as significant outlets for small wineries, present a unique business opportunity. In this context, the sommelier, as a third actor, assumes a pivotal role in shaping the business relationships between these entities. This study, employing a grounded theory approach, delves into the sommeliers’ roles and activities in the initiation of relationships between small wineries and starred restaurants. A qualitative methodology was adopted. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and informal conversations with starred restaurants, small wineries, and sommeliers were collected and analysed using an abductive approach. The findings suggest that the sommelier acts as a contributor to the business relationship initiation between the small winery and the starred restaurant, performing several continuous, simultaneous, and bilateral roles toward both actors. The study sheds light on the role of wine stewards in the B2B context and provides useful insights to close the theoretical gap between business relationship initiation and the role of third actors.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-08
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-03-2023-0208
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Determinants of behavior towards hemp-based products: an application of
the theory of planned behavior
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Hannah Lacasse, Jeffrey Buzas, Jane Kolodinsky, Tyler Mark, Rebecca Hill, William Snell, Heather Darby
Abstract: This paper examines how U.S. consumer intentions to adopt hemp vary across product types using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data were collected via an online survey of U.S. residents in 2022 (n = 1,948). Two-step structural equation modeling is used to examine how TPB constructs and background factors influence intent to use five different hemp-based products: cannabidiol (CBD), clothing, food, personal care products, and pet products. Data are analyzed using R. Positive attitudes towards all categories of hemp-based products increase the probability of adoption, while subjective norm and perceived behavioral control have limited and varied significant influence across product models. Age has a consistent significant and negative influence on adoption. Findings highlight consumer segmentation and marketing opportunities, inform hemp stakeholder decision-making, and provide directions for future research. Given the absence of explanatory power of SN and PBC on most product models and the diversity of products and nuanced U.S. hemp policy, future research could investigate expanded iterations of TPB. Using revealed behavior could also highlight potential intention-behavior gaps and offer more robust insights for hemp stakeholders. Findings contribute to a limited body of information on markets and consumer demand for hemp in the U.S.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-10-2023-0910
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Heterogenous social mechanisms drive the intention to purchase organic
food
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Jordi Lopez-Sintas, Giuseppe Lamberti, Pilar Lopez-Belbeze
Abstract: This article explores the heterogenous social mechanisms that drive responsible environmental behaviours by investigating differences in the mean effect of the psychosocial determinants of the intention to buy organic foods. Using data for a representative sample of the Spanish population, we estimated the mean effect of the constructs represented in the responsible environmental behaviour (REB) theory that affect sustainable food consumption, and examined the social mechanisms that may explain heterogeneity in the mean effect of those constructs. Confirmatory factor analysis, linear regression, and latent class regression were used in the analysis. We found that the effect of REB’s psychosocial constructs varied significantly, demonstrating social heterogeneity in the estimated average effect. We identified different social mechanisms that explain variations in organic food purchase intentions: environmental attitudes and social norms shape these intentions among socioeconomically privileged consumers, whereas personal norms shape these intentions among less socially advantaged consumers. Our research contributes to the literature by highlighting the existence of differing social mechanisms explaining organic food purchase intentions. The uncovering of three social mechanisms explaining differences in the mean effect of factors driving those intentions provides valuable insights with regard to both further developing a holistic framework for responsible environmental behaviours and developing new public policies and marketing strategies aimed at improving sustainable food consumption.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-06-05
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1085
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Machine Learning for short-term property rental pricing based
on seasonality and proximity to food establishments
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Authors: Diego de Jaureguizar Cervera, Javier de Esteban Curiel, Diana C. Pérez-Bustamante Yábar
Abstract: Short-term rentals (STRs) (like Airbnb) are reshaping social behaviour, notably in gastronomy, altering how people dine while travelling. This study delves into revenue management, examining the impact of seasonality and dining options near guests’ Airbnb. Machine Learning analysis of Airbnb data suggests owners enhance revenue strategies by adjusting prices seasonally, taking nearby food amenities into account. This study analysed 220 Airbnb establishments from Madrid, Spain, using consistent monthly price data from Seetransparent and environment variables from MapInfo GIS. The Machine Learning algorithm calculated average prices, determined seasonal prices, applied factor analysis to categorise months and used cluster analysis to identify tourism-dwelling typologies with similar seasonal behaviour, considering nearby supermarkets/restaurants by factors such as proximity and availability of food options. The findings reveal seasonal variations in three groups, using Machine Learning to improve revenue management: Group 1 has strong autumn-winter patterns and fewer restaurants; Group 2 shows higher spring seasonality, likely catering to tourists, and has more restaurants, while Group 3 has year-round stability, fewer supermarkets and active shops, potentially affecting local restaurant dynamics. Food establishments in these groups may need to adapt their strategies accordingly to capitalise on these seasonal trends. Current literature lacks information on how seasonality, rental housing and proximity to amenities are interconnected. The originality of this study is to fill this gap by enhancing the STR price predictive model through a Machine Learning study. By examining seasonal trends, rental housing dynamics, and the proximity of supermarkets and restaurants to STR properties, the research enhances our understanding and predictions of STR price fluctuations, particularly in relation to the availability and demand for food options.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-06-03
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-07-2023-0634
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Value seeking, health-conscious or sustainability-concerned' Profiling
fruit and vegetable consumers in Euro-Mediterranean countries
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Authors: Luca Camanzi, Sina Ahmadi Kaliji, Paolo Prosperi, Laurick Collewet, Reem El Khechen, Anastasios Ch. Michailidis, Chrysanthi Charatsari, Evagelos D. Lioutas, Marcello De Rosa, Martina Francescone
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate consumer preferences and profile their food-related lifestyles, as well as to identify consumer groups with similar attitudes/behaviours in the Euro-Mediterranean fruit and vegetable market. A structured questionnaire was designed drawing from the food related lifestyles instrument and including other factors relevant to fruit and vegetable consumer preferences. The data were collected in an online survey with 925 participants in France, Greece, and Italy. A principal component analysis was conducted to interpret and examine consumers' fruit and vegetable related lifestyles. In addition, a cluster analysis was performed to identify different consumer segments, based on the core dimensions of the food-related lifestyle approach. In each country, three primary consumer segments were distinguished. Health-conscious individuals were predominant in France and Greece, while quality-conscious consumers were prevalent in Italy. These classifications were determined considering various factors such as purchase motivation, perception of product quality, health concerns, environmental certifications, and price sensitivity. The food-related lifestyle approach has been adapted instrument to create a customised survey instrument specifically designed to capture the intricacies of fruit and vegetable consumer preferences and priorities in three Euro-Mediterranean Countries.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-05-21
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-12-2023-1151
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Seeding innovation: the role of internal and external digital data in
agri-food product innovation
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Authors: Moreno Frau, Tamara Keszey
Abstract: Since previous literature provides fragmented and conflicting results about the use of digital data for product innovation, the article aims to comprehensively explore and shed light on how agri-food firms utilise external and internal digital data sources when dealing with different product innovations, such as incremental, architecture and radical innovation. This paper adopts an exploratory multiple-case study and a theory-building process, focussing on the agri-food industry. We collected primary and secondary data from eight manufacturing companies. The findings of this research show an empirical framework of six agri-food firms’ digital data utilisation behaviours: the supervisor, the passive supervisor, the developer, the passive developer, the pathfinder and the conjunction behaviour. These digital data utilisation behaviours vary according to a combination of data sources, such as internal data related to inside phenomenon measures (e.g. data generated by sensors installed in the production plan) or external data (e.g., market trends, overall sector sales), and innovation purposes. This article offers guiding principles that assist agri-food companies when utilising internal and external digital data sources for specific product innovation outcomes such as incremental, architectural and radical innovation. The significance of external and internal data sources in stimulating product innovation has garnered substantial attention within academic discussions, highlighting the critical importance of analysing digital data for driving such innovation. Nonetheless, the predominant approach is to study a single innovation outcome through the lens of digital technology. In contrast, our study stands out by adopting a fundamental perspective on data sources, enabling a more nuanced explanation of the overall product innovation outcomes within the agri-food sector.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-05-14
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-08-2023-0687
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Exploring seafood choices at the point of purchase among a sample of
Swedish consumers
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Authors: Elena Costa, Penny Bergman, Jun Niimi, Elizabeth S. Collier
Abstract: Seafood consumption in Sweden is below the national recommendations and limited to very few species. This study aims to explore the factors shaping seafood choices at the point of purchase among a sample of current consumers in Sweden, and examines their attitudes regarding seafood consumption more broadly. Convenience sampling was used to recruit consumers planning to purchase seafood at a supermarket in Sweden. Participants’ shopping trip was recorded using wearable eye tracking glasses and, upon completion, semi-structured interviews were conducted using a cued retrospective think aloud method. This exploratory study integrates qualitative data (N = 39) with eye tracking data (N = 34), to explore how seafood choices unfold when consumers purchase at the point of purchase. Purchases were mostly restricted to familiar seafood species. Four interlinked main themes were identified from thematic analysis of the interview data: Ambivalence, Nice and Necessary, Proficiency with Seafood and External Influences. Sustainability information (e.g. certifications) faced strong competition from other visual elements at the point of purchase, receiving less attention than product imagery and pricing information. This study is the first to explore the factors shaping seafood choices of current consumers at the point of purchase. The unique approach, combining explicit and implicit measures, enriches understanding of the factors influencing seafood choices and how these may interrelate. The results are valuable for the industry and contribute to the literature by identifying possible routes to improve seafood sustainability communication.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-05-08
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-08-2023-0702
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Generation Z and Millennials’ food-sharing behaviour:
a cross-generational analysis of motivations, satisfaction
and behavioural intention
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Authors: Pimsuporn Poyoi, Ariadna Gassiot-Melian, Lluís Coromina
Abstract: Posting and sharing about food on social media has surged in popularity amongst younger generations such as Millennials and Generation Z. This study aims to analyse and compare food-tourism sharing behaviour on social media across generations. First, this study specifically investigates the factors influencing the intention to share food experiences on social media; second, it examines the impact of sharing intention on actual behaviour and loyalty; and third, it determines whether Millennials and Generation Z differ in these relationships. A survey was carried out of Millennial and Generation Z travellers who shared food experiences on social media. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi-group analysis were performed to examine the cause-and-effect relationship in both generations. The findings reveal differences in motivation, satisfaction, sharing intention, sharing behaviour and loyalty between generations (Millennials and Generation Z). This study contributes to the literature on the antecedents of food-sharing behaviour in online communities by indicating factors that influence the sharing of culinary experiences and brand or destination loyalty across generations. Suggestions for future research include exploring online food-sharing behaviour through cross-cultural comparisons in various regions. As Millennials and Generation Z will expand their market share in the coming years, the findings of this study can help improve marketing strategies for culinary tourism and generate more intense food experiences for both generations. The outcome of the research provides new insights to develop a conceptual model of food-sharing behaviour and tourism on social media by drawing comparisons across generations.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-04-30
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-10-2023-0899
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Discovering the conceptual building blocks of blockchain technology
applications in the agri-food supply chain: a review and research agenda
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Authors: Soraya González-Mendes, Sara Alonso-Muñoz, Fernando E. García-Muiña, Rocío González-Sánchez
Abstract: This paper aims to provide an overview of the application of blockchain to agri-food supply chains, including key issues and trends. It examines the state of the art and conceptual structure of the field and proposes an agenda to guide future research. This article performs a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software on a sample of 205 articles from the WoS database to identify research trend topics. The number of publications in this area has increased since 2020, which shows a growing research interest. The research hotspots are related to the integration of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain for traceability, coordination between all actors involved, transparency of operations and improvement of food safety. Furthermore, this is linked to sustainability and the achievement of the sustainable development gtoals (SDGs), while addressing key challenges in the implementation of blockchain-based technologies in the agri-food supply chain. The application of blockchain in the agri-food supply chain may consider four key aspects. Firstly, the implementation of blockchain can improve the traceability of food products. Secondly, this technology supports sustainability issues and could avoid disruptions in the agri-food supply chain. Third, blockchain improves food quality and safety control throughout the supply chain. Fourthly, the findings show that regulation is needed to improve trust between stakeholders. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the blockchain phenomenon in the agri-food supply chain by optimising the search criteria. Moreover, it serves to bridge to future research by identifying gaps in the field.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-04-16
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-06-2023-0517
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Research on the matching effect between advertising appeal and product
type on the purchase intention of organic food
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Authors: Jiayuan Zhao, Hong Huo, Sheng Wei, Chunjia Han, Mu Yang, Brij B. Gupta, Varsha Arya
Abstract: The study employs two independent experimental studies to collect data. It focuses on the matching effect between advertising appeals and product types. The Elaboration Likelihood Model serves as the theoretical framework for understanding the cognitive processing involved in consumers' responses to these advertising appeals and product combinations. This paper aims to investigate the impact of advertising appeals on consumers' intentions to purchase organic food. We explored the interaction between advertising appeals (egoistic vs altruistic) and product types (virtue vs vice) and purchase intention. The goal is to provide insights that can enhance the advertising effectiveness of organic food manufacturers and retailers. The analysis reveals significant effects on consumers' purchase intentions based on the matching of advertising appeals with product types. Specifically, when egoistic appeals align with virtuous products, there is an improvement in consumers' purchase intentions. When altruistic appeals match vice products, a positive impact on purchase intention is observed. The results suggest that the matching of advertising appeals with product types enhances processing fluency, contributing to increased purchase intention. This research contributes to the field by providing nuanced insights into the interplay between advertising appeals and product types within the context of organic food. The findings highlight the importance of considering the synergy between egoistic appeals and virtuous products, as well as altruistic appeals and vice products. This understanding can be strategically employed by organic food manufacturers and retailers to optimize their advertising strategies, thereby improving their overall effectiveness in influencing consumers' purchase intentions.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-03-19
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-11-2023-1016
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- What does it take to close the loop' Lessons from a successful citrus
waste valorisation business
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Authors: Madhura Rao, Lea Bilić, Aalt Bast, Alie de Boer
Abstract: In this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description. Results from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company’s success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees’ outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well. In addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-03-06
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-08-2023-0700
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Who is responsible for fixing the food system' A framing analysis of
media reactions to the UK's National Food Strategy
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Authors: Mehroosh Tak, Kirsty Blair, João Gabriel Oliveira Marques
Abstract: High levels of child obesity alongside rising stunting and the absence of a coherent food policy have deemed UK’s food system to be broken. The National Food Strategy (NFS) was debated intensely in media, with discussions on how and who should fix the food system. Using a mixed methods approach, the authors conduct framing analysis on traditional media and sentiment analysis of twitter reactions to the NFS to identify frames used to shape food system policy interventions. The study finds evidence that the media coverage of the NFS often utilised the tropes of “culture wars” shaping the debate of who is responsible to fix the food system – the government, the public or the industry. NFS recommendations were portrayed as issues of free choice to shift the debate away from government action correcting for market failure. In contrast, the industry was showcased as equipped to intervene on its own accord. Dietary recommendations made by the NFS were depicted as hurting the poor, painting a picture of helplessness and loss of control, while their voices were omitted and not represented in traditional media. British media’s alignment with free market economic thinking has implications for food systems reform, as it deters the government from acting and relies on the invisible hand of the market to fix the system. Media firms should move beyond tropes of culture wars to discuss interventions that reform the structural causes of the UK’s broken food systems. As traditional media coverage struggles to capture the diversity of public perception; the authors supplement framing analysis with sentiment analysis of Twitter data. To the best of our knowledge, no such media (and social media) analysis of the NFS has been conducted. The paper is also original as it extends our understanding of how media alignment with free market economic thinking has implications for food systems reform, as it deters the government from acting and relies on the invisible hand of the market to fix the system.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-02-29
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-04-2023-0338
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Taste of success: a strategic framework for product innovation in the food
and beverage industry
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Authors: Mehrgan Malekpour, Federica Caboni, Mohsen Nikzadask, Vincenzo Basile
Abstract: This paper aims to identify the combination of innovation determinants driving the creation of innovative products amongst market leaders and market followers in food and beverage (F&B) firms. This research is based on the case study methodology by using two types of data sources: (1) semi-structured interviews with industry experts and (2) in-depth interviews with managers. In addition, a questionnaire adapted from prior research was used to consider market and firm types. Suggesting an integrated theoretical framework based on firm-based factors and market-based factors, this study identified a combination of determinants significantly impacting innovative products in the market. Specifically, these determinants are competition intensity and innovation capability (a combination of research and development (R&D) investment and marketing capabilities). The study also examined how these determinants vary depending on whether the firms are market leaders or market followers. This research provides practical insights for managers working in the F&B industry by using case studies and exploring the determinants of developing innovative products. In doing so, suitable strategies can be selected according to the market and firm situations. The originality of the study is shown by focussing on how different combinations of market and firm factors could be applied in creating successful innovative products in the food sector.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-02-21
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-02-2023-0138
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Consumers’ valuation of blockchain-based food traceability: role of
consumer ethnocentrism and communication via QR codes
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Authors: Duc Tran, Hans De Steur, Xavier Gellynck, Andreas Papadakis, Joachim J. Schouteten
Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of consumer ethnocentrism on consumers' evaluation of blockchain-based traceability information. It also examined how the use of quick response (QR) codes for traceability affects consumers' evaluation of traceable food products. An online choice experiment was conducted to determine consumers' evaluation of the blockchain-based traceability of Feta cheese with a quota sample of 715 Greek consumers. Pearson bivariate correlation and mean comparison were used to examine the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and QR use behaviour. Random parameter logit models were employed to examine consumers’ valuation of the examined attributes and interaction terms. The results show that ethnocentric consumers are willing to pay more for blockchain-based traceability information. Ethnocentric consumers tend to scan QR codes with traceability information. Spending more time reading traceability information embedded in QR codes does not lead to a higher willingness-to-pay (WTP) for traceable food products. The findings suggest that patriotic marketing messages can draw consumers' attention to blockchain-based traceability information. The modest WTP for and low familiarity with blockchain-based traceability systems raise the need for educating consumers regarding the benefits of blockchain in traceability systems. This is the first study to provide timely empirical evidence of a positive WTP for blockchain-based traceability information for a processed dairy product. This study is the first to attempt to distinguish the effects of the intention to scan QR codes and reading information embedded in QR codes on consumers’ valuation of food attributes.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-02-13
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-09-2023-0812
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- The effect of nutrition labels on lunch buffet consumption: a real-life
experiment
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Authors: Terhi Junkkari, Maija Kantola, Leena Arjanne, Harri Luomala, Anu Hopia
Abstract: This study aims to increase knowledge of the ability of nutrition labels to guide consumer choices in real-life environments. Food consumption and plate waste data were collected from two self-service restaurants (SSR) with different customer groups over six observation days: three control and three intervention (with nutrition labelling) periods. Study Group 1 consisted of vocational school students, mostly late adolescents (N = 1,710), and Group 2 consisted of spa hotel customers, mostly elderly (N = 1,807). In the experimental restaurants, the same food was served to the buffets during the control and intervention periods. The nutrition label in the lunch buffet guides customers to eat fewer main foods and salads and to select healthier choices. Increased consumption of taste enhancers (salt and ketchup) was observed in the study restaurants after nutritional labelling. Nutrition labelling was associated with a reduction in plate waste among the elderly, whereas the opposite was observed among adolescents. The results provide public policymakers and marketers with a better understanding of the effects of nutrition labelling on consumer behaviour. Future studies should further evaluate the effects of nutrition labelling on the overall quality of customer diets and the complex environmental, social, and psychological factors affecting food choices and plate waste accumulation in various study groups.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-01-24
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-06-2023-0532
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Can an apple a day keep COVID-19 away' A cluster analysis of the long-term
COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the consumption of apples in Italy
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Authors: Carlo Giannetto, Angelina De Pascale, Giuseppe Di Vita, Maurizio Lanfranchi
Abstract: Apples have always been considered a healthy product able to provide curative properties to consumers. In Italy, there is a long tradition of apple consumption and production both as a fresh product and as processed food. However, as with many other products, the consumption of fruits and vegetables and, more specifically apples, has been drastically affected by the first lockdown in 2020. In this project, the authors investigate whether the change in consumption habits had long-lasting consequences beyond 2020 and what are the main eating motivations, food-related behavior and socio-demographic affecting the consumption of fruits and vegetables after the pandemic. The authors ran two online surveys with 1,000 Italian consumers across a year (from October 2021 to December 2022). In the study, participants answered questions about their consumption habits and their eating motives. Out of 1,000 consumers, the authors included in the final analysis only the participants who answered both surveys, leaving a final sample of 651 consumers. The results show that participants have allocated more budget to fruit and vegetables after the lockdown than before it. Moreover, consumers reported an average increase in the consumption of apples. However, the increase was more pronounced for people aged between 30 and 50 years old and identified as female. After showing the difference across time, a cluster analysis identified three main segments that differ in their eating motives, place of purchase and area of residence. Overall, the results contribute to a better understanding of how the global pandemic is still affecting people's daily life. Moreover, the findings can be used to guide the marketing and communication strategies of companies in the food sector. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates changes in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and, more specifically, apples, in Italy more than one year after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the study proposes a classification of consumers based on their habits in a time frame during which the COVID-19 wave was at its bottom which is not currently present in the literature.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-01-24
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-06-2023-0465
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- What constitutes food system resilience' The importance of divergent
framings between UK mainstream and local food system actors
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Authors: Jasmine Elizabeth Black, Damian Maye, Anna Krzywoszynska, Stephen Jones
Abstract: This paper examines how key actors in the UK food system (FS) understand the role of the local food sector in relation to FS resilience. Discourse analysis was used to assess and compare the framings of the UK FS in 36 publications released during Covid-19 from alternative food networks (AFNs) actors and from other more mainstream FS actors, including the UK government. The analysis shows that AFNs actors perceive the UK FS as not resilient and identify local FSs as a route towards greater resilience (“systemic” framing). In contrast, other food actors perceive the UK FS as already resilient, with the role of local food limited to specific functions within the existing system (“add-on” framing). The two groups converge on the importance of dynamic public procurement and local abattoir provision, but this convergence does not undermine the fundamental divergence in the understanding of the role of “the local” in resilient UK FSs. The local food sector’s messages appear to have gone largely unheard in mainstream policy. The paper presents an analysis of public sector reports focused on the UK FS released during the Covid-19 pandemic years 2020–2021. The corpus inclusion criteria mean that publications during this period which focus on other food sector issues, such social injustices, climate change and health, were not included in the analysis, although they may have touched upon local food issues. The authors further recognise that Covid-19 had a longer lasting effect on FSs than the years 2020–2021, and that many other publications on FSs have been published since. The time span chosen targets the time at which FSs were most disrupted and therefore aims to capture emerging issues and solutions for the UK FS. The authors’ insights should be further validated through a more complete review of both public reports and academic papers covering a wider base of food-related issues and sectors as well as a broader timespan. A comparison of how different FS actors understand the importance of local food, especially in relation to resilience, has not been undertaken to date. The findings raise important questions about the disconnect between AFN actors and other actors in the framing of resilience. Considering the need to ensure resilience of the UK FS, this study's findings raise important insights for UK food policy about the “local food blindspot” and for food movement actors wishing to progress their vision of transformative change.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-01-24
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-10-2022-0928
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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- Exploring the dynamics of innovation: patterns of growth and contraction
in the local food industry
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Authors: Paulina Ines Rytkönen, Wilhelm Skoglund, Pejvak Oghazi, Daniel Laven
Abstract: The purpose of this study is shed light on the underlying forces behind entrepreneurship within a regional innovation system (RIS) in a remote rural region. The authors examine the following questions: Which are the main underlying forces behind the entrepreneurial process in a rural RIS characterized by traditionally low-tech, small-scale businesses' How can the development of a low-tech regional innovation system be conceptualized' The design of the study is based on entrepreneurship theory. Data analysis followed practices used in phenomenography, a research approach used to analyse and identify commonalities and variations in populations' perceptions of a certain phenomenon. Data are composed using semi-structured interviews and a database composed of company information of all firms in the population. A proactive mobilization of regional stakeholders and resources can be an important driving force behind the entrepreneurial process and generation of a rural RIS. Innovation can be generated within low-tech industries turning the rural context into an asset. An RIS in a remote rural context can be initiated and orchestrated by regional authorities, but knowledge brokering and orchestration can also be managed by networks of small-scale businesses brought together by mutual benefit and common interests. Regional innovation systems theory is most often used to study high-tech industries. But by combining regional innovation systems with rural entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship context theory is a fruitful avenue to understand the role of rural entrepreneurship in regional development, even in remote and peripheral regions. Innovation does not need to entail high-tech international environments; it can appear as the result of efforts in low-tech industries in rural and remote environments. The authors’ findings need to be scrutinized; therefore, the authors call for more research on regional innovation systems in rural environments. It is possible for regional authorities to orchestrate a development process through the actions of a strong regional agent but also by supporting the creation of networks of small businesses that are built on trust and common interests. This study contributes to the literature with a new perspective to the study of entrepreneurship and of regional innovation systems. Entrepreneurship research with focus on rural contexts most often highlight limits to entrepreneurship and see entrepreneurship as “just running a business”. A perspective that starts from innovation and innovative behaviour, despite the rural context and embedded resources, helps to generate new knowledge that can enrich the understanding of entrepreneurship and also be the foundation for more precise business development policies in rural settings.
Citation: British Food Journal
PubDate: 2024-01-23
DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-06-2023-0491
Issue No: Vol. 126, No. 13 (2024)
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