Editorial

Citation

Ainsworth, P. and Vignali, C. (2001), "Editorial", British Food Journal, Vol. 103 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/bfj.2001.070103aaa.001

Editorial

From this issue we plan to include a case study in each issue of the British Food Journal, barring those issues which are devoted to a particular topic. We are committed to ensuring that the journal stays relevant to the real world and serves the needs of those working at all stages of the food chain – from field to table. The cases may help in your teaching or at the very least will put into a real context and illustrate some of the topics covered in our research and review papers.

The British Food Journal is concerned with recent developments that companies are facing whilst entering the new millennium. Any subject as broad in scope as this can be addressed at a number of levels. What we have sought to do is present case studies related to a number of those levels, the company approach, relevant retail issues, and areas of concern. Each of these levels provides a background to the activities of decision makers. Within the context of a single journal issue we have not been able to treat each possible permutation, but we feel that the range of cases provided is both broad and inclusive.

The case studies were written for a number of specific purposes – either teaching or research. All have been used in teaching at various levels – undergraduate, postgraduate and post-experience. If there is any one theme that links them, it is that all relate fundamentally to the change process, and to the new millennium. All the cases relate to the food industry, with some specifically looking at "organic food issues", the aftermath of mad cow syndrome, and behavioural and social implications within retailing, both domestic and international.

All the cases, whether written with inside co-operation or not, have been prepared to highlight aspects of decision making. They are in that sense neutral, to form a basis of discussion rather than to illustrate good or bad practices.

We hope that this collection of cases will be of interest to teachers and practitioners alike, as they may be of relevance to others, either by providing contrast or by highlighting similarities.

Paul AinsworthProfessor of Food TechnologyDepartment of Food and Consumer TechnologyManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchester, UK

Claudio VignaliPrincipal Lecturer in Consumer MarketingDepartment of Food and Consumer TechnologyManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchester, UK