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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 January 2024

Carlo Giannetto, Angelina De Pascale, Giuseppe Di Vita and Maurizio Lanfranchi

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…

Abstract

Purpose

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.

Design/methodology/approach

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.

Findings

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.

Practical implications

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.

Originality/value

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.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 June 2023

Filippo Corsini, Nora Annesi, Eleonora Annunziata and Marco Frey

Food waste is a severe problem affecting the supply chain due to its significant adverse social and environmental effects. Even if the topic is hotly debated in the literature…

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Abstract

Purpose

Food waste is a severe problem affecting the supply chain due to its significant adverse social and environmental effects. Even if the topic is hotly debated in the literature, there is a lack of research about the success factors influencing food waste prevention initiatives retailers undertake.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzes how several variables (i.e. product-related variables and technology-enabling variables) might impact the success of the sales of products close to the expiration date that is sold at a discounted price. Data from 390.000 products sold at a discounted price in 2020 and 2021 by a large Italian food retailer were examined with a regression analysis.

Findings

The results highlight that both product-related and technology-enabling variables influence the success of food prevention initiatives aimed at selling products close to the expiration date at a discounted price. In particular, the authors stress the importance of digital technologies in supporting food waste prevention initiatives.

Practical implications

The study offers several practical implications for managers in structuring a waste prevention initiative. The introduction of digital technologies, the monitoring of specific variables or the ability to find synergies with other food waste prevention initiatives are discussed to support retailers in reducing food losses.

Originality/value

The paper is focused on the retailer perspective, which is barely investigated due to the difficulty in finding data.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2023

Asim Qazi, Ubedullah Khoso, Farooq Ahmad and Syed Ali Raza Hamid

The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to compare Pakistani and French consumers’ perceptions of well-being; secondly, to investigate how consumers in both countries…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is threefold: firstly, to compare Pakistani and French consumers’ perceptions of well-being; secondly, to investigate how consumers in both countries relate to food; and thirdly, to assess whether they associate food with well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty participants (15 French and 15 Pakistani) between the ages of 24 and 35 were interviewed, using convenience and snow bowling sampling. Data triangulation was performed by combining three qualitative techniques, word association, photo-elicitation-based interviewing and open-ended questions to explore consumer perceptions of well-being, food and food well-being.

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that well-being is a broad concept in which food is an ingredient. Food and well-being share common elements, and food well-being can be defined as an individual’s psychological, physical, social and societal relationship with food ascribed by affordability and food literacy.

Originality/value

Pleasure, sharing and respect emerged as dimensions of food well-being that can be applied to transfigure consumer behaviour and reduce over-consumption, food waste and hunger. The dimensions of well-being and food were explored for both countries to understand their cultural nuances and determine the influence of food on well-being. This comparative analysis will help researchers understand consumers’ preferences for food in various aspects from two regions. This study can potentially contribute to scale development in food and well-being, which can help researchers measure the effects of food and well-being in different sectors of the economy, particularly in health care. The most aspiring aspect of the current research is the insights unveiled during interactions with research participants, which will help develop consumer baseline feelings.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Önder Yayla, Merve Özgür Göde and Sema Ekincek

This study aims to reveal the food preferences and to define the typology of digital nomads as gastro-tourists. In this context, it is aimed to provide information on issues such…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the food preferences and to define the typology of digital nomads as gastro-tourists. In this context, it is aimed to provide information on issues such as the importance of food culture in destination selection for digital nomads, food prices, local dishes, local food markets, religious restrictions, researching cultural cuisines, preparing meals and participating in gastronomic events.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple qualitative methods were utilized in the research for this study. Digital nomads' comments, videos and semi-structured interviews constitute the data sources of the research, and the data obtained were analyzed by content analysis.

Findings

As a result of the study, it was seen that digital nomads do consider gastronomy in their destination selection, and five different gastro-tourist profiles were determined. These are Local Flavor Hunters, Gastronomy Adventurers, Budget-Conscious Food Lovers, Cultural Explorers and Health and Sustainability Focused People.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution of the study is to provide information with regard to the food and beverage preferences of digital nomads and to contribute to filling a gap in the literature. The practical contribution of the study is to help formulate tourism marketing strategies in the destination and strategies for businesses in the tourism industry. Since digital nomads play important roles in destination promotion, it is important to determine their perspectives and typologies towards gastronomy. The results of the study will be useful for tourism industry components, such as academics, experts, travel businesses, tourism destinations and local food producers who research the tourism industry and travel trends.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Mohamed Bilal Basha, Fatma Sultan Khalfan Helis Al Ali, Pravin Kumar Balaraman, Jonathan Liu, Gail AlHafidh and Ramesh Gupta

This study aims to investigate the determinants of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar consumers’ perceptions of organic food.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar consumers’ perceptions of organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey approach and focusing on six known determinants identified from empirical studies, data were analysed using a mean difference analysis and a multi-regression model.

Findings

Citizens in both countries had similar access to organic food products, yet consumer perceptions differed significantly. Given the geographical, cultural and topographical proximity and similarities of these countries, differences in the mean values indicate that targeted or bespoke marketing is required to attract customers.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study its sample size that may limit the generalizability of its results. However, the highly statistically significant results offset this to some extent as the differences the authors have demonstrated are likely to be real. These do require confirmation by further similar studies. The study relied on a random sample of respondents who might have exhibited bias in answering questions.

Practical implications

The two countries central to this research study, the UAE and Qatar, have vested interests in supporting the organic food product market that mainly concern supporting and promoting the health of their citizens and the environment. As shown in this paper, the key obstacles preventing consumers’ accessing organic products are availability and price. With appropriate governmental subsidies and logistics support, however, these barriers can be overcome.

Social implications

If governments are sincere in their declarations that the health and welfare of their citizens is of prime importance, they will support attempts to promote the sale and consumption of organically grown food. The results of this study can help to inform such policies.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the most important factors that influence consumers’ attitudes towards organic foods. This study fills a gap in the existing research on consumer buying behaviour for organic food in two Middle Eastern countries.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 15 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Ganesh Kumar R.

This study aims to enhance the knowledge by offering perspectives from an emerging market by reviewing the existing literature on food tourism. This study applies a multimethod…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the knowledge by offering perspectives from an emerging market by reviewing the existing literature on food tourism. This study applies a multimethod analysis, providing insights into the advancement of food tourism in India, the contributions, critical findings and emerging research themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a multimethod analysis using descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer to analyze research papers published on food tourism in India shortlisted from Scopus and Google Scholar.

Findings

Future research should focus on gauging the potential of food tourism in different regions of the country, applying theoretical frameworks that have not been used. “Culinary Diversity and Heritage,” “Sustainable and Responsible Food Tourism,” “Consumer Behavior and Food Tourism Experiences,” “Rural Development and Economic Impact,” “Technology and Digitalization,” “Stakeholder Collaboration,” “Food Safety and Hygiene” and “Policy and Regulation” were the identified future research themes. These findings are significant for emerging economies across the globe.

Research limitations/implications

This study summarized the progress of food tourism research in India, the contributions and emerging themes, supplementing the need to study food tourism in India. This study contributed methodologically to the literature by adopting a multimethod review combining descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis. Finally, by proposing ideas and constructs for future research, this study provides directions for future food tourism research from an emerging market’s perspective.

Practical implications

Findings will assist managers and stakeholders in comprehending the factors influencing tourists, destination marketing and branding, aiding in effective planning and executing food tourism strategies to promote destinations. The identified themes and keywords can help academicians and researchers dwell upon the emerging research themes in food tourism.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study analyzing food tourism research in India adopting a multimethod analysis. The study provides an in-depth analysis applying descriptive, narrative and bibliometric analysis, highlighting the critical trends and research themes. A framework for future studies was also proposed.

目的

该研究旨在通过回顾有关美食旅游的现有文献, 提供来自新兴市场的观点, 从而强化现有的知识。本研究采用多方法分析, 深入了解印度美食旅游的发展、贡献、重要发现和新兴研究主题。

设计/方法/方法

该研究采用了多种方法分析, 使用 VOSviewer 进行描述性、叙述性和文献计量分析, 以分析从 Scopus 和谷歌学术搜索中入围的关于印度美食旅游的研究论文。

调查结果

未来的研究应侧重于衡量该国不同地区美食旅游的潜力, 应用尚未使用的理论框架。 “烹饪多样性和传统”、“可持续和负责任的美食旅游”、“消费者行为和美食旅游体验”、“农村发展和经济影响”、“技术和数字化”、“利益相关者协作”、“食品安全和卫生”, “政策与法规”是确定的未来研究主题。这些发现对全球新兴经济体具有重要意义。

理论意义

本研究总结了印度美食旅游研究的进展、贡献和新兴主题, 补充了研究印度美食旅游的必要性。本研究采用结合描述性、叙述性和文献计量分析的多方法回顾, 在方法论上为文献做出了贡献。最后, 通过提出未来研究的思路和结构, 本研究从新兴市场的角度为未来的美食旅游研究提供了方向。

实践意义

调查结果将帮助管理者和利益相关者理解影响游客、目的地营销和品牌的因素, 帮助有效规划和执行食品旅游战略以促进目的地。 确定的主题和关键词可以帮助院士和研究人员深入研究食品旅游中新兴的研究主题。

独创性/价值

Objetivo

El estudio tiene como objetivo mejorar el conocimiento al ofrecer perspectivas de un mercado emergente mediante la revisión de la literatura existente sobre turismo gastronómico. Este estudio aplica un análisis de múltiples métodos, que proporciona información sobre el avance del turismo gastronómico en la India, las contribuciones, los hallazgos críticos y los temas de investigación emergentes.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El estudio adoptó un análisis multimétodo mediante un análisis descriptivo, narrativo y bibliométrico utilizando VOSviewer para analizar los artículos de investigación publicados sobre el turismo gastronómico en la India preseleccionados de Scopus y Google Scholar.

Resultados

La investigación futura debería centrarse en calibrar el potencial del turismo gastronómico en las distintas regiones del país, aplicando marcos teóricos que no se han utilizado. “Diversidad culinaria y patrimonio”, “Turismo gastronómico sostenible y responsable”, “Comportamiento del consumidor y experiencias de turismo gastronómico”, “Desarrollo rural e impacto económico”, “Tecnología y digitalización”, “Colaboración de las partes interesadas”, “Seguridad e higiene alimentaria”, “Política y regulación” fueron los temas de investigación futura identificados. Estos hallazgos son significativos para las economías emergentes de todo el mundo.

Implicaciones teóricas

Este estudio resumió el progreso de la investigación sobre turismo alimentario en la India, las contribuciones y los temas emergentes, complementando la necesidad de estudiar el turismo alimentario en la India. Este estudio contribuyó metodológicamente a la bibliografía al adoptar una revisión multimétodo que combina el análisis descriptivo, narrativo y bibliométrico. Por último, al proponer ideas y constructos para futuras investigaciones, este estudio proporciona orientaciones para futuras investigaciones sobre el turismo gastronómico desde la perspectiva de un mercado emergente.

Implicaciones practices

Los resultados ayudarán a los gestores y a las partes interesadas a comprender los factores que influyen en los turistas, el marketing de los destinos y la creación de marcas, contribuyendo a una planificación y ejecución eficaces de las estrategias de turismo gastronómico para promocionar los destinos. Los temas y palabras clave identificados pueden ayudar a los académicos e investigadores a profundizar en los temas de investigación emergentes en el turismo gastronómico.

Originalidad/valor

Se trata del primer estudio que analiza la investigación sobre turismo gastronómico en la India adoptando un análisis multimétodo. El estudio proporciona un análisis en profundidad aplicando un análisis descriptivo, narrativo y bibliométrico, destacando las tendencias críticas y los temas de investigación. También se propone un marco para futuros estudios.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Mehroosh Tak, Kirsty Blair and João Gabriel Oliveira Marques

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…

Abstract

Purpose

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.

Design/methodology/approach

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.

Findings

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.

Social implications

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.

Originality/value

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.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 October 2023

Ulla-Maija Sutinen, Roosa Luukkonen and Elina Närvänen

This study aims to examine adolescents’ social media environment connected to unhealthy food marketing. As social media have become a ubiquitous part of young people’s everyday…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine adolescents’ social media environment connected to unhealthy food marketing. As social media have become a ubiquitous part of young people’s everyday lives, marketers have also shifted their focus to these channels. Literature on this phenomenon is still scarce and often takes a quite narrow view of the role of marketing in social media. Furthermore, the experiences of the adolescents are seldom considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sociocultural approach and netnographic methodology, this study presents findings from a research project conducted in Finland. The data consist of both social media material and focus group interviews with adolescents.

Findings

The findings elaborate on unhealthy food marketing to adolescents in social media from two perspectives: sociocultural representations of unhealthy foods in social media marketing and social media influencers connecting with adolescents.

Originality/value

The study broadens and deepens the current understanding of unhealthy food marketing to adolescents taking place in social media. The study introduces a novel perspective to the topic by looking at it as a sociocultural phenomenon.

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Ozan Güngör and Mehtap Yücel Güngör

The hospitality industry is on the cusp of a culinary revolution, propelled by the integration of smart cooking technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). This article delves…

Abstract

Purpose

The hospitality industry is on the cusp of a culinary revolution, propelled by the integration of smart cooking technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). This article delves into how these innovations are transforming hotel and restaurant kitchens, emphasizing food quality, operational efficiency and sustainability. Through AI, the culinary domain promises not just refined dining experiences but also a fundamental reshaping of kitchen operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes a document review prepared by examining the academic literature regarding the chosen concepts in a wide range of contexts.

Findings

Smart cooking provides much convenience in working life with the help of technology, and this technology will be given more space in the future.

Originality/value

This article presents a review of the relevant literature on smart cooking systems, one of the developing digital gastronomy tools.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Hosameldin Tawfik

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intention to avoid food waste (IAFW) and the use of food-sharing technologies, such as internet platforms and mobile…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intention to avoid food waste (IAFW) and the use of food-sharing technologies, such as internet platforms and mobile applications. The study utilized a model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as an extension of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2).

Design/methodology/approach

An online platform tool (Prolific), and online self-report questionnaires were used to gather empirical data on 309 individuals. These data were then analyzed using two-step structural equation modeling.

Findings

The model explained 76% of the variance in user adoption of food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms, supporting seven out of the nine tested hypotheses. Effort expectancy, social influence and IAFW were found to be the significant determinants of the behavioural intention to use food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms (BITA). IAFW partially mediated the relationship between perceived behavior control and BITA. Age played a moderator role between the adoption of food-sharing mobile applications and internet platforms. However, IAFW did not play a mediating role between environmental concerns and BITA. The facilitating condition construct had an insignificant impact on BITA.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was affected by some limitations. First, the data may not be considered as statistically representative because they were gathered online. However, the varied sociodemographic backgrounds of the respondents would boost the reliability of the findings. However, it would be prudent to use caution when extrapolating these findings to other contexts and cultures. Second, environmental concerns and perceived behavior control related to the avoidance of food waste behavior, as well as other factors that affect technology acceptance, may alter with time. Data from cross-sections may cause difficulties in following such changes. Thus, we recommend that longitudinal research studies aimed at building on our findings should be conducted. A qualitative study may help gain deeper insights into the relationship between IAFW related behavior and the adoption of various technologies to share leftover food, thereby revealing further details regarding different perspectives held by various respondents.

Practical implications

The positive relationship between environmental concerns and IAFW underlines the significance of investing in this area to raise social awareness and public concern for environmental safety. Additional initiatives aimed at increasing public concern regarding environmental issues may increase the overall IAFW. Instead of concentrating on a single source pertaining to the avoidance of food waste, the government and policy regulations should focus on regulating and eliminating waste from all sources that generate waste. The adoption of technology to share leftover meals may be influenced by social factors. Increased advertising for food-sharing mobile apps and online platforms may persuade more users to join. Additionally, building additional platforms and mobile apps in these fields with friendlier interactions may improve the cyber environment, making it easier for people to use them. By providing information, tools and assistance to promote the reduction of food wastage, policymakers may create interventions that enhance public perception and behavior toward the reduction of food waste. In conclusion, the findings of our study indicated that the social impact and ease of use are important factors in determining the adoption of food-sharing technology. Cooperation with social influencers, policymakers and developers may lead to the development of user-friendly technology that may improve accessibility to food-sharing technology.

Social implications

In order to encourage the adoption of food-sharing technology among various age groups, policymakers may create initiatives that take the specific requirements and traits of each group into consideration. Policymakers and governments may also create legislation and regulations that are tailored to guarantee food safety and health security for users of food-sharing technology, such as instructions for handling and storing food as well as safeguards against food fraud and contamination.

Originality/value

This study addressed practical issues related to managing and reducing household food wastage through social sharing via mobile applications and internet platforms. The proposed model, which integrated TPB with UTAUT2 in the context of food wastage and technology acceptance, contributes to the current body of knowledge.

Details

Technological Sustainability, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-1312

Keywords

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