Purpose The purpose of this study is to reveal food waste patterns and the economic-environmental impacts of these patterns based on differences between countries at the global level, category-based and country-comparative data were examined using multivariate quantitative analysis techniques. Design/methodology/approach A panel dataset with a total of 4,997 observations was used in the study. The main variables include food waste per capita, total amount of waste, population size, household waste rate, and economic loss. The stationarity of the series was evaluated with the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test; the first difference was applied to the non-stationary series. Granger causality tests were used between the variables whose stationarity was achieved, and directional effects and simultaneous relationships were analyzed. Findings The analysis revealed that food waste per capita significantly affects economic losses. In addition, increases in the total amount of waste also increase economic losses. While population growth significantly affects both total waste and financial loss, changes in household waste rate were found to be determinant of these two variables. Directional causality and simultaneous relationships were significant in all variable pairs. Research limitations/implications There are some limitations to the study. The study focused only on economic variables and excluded social and cultural factors. The data covered eight years, and the dynamics of change beyond this period could not be analyzed. In addition, the number of observations was limited due to a lack of data in some countries. Although the data sources are reliable, unregistered consumption or lack of waste reporting in some countries may have affected the analyses. Although the Granger test applied shows the direction of causality, it does not fully explain the cause of the relationship. The variables used in the model reflect only the quantitative aspect of waste; qualitative dimensions are ignored. In future studies, including demographic, cultural, and governance variables may expand the scope of the analysis. In addition, the effects of individual consumption behaviors and psychological factors should be examined in more detail. Practical implications The model dynamically reveals the relationship between consumption habits and economic losses, creating a strong basis for forward-looking policy interventions. The necessity of developing strategies to reduce food waste, especially in developing countries, with increasing population pressure, has been demonstrated. The main intervention areas suggested for policymakers can be household awareness programs, improvement of waste measurement systems, and tax incentives to reduce unregistered consumption. Social implications The study shows that global food waste should be evaluated as an anti-sustainability trend. This trend is seen to disrupt not only the environment but also economic balances at national and global levels. Originality/value The study offers new perspectives in the context of sustainable consumption theory and the environmental justice approach. Empirical study presents new findings about food waste impact on economic losses. While population growth significantly affects both total waste and financial loss, changes in household waste rate were found to be determinant of these two variables. Directional causality and simultaneous relationships were significant in all variable pairs.

Purpose Dried fruits, as low-moisture foods (aw < 0.85), are traditionally considered low-risk food commodities. However, recent foodborne outbreaks have challenged this perception, emphasizing the need for more in-depth research on food safety practices amongst individuals who dry fruits at home. This study explored factors influencing food safety behaviours of home apple dryers in order to guide development of more effective outreach materials. Design/methodology/approach In May 2021, an online survey was conducted amongst a cohort of home apple dryers across the USA (n = 979) using Qualtrics XM. Findings The results revealed that participants’ demographics, gender, age, income and education significantly influence their fruit drying practices. Females were nearly twice as likely (odds ratio = 1.92) as males to clean and sanitise utensils used for drying. Study participants predominantly believe that high-moisture foods such as raw meat (mean = 7.2) and raw milk (mean = 6.3) present greater risk of foodborne illness than do low-moisture foods like dried fruit (mean = 3.7). Participants’ perception of risk was shown to potentially influence their food safety behaviours. Paradoxically, participants with higher risk perception were more likely to clean apples using alternative methods rather than the US food and drug administration recommended method, rinsing the fruit under running water. Originality/value The study demonstrates that formal training and targeted food safety information can significantly elevate individual risk perception, thereby fostering safer food handling practices. These findings underscore the need for tailored food safety education outreach materials for individuals who dry fruits at home.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore consumers’ behavioral intention toward ethnic restaurants with an emphasis on perceived healthfulness. It involves two distinct studies, each designed to assess whether perceived authenticity antecedes the positive effect of perceived healthfulness and to explore the moderating role of unfavorable calorie disconfirmations in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach Data are gathered from 786 to 792 US consumers for studies 1 and 2, respectively. The PROCESS model is used to test the interrelationships among perceived healthfulness, perceived authenticity, unfavorable calorie disconfirmation and behavioral intention. Findings The findings indicate that perceived healthfulness serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between perceived authenticity and behavioral intention. Additionally, the association between perceived authenticity and perceived healthfulness is attenuated when consumers encounter unfavorable calorie disconfirmation. Originality/value This study presents a comprehensive framework that illustrates how healthfulness perceptions influence behavioral intentions toward ethnic restaurants. It uniquely links perceived healthfulness with other important factors such as perceived authenticity and unfavorable calorie disconfirmation, offering a new perspective on the decision-making process in ethnic dining.

Purpose This study examines the growing trend of open kitchens in the restaurant industry and their impact on building restaurant credibility. With increasing customer demand for transparency in food preparation, this research explores how witnessing the cooking process can influence trust, loyalty and positive word-of-mouth (WOM) promotion, both offline and on social media. Design/methodology/approach This study surveyed 702 respondents who dined in restaurants with open kitchens. Data were collected to analyze customer perceptions of transparency, trust and the likelihood of sharing dining experiences on social media. This study investigates the correlation between these factors and overall brand credibility. Findings The results show that open kitchens enhance customers’ trust in restaurants, strengthening both brand reputation and loyalty. Transparency in food preparation not only increases customer satisfaction but also encourages diners to promote restaurants through WOM and social media engagement, leading to repeat visits. Originality/value This study highlights the critical role of transparency in the dining experience as a means of strengthening brand credibility. This adds to the existing literature by emphasizing the importance of open kitchens in fostering customer trust, loyalty and active social media promotion, offering insights for restaurant operators to leverage transparency as a competitive advantage.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how the literature has addressed agri-food products within the various place branding approaches. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Articles were analyzed using bibliometric data and synthesized by grouping them based on their proximity to place branding terms. A descriptive analysis was also conducted, which included coding and categorization, resulting in constructs that were generalized into a conceptual model. Findings The results show that despite the existence of several similar approaches to place branding, there appears to be no clear distinction between them. Regardless of the conceptual framing, the articles indicated a synergy between food and place that can lead to positive outcomes by enhancing value perceptions and fostering local development. Furthermore, the degree of social capital development, coupled with marketing strategies and management practices related to sustainability, can be considered as key enablers that enhance these outcomes. Originality/value This study explores the intersection between place branding and agri-food products, taking into account the different approaches of place branding, which enriches the existing literature. Furthermore, the findings, presented through a conceptual model, provide valuable insights into how food can contribute to local development through place branding strategies.

Purpose The current study aims to understand better Austrian consumers’ barriers to and benefits of meat alternatives while differentiating between consumer segments based on current meat alternatives’ consumption behavior. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a sample representative of the Austrian population (N = 846), the study (1) identifies consumer segments based on their meat alternative consumption and demonstrates significant differences between these segments in terms of demographics and general food attitude, (2) analyzes 2,127 associations – gained through a free association task – with content analysis and multiple correspondence analysis to describe sub-profiles of the consumer segments. Findings Three segments (avoiders, experimenters, adopters) are described in demographic data (age, gender, education) and various food-related constructs. The sub-profiles of the three segments are detailed based on the categorized free associations. Research limitations/implications The representative sample allows for valid generalizations for the population and guides policymakers on marketers’ communication strategies. Practical implications Results allow policymakers and marketers to target different consumer segments (and sub-profiles) with tailored marketing strategies. Knowledge of varying barriers and concerns regarding adopting meat alternatives helps them reduce or eliminate problems and promote a more plant-based diet. Originality/value The study is the first to segment Austrian consumers using a mixed-method approach based on their alternative meat consumption behavior. A combination of a free word association task and the quantitative measurement of several food-related constructs provide novel and in-depth insights into consumers’ sentiments toward meat alternatives.

Purpose This study aims to synthesise existing research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of food supply chains by evaluating technological advancements that can address the challenges in food supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach The scientometric analysis, a quantitative study using statistical methods, selected English publications from after 2014, excluding non-peer-reviewed articles. This study analysed 479 research papers, filtered from 621 articles indexed in Scopus. Findings The review highlights key challenges in food SCM: perishability, increased intermediaries, safety compliance and sustainability. Technological solutions such as blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data (BD) analytics are promising tools to address these issues and attention to food wastage, security and catering services is also essential. Research limitations/implications The study relies on existing literature, possibly missing emerging technologies like multi-enterprise platforms for food certification. Practical implications This review offers valuable insights for food supply chain practitioners by highlighting current trends and contributions from different regions. It underscores the importance of technologies and considers adopting innovative technologies to enhance operations and efficiency. Social implications Accurate food SCM through technological solutions can reduce waste and lower the environmental impact of food production and distribution, emphasising sustainable SCM. Originality/value This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by systematically reviewing the literature on food SCM and identifying the role of technology in overcoming its challenges. It also directs research on future trends of digitalisation of food SCM.

Purpose This study aims to explore consumer behavior in terms of pre-, actual, and post-purchase behavior of green agricultural food products based on planned behavior and social exchange theory. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from the same 473 respondents across different phases. Findings The findings reveal that quality factors significantly influence consumer purchase behavior. Additionally, environmental and societal factors significantly enhance consumer behavior in online shopping for these products. Notably, consumer complaints have an inverse relationship with consumer satisfaction and loyalty. Meanwhile, emotional intensity was identified as a moderator, identifying the role these relationships play in the online shopping context of agricultural products. Originality/value Practically, the research can guide businesses in developing marketing strategies that align with consumers’ behavior toward green products.

Purpose The sustainability benefits of millets are well established, and the literature is witnessing an emerging body of work to evaluate factors affecting millet consumption. Previous studies recommend understanding motives and barriers to consumption for developing millet promotional strategies for demand creation. Subscriptions are envisaged to enable consumers to directly connect with millet producers and retailers, thereby removing several consumption barriers. The present study aims to assess the consumer perception towards subscription of millet-based products (MBPs) and their willingness to subscribe. Design/methodology/approach The study explores an amalgamation of three consumer behaviour theories, namely, Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour, Perceived Risk Theory and Theory of Consumption Value to assess consumer’s willingness to subscribe to MBPs. The study employs binary logistic regression to assess demographic factors and structural equation modelling to assess motives and barriers influencing consumers’ willingness to subscribe. Finally, the significant demographic factors are mapped against significant motives and barriers to results in a Consumer Trait Matrix. Findings Nearly 59% of the respondents are willing to subscribe. The higher the frequency of millet consumption, the higher the willingness. In terms of motives and barriers, “attitude towards millets”, “subscription attitude” and “past behaviour” have a positive influence on willingness to subscribe. In addition, “consumption motives” and “consumption barriers” significantly influence “past behaviour” of consumers. Originality/value The study contributes to advancing the research by assessing subscriptions as a strategy to promote millet consumption. Industry players can utilize the Consumer Trait Matrix for devising their marketing and communication strategies for millet promotion.

Purpose This study aims to empirically analyze the impact of regulation awareness in relation to the “Anti-Food Waste Law” and focuses on wasting rice in online purchased meals and its underlying mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach A survey conducted from October 2023 to May 2024 collected responses from 998 consumers in Shanghai, China. The analysis involves the sequential application of several methodologies, including the entropy method, descriptive statistical analysis, logit models, the Karlson-Holm-Breen method, instrumental variable methods and propensity score matching. Findings Regulation awareness reduces rice-wasting behavior in online purchased meals by enhancing consumer food security literacy, which acts as a complete mediating variable. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the regulation awareness effect reduces rice waste, especially among consumers older than 30 years, those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, and suburban area residents. Originality/value The results underscore the major role of regulation awareness in rice wasting reduction in online purchased meals among consumers. Furthermore, increasing consumer food security literacy serves as an effective intervention strategy and provides insights for the formulation of effective food waste reduction policies.