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In this commentary, we thus call for more research that addresses demand-side GHG emission mitigation strategies related to food - that is, the reduction of meat consumption and food waste - from an international marketing perspective. The global food system (i.e., production, transport, processing, packaging, storage, retail, consumption, loss, and waste of food) is responsible for 34% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ([4]). It would therefore be interesting to study how Western consumers may overcome food neophobia, particularly related to the consumption of insects and seaweed, two foods already included in Asian diets and have great potential to serve as an alternative protein source to meat. [Extracted from the article]

Pea (Pisum sativum) protein, as a pulse protein second only to soy protein, has shown increasing popularity in the plant-based food market. Numerous studies have shown the desirable techno-functionalities of pea protein for emulsifying, gelling, and foaming. Nevertheless, poor digestibility and unpleasant beany flavors of pea protein lower consumer acceptance. The current state of understanding on digestibility and beany attributes of pea proteins could help pave the way for pea protein-based food formulation with improved quality. This paper covers recently reported studies to modulate the digestibility and beany notes of pea protein by many processing techniques, and highlights the influence of non-protein components and food matrix structures while formulating pea protein-based food systems. Several modification techniques could alter the digestibility and improve the flavor of pea proteins by reorienting the protein structures or forming protein-based complexes. Precise tailoring the digestibility/flavor of pea proteins is promising based on current research, though further investigation is still required to reduce adverse effects or side products. In addition, more studies on simulated pea protein-based food systems are required to mimic the actual food comprising multi-components and specific structures to narrow the gap between lab-scale research and food industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of proper cleaning and sanitizing practices on natural food-contact surfaces can lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of cleaning and sanitizing methods for reducing Salmonella inoculated onto banana leaf and bamboo basket surfaces. Surfaces were inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail and assigned to a combination treatment of cleaning and sanitizing methods. Three cleaning methods were evaluated (wiping, scrubbing, or no cleaning) alone or in combination with 200 ppm of bleach or 400 ppm of peracetic acid (either applied for 3 or 5 min) or no sanitizing. Regardless of cleaning method or contact time, peracetic acid reduced Salmonella on banana leaves to a level below the limit of quantification (<1.44 log CFU/cm2). The efficacy of sanitizing with bleach for banana leaves differed depending on the cleaning method (P = 0.044). Bleach applied for 5 min with wiping was most effective and reduced Salmonella on banana leaves to 2.85 log CFU/cm2 (95% confidence interval: 2.52, 3.18). For bamboo baskets, the most effective treatment was sanitizing with peracetic acid for 5 min regardless of cleaning method (P < 0.0001). This study offers insights for controlling Salmonella on food-contact surfaces commonly used in Cambodian fresh food markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines black-market food activities in the German-occupied territory of the General Government during World War II. Unlike in other areas of occupied Poland (e.g. in areas incorporated into the Reich), in the General Government, and especially in Warsaw, the black market became a specialist discipline, often practiced professionally. The article argues that this professionalized black market thrived in large part due to the corruption of German authorities and their powerlessness to enforce the harsh system of rules and prohibitions around illegal food trade. An analysis of Polish and German archival materials, ego-documents, as well as both the official and underground press shows that this corruption and inability to control characterized the entire supply chain of black-market food, from production in the countryside, transfer to cities, and distribution and consumption in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Food marketing restrictions often apply nutrient profile models (NPM) to distinguish unhealthy products that should not be advertised, however brand-only marketing remains largely unaddressed. We sought to test a threshold method for classifying packaged food, beverage, or fast-food brands as (non)permitted for marketing, based on the nutrient profile of their product-lines. Methods: We retrieved nutrient information from the Nutritrack databases for all products sold by the top 51 packaged food, beverage and fast-food brands in New Zealand, selected by market share. All products under each brand were classified as permitted (or not) to be marketed to children, using the NPM for WHO Western Pacific. The 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% threshold of brands' products permitted to market were compared. The 50% and 75% thresholds were compared to the WHO CLICK method, which is based on assessment of the brand's leading product. Results: The 90% threshold permitted 13% of the brands to be marketed to children. The 25% threshold permitted the marketing of 62% of brands. The 50% and 75% thresholds remained highly sensitive in identifying brands that should not be marketed to children. Comparison to the WHO CLICK method identified that a threshold method is more comprehensive and less arbitrary. Conclusions: A threshold model based on product-line nutrient profiling provides a robust and option for brand classification. The 50% and 75% thresholds may be the most politically preferred options for use in regulation, while remaining highly effective. Practitioner points: Brand marketing (e.g. sponsorship) remains largely unaddressed in existing restrictions on unhealthy food and beverage marketing to children. An established Nutrient Profile Model can be applied to a brand's entire product line, allowing calculation of the proportion of products that would not be permitted to be advertised to children. Restricting brand marketing for food and beverage brands with less than 50% or 75% of their products classified as 'permitted to be marketed to children' is a robust and evidence-based method that can be applied in regulation, with potential to mitigate industry challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue Addressed: The pervasive promotion of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor food and drinks undermines efforts by adolescents and their parent/carers to maintain a nutritious diet during a crucial developmental period. This study examined the association between awareness of food and drink advertisements and adolescents' dietary behaviours and intake. Methods: A sample of Australian secondary students aged 12–17 years (N = 8763) self‐reported their awareness of food and drink advertisements across seven settings, whether they had tried a new product or asked a parent/carer to purchase a product they had seen advertised, and their consumption of various unhealthy food and drink types. Analyses used multilevel mixed‐effects generalised linear models adjusted for school‐level clustering, socio‐demographic factors and television viewing. Results: Students with higher advertising awareness were more likely to have tried a new product they had seen advertised (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.51–1.73, p <.001) and asked their parent/carer to buy an advertised product (APR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.51–1.73, p <.001) at least once in the past month. As advertising awareness increased, so too did students' likelihood of reporting these dietary behaviours. A high unhealthy food intake was more commonly reported among students with higher advertising awareness (APR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.32–1.58, p <.001), as was a high unhealthy drink intake (APR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.18–1.42, p <.001). Conclusions: Australian adolescents are vulnerable to the persuasive effects of food and drink marketing. So What?: Greater restrictions on the way the food and drink industry can market their products to adolescents are needed to better support them in developing and maintaining positive dietary behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the role of shared meaning for organising Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). Extant research shows that organisational elements, such as rules, and hybridisation of conventional and alternative modes of food provisioning are important for AFN organisation. Yet, they might both enable and hinder the aims of AFNs. Complementing this body of research, the article investigates how AFN participants work out the appropriate kind of organisation for realising 'a promise of difference'. Introducing Zelizer's 'relational work', the article investigates how AFN participants foster a shared meaning of participating and thereby identify what practices are appropriate for its organisation. The analysis draws on extensive ethnographic materials from Swedish REKO‐rings (a direct marketing arrangement for local foods). The findings show how the REKO‐ring participants' relational work negotiates and establishes shared meaning; what practices are appropriate and inappropriate for organising decent food provisioning. The study contributes to extant research by showing the fundamental role of shared (and discordant) meaning for the organisation of market‐based alternatives to the current food system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents spend much of their time online and hence are exposed to a lot of non‐core (energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor) social media food marketing (SMFM). This may influence their dietary choices and health. This present study aimed to investigate adolescents' perceptions towards SMFM; that is, their recognition and appreciation of SMFM. Methods: Semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews were conducted with Dutch adolescents aged 13–16 years (n = 16), on Skype. Examples of food promotions on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube were discussed with adolescents. Results: Adolescents' reasons for recognising and appreciating or liking SMFM were often related to the level of product integration. Factors that determined participants' recognition of SMFM included product focus (e.g., brand or product prominence), sponsorship disclosure, type of content (paid, influencer and peer‐generated content) and promotional strategy (e.g., discounts, promotional texts, layout). Participants' appreciation of SMFM was determined by the format of a post (image, video, text, pop‐up), trustworthiness of the source (brand, celebrity, friend/peer), type of product promoted (core, non‐core) and appearance or layout of a post (e.g., professionalism, appeal). Conclusions: The present study contributes to the ongoing debate on how to increase adolescents' resilience to commercial messages that promote non‐core foods. Adolescents mostly enjoy watching non‐core video content from peers or influencers and do not perceive this as food marketing. It is recommended that future studies investigate the effects of earned social media marketing formats (i.e., unpaid peer and influencer endorsements) promoting non‐core foods on adolescents' dietary intake, and how they can be made more critical towards such types of SMFM. Highlights: Adolescents mostly identify social media food marketing based on product prominence.Sponsorship disclosure in social media is not always recognised by adolescents.Trust is a key determinant for adolescents' appreciation of social media food posts.Adolescents prefer seeing unhealthy social media food promotions.Adolescents like earned social media food content but do not perceive it as marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have found that growing or wild-harvesting some of one's own food is associated with food security in high-income societies. Yet this research has not established causal relationships, and it measures household food security using indicators that assess only access to market food. To disentangle how non-market food production interacts with food security, we interviewed 26 key informants who play central roles in communities of gardeners, hunters, fishers, foragers, and homesteaders in northern New England, U.S.A. These informants indicated that non-market food production relates ambiguously to short-term food access in high-income societies where market food is cheap relative to wages. But non-market production can enhance all other recognized dimensions of food security: availability, adequacy, acceptability, agency, utilization, stability, and sustainability. Causation can run the other way, too: food insecurity was said to increase the likelihood and intensity of engagement in non-market food production. Yet poverty can deprive food-insecure households of the equipment, money, skills, and land access needed for successfully producing their own food. Overall, our informants portrayed non-market food production as a skills-based safety net for reliably feeding oneself from the landscape through personal and societal crises, from the distant past to the climate-change future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feta cheese is a Greek product under Protection Designation of Origin (PDO), benefiting its producing regions with its marketing potential. However, farmers are evidently often excluded from this value chain. This study aims at understanding the opportunities farmers in Greece have for supply chain arrangements (SCAs) that ensure fair market participation. It uses a two-step latent class analysis on data from a farm survey to explore and classify farmer–cheesemaker SCAs based on their perceived characteristics, farmers' satisfaction, availability of alternative options and farmers' sustainability objectives. Results highlight the importance of collective arrangements, economic incentives and price formulation mechanisms in forming farmer-inclusive SCAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of digital food marketing to teenagers and its potential impact on food preferences and consumption, little is known about the specific food advertisements teenagers see in Canada and how they perceive them. Further, few studies consult teenagers directly about their perceptions of teen-specific food marketing content. To shed light on such issues, this study examines perceptions of food marketing and self-reported media use of Canadian teenagers via an online survey. Four hundred and sixty-four teenagers (ages 13–17) participated. Overall, teenagers identified Instagram and TikTok as the most popular social media platforms. The top food or beverage brands that teens felt specifically targeted them were McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola and Tim Hortons, while Instagram was deemed the most important media platform when it comes to teen-targeted food marketing. Teens deemed "celebrity" and "visual style" as the most important (food and beverage) advertising techniques when it comes to persuading teenagers to buy. Overall, the study provides insights into teen media use and brand preference, including the brands teens feel target them most directly and what they consider to be salient in terms of the food advertising they see. It also provides valuable details for researchers seeking to further identify and measure elements of teen-targeted food marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary offers a timely exploration of participatory food provisioning via emerging food technologies. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies of these technologies, we elucidate the changing nature of prosumption in orchestrating food market provisioning. Our investigation highlights a shift toward a non-anthropocentric vision of market provisioning, where value creation transcends human-centered paradigms to include alliances between humans, technology, and nature. By articulating the nuanced dynamics and outcomes of these alliances in the food market, we propose a reimagined perspective on value creation, urging macromarketing scholars to consider the broader implications of technology-driven, participatory food systems. Ultimately, we emphasize the necessity of integrating human and non-human stakeholders in the discourse on value creation, and challenge conventional notions of control, democratization, and sociality within prevailing food-provisioning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the RAM 2024 Special Issue on Marketing and Food, designed to report on and stimulate new scientific advancements in the field. It discusses the conflicting concerns related to food consumption and the emerging practices of consumers and industry players. The Special Issue explores how consumers react to new technologies used in post-purchase situations through the representation of experiences via social media (David et al., 2024). Food is at the heart of today's sustainability issues, and this Special Issue shows that the environmental impact of food consumption is influenced by the provisioning systems geographically available for consumers (Mourre et al., 2024) and by the perceived and objective accessibility of local food at the moment of choice (in supermarkets or restaurants; Garcia et al., 2024). Consumers' reactions to retailers' sustainable initiatives to manage and prevent food waste are shown to be ambivalent (Hanan et al., 2024), revealing a complex relationship. Finally, the Special Issue explores consumers' reconnection with food consumption through mindful eating, allowing a greater focus on internal sensations and fostering awareness of both personal motivations and the environmental impact of consumption (Dupont Le Priol and Schmitt, 2024). Avenues for future research and implications for practice and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Food marketing has long been recognized to influence food preferences, consumption and health, yet little is known about the nature and extent of food marketing to young adults – especially with respect to their real-world encounters with food marketing and the appeals they find persuasive. This study aims to engage young adults to explore the persuasive power of food marketing and its platforms of exposure. Design/methodology/approach: Participatory research with 45 young adults, who used a specially designed mobile app to capture the food marketing they encountered for seven days, including information on brand, product, platform and "power" (i.e. the specific techniques that made the advertisement persuasive). Findings: A total of 618 ads were captured for analysis. Results revealed the dominance of digital platforms (especially Instagram, comprising 43% of ads), fast food and beverage brands (48% of ads) and the top persuasive techniques of visual style, special offer and theme. Originality/value: This study uniquely draws from framing theory to advance the notions of selection and salience to understand food marketing power. It is the first study of its kind to provide a comprehensive look at the platforms and persuasive techniques of food marketing to adults as selected, captured and tagged by participants. It provides timely insights into young adults and food marketing to adults, including where it is encountered, the (generally unhealthy) brands and products promoted and how it is made meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the role of food aid providers, including their spatial engagement, in seeking to alleviate urban food poverty. Current levels of urban poverty across the UK have resulted in an unprecedented demand for food aid. Yet, urban poverty responsibility increasingly shifts away from policymakers to the third sector. Building on Castilhos and Dolbec's notion of segregating space and original qualitative research with food aid organisations, we show how social supermarkets emerge as offering a type of transitional space between the segregating spaces of foodbanks and the market spaces of mainstream food retailers. This research contributes to existing literature by establishing the concept of transitional space, an additional type of space that facilitates movement between types of spaces and particularly transitions from the segregating spaces of emergency food aid to more secure spaces of food access. In so doing, this research extends Castilhos and Dolbec's typology of spaces, enabling a more nuanced depiction of the spatiality of urban food poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Analyse the breakfast cereal market to help to help healthcare professionals to guide parents in choosing healthy products for their children. Study design: Observational study of the breakfast cereals available in the biggest supermarkets, discount stores and organic chains in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Methods: An analysis of nutritional qualities using three indicators: Nutri-Score (initial and modified version), WHO Europe nutrient profile model, and Nova. Results: 645 products were listed; 559 excluding duplicates. A total of 28.8% are marketed to children and make up the group of "children's" cereals, 62.1% of cereals are Muesli, Oats and other cereal flakes (MOCF), and 54.9% are "organic". The study shows that "children's" cereals have a poorer nutritional profile: a higher proportion of Nutri-Score D, higher sugar content, lower fibre content, less conformity with the WHO Europe nutrient profile model and a higher proportion ofultra-processed. On the other hand, MOCF and "organic" products generally have a better nutritional profile: less sugar, more fibre, more Nutri-Score A, less Nutri-Score D and fewer ultra-processed products. Conclusions: Parents should therefore opt for cereals that do not bear any reference to children on the packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author's algorithm for risk assessment in the development of roadmaps for state transformation projects, tested on the case of the development of wholesale food markets, is presented. The author's algorithm includes a formalized description of the 8 main stages of the study and uses both classical risk assessment methods and adapted FMEA analysis tools, mathematical statistics methods used to specify the algorithm, taking into account the need to involve experts in the assessment process. The results of the approbation of the methodology, based on the opinions of 120 experts, are attached. The main risks and ways of their mitigation, developed by the expert group during the analysis of the plan for the state transformation of wholesale food markets in terms of consumer cooperation, are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To understand the perspectives of individuals living within food swamps and how they may perceive their access to healthy vs. unhealthy foods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, we examine how they may navigate their food environment to feed themselves and their families. We recruited women of color living within a food swamp neighborhood to share their perspectives on healthy and unhealthy food access, healthy eating, neighborhood resources, and community support. We employed the Photovoice model to engage participants to take photographs and document their experiences through two surveys. A focus group was completed to identify solutions and priorities to improve healthy food access. Nine themes related to food access including marketing, food quality, and affordability were identified. Participants conveyed the “saddening” or “frustrating” experience of taking images, which allowed them to document what they feel is the unfair experience of purchasing food in their own neighborhood. Participants highlighted goals they believed would improve outcomes for their neighborhood while discussing potential stakeholders who may assist the community. Participants identified several existing community assets such as local markets and schools that should be leveraged and expanded to enhance the overall health-promoting aspects of their neighborhood. Community members are able to identify the prevalence of unhealthy foods in their neighborhoods and work diligently to combat issues of food access. After completion of the Photovoice study, participants felt more confident about their ability to influence community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional food markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are pivotal urban spaces, especially for vulnerable populations. These markets are vibrant hubs for commerce, cultural exchange, and social interaction, yet they face challenges such as food safety issues, inadequate infrastructure, and regulation that is a complex mix of informal mechanisms in need of a balanced degree of formalization. Rapid urbanization in SSA and the vulnerabilities of informal settlements underline their enduring importance. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted their crucial role in promoting food access, supporting local economies, and preserving social connections during crises. However, a comprehensive understanding of their multifaceted impact on urban life remains limited. This study provides a systematic narrative literature review with the aims of mapping the existing literature and evaluating their complex impact on vulnerable communities. The review employed a systematic search strategy, encompassing research studies and gray literature. It highlights the geographic distribution of studies across SSA, with a concentration in East and Southern Africa. Nutrition is the most explored theme, followed by governance, with economics and social aspects relatively under examined. Traditional food markets are vital sources of affordable food for the urban poor and serve as pillars of economic mobility, providing livelihoods and employment opportunities, especially for women, and act as hubs for diverse groups to interact. Market governance is complex, often marked by policy misalignments due to insuficient collaboration among stakeholders. Policy initiatives to support traditional foodmarkets in SSA should focus on formalization and context-aware regulations to enhance effciency and vendor security, investment in market- related infrastructure, and nutrition-focused policies and economic support for vendors. Further research is needed to bridge thematic and regional gaps, and to inform evidence-based policy measures to support these vital urban institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the probiotic product market has experienced rapid growth driven by the increasing consumer demand for functional products. Probiotics, defined as 'live microorganisms that have positive effects on host health when taken in sufficient amounts' are widely used in the production of functional foods. Studies have demonstrated that probiotic cells can provide beneficial health effects even when they are not active. The terms paraprobiotic and postbiotic have emerged as alternatives to probiotics, offering potential opportunities in the functional food market. Paraprobiotics are defined as non-living microbial cells that confer health benefits on the host when administered in sufficient quantities. To obtain paraprobiotics, the living cell must be inactivated while preserving its intact structure. Postbiotics are metabolic products secreted by beneficial microorganisms or low molecular weight soluble compounds released into the environment because of microbial cell lysis. Paraprobiotics and postbiotics, which are reported to possess beneficial properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory effects, are applied in the food and pharmacology industries. This study evaluates the definitions of paraprobiotics and postbiotics, their uses in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and their effects on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the European Union has never explicitly regulated so-called 'cultivated meat', the belief held by numerous Member States regarding the possibility of unilaterally enacting laws that prohibit its production and trade at the national level is unfounded. In fact, the regulation on so-called 'novel foods' provides a sufficient legal basis to consider the matter harmonised at the European level, albeit in a formally 'procedural' manner only. Furthermore, the justification for the need for preventive measures on a precautionary basis does not find solid support in European Union law and is, therefore, not suitable to support national legislative initiatives on this matter. This article analyses the reasons for the above, offering a reconstruction of the regulatory framework on cultivated meat from the necessary European perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of menus is a strategic part of the marketing mix of restaurants and the way they can (or can not) create a competitive advantage and attract the customer's attention. In particular, restaurant menus communicate the restaurant unique selling proposition through its unique understanding of terroir. In this sense, the role of restaurants in the protection of local food identities and the promotion of local food heritage has become a topic of increasing interest. From a qualitative study based on a discourse analysis, the aim of this article is to understand the role of food in dining experiences through the storytelling embedded in the menus of the 8 restaurants awarded with the Michelin Green Star in Catalonia. While results show the pivotal role of products with a local origin, the narrative derived from the menus display meaningful relationships between local and global, old and new culinary techniques. Results also show the preoccupation of restaurants toward the protection of the linkages between the products and the territory, and the promotion of a zero-waste cuisine. Theoretical and practical implications are outlined to create both business and destination marketing strategies based on a "green" storytelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the interrelationships between international commodity markets and food security in Brazil. Through bibliographical research, document analysis, and data visualization, this paper illustrates the key connections between the dynamics of agricultural commodity markets, the growth of commodity production in Brazil, and the behavior of food prices in Brazil. Greater integration of the Brazilian food market with the global food market not only raises land use and environmental concerns, but also requires a discussion of development strategies that can ensure national food. The paper's conclusion emphasizes the need for greater understanding of the ongoing dynamics and their local effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the microbiological characteristics of pet food is imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of companion animals, pet owners, and the surrounding environment. Domestic animals, known for carrying harmful microorganisms, pose a significant health risk, especially in close proximity to people and children. Notably, no studies have previously investigated pet food quality in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in particular, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study examined the microbiological quality of all stock keeping units (SKUs) of pet foods marketed in UAE (n = 118). Parameters assessed include Total Aerobic Microbial Count (TAMC), Enterobacteriaceae, Total Yeast and Mold Count (TYMC), Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and Clostridium species. Among the 118 samples, 33 (28%) exceeded the acceptable TAMC limit of 106 CFU/g, highlighting significant variations based on manufacturers and ingredients. Eight samples (7%) surpassed the maximum Enterobacteriaceae limit of 3 × 10² CFU/g. TYMC levels exhibited variation, with 33 (28%) exceeding the limit of 104 CFU/g. L. monocytogenes was identified in 44 (37%) of the samples, while Salmonella was not detected. Clostridium contamination was observed in 28 (24%) of the samples. Statistical analyses revealed associations between pet food characteristics and microbial quality, underscoring the imperative for international standards to ensure the safety of pet food. These findings carry significant implications for pet owners, regulatory bodies, and the pet food industry, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the overall quality and safety of pet food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In global research, food hubs are evaluated as a suitable tool for the development of alternative food networks and the transformation of the agri-food system towards sustainability. However, in Europe, research conclusions in recent years point to a lack of knowledge about operating food hubs. Expanding information about how food hubs work is crucial for improving their operational effectiveness and establishing support from the public sector. Therefore, this exploratory research aims to discover examples of food hubs in Czechia where the term "food hub" is not used and no appropriate equivalent has been developed. This leads to the task of determining the criteria under which it is possible to define existing entities as food hubs. Using several examples supported by qualitative research, the article opens a discussion about the acceptability of the hybridization of alternative food networks. Our findings contribute to the debate about the potential of food hubs to develop local and regional food markets, especially in the context of post-socialist countries, where the conditions are different from the Western states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labeling strategies are often discussed in the context of local food purchase. Substantial research has been undertaken to discern buyers' preferences for different labeling strategies associated with a production practice or a geographic location. Some studies have also emphasized the substitution or complementarity effects that may occur across these different labels. Using a large choice experiment with 1820 respondents across six US southern states, this research evaluates buyers' preferences for co-labeling strategies, focusing on the association of a production practice and certifications (USDA Organic and Certified Naturally Grown) alongside six different production locations, ranging from local to imported sources. We focus on pint baskets of cherry tomatoes, chosen due to their popularity among purchasers of fresh produce. Based on the results provided by a Bayesian Mixed Logit model, we derived the respondent-specific posterior distribution of the partworths associated with each production location and regressed each of those against demographic indicators. Our findings highlight that most buyers substitute between USDA Organic and Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), and a minority consistently opt for the same production practice option. In addition, we underscore that price, or an indication of origin predominantly guides nearly half of buyers' choices. We find that the premium for CNG is slightly superior to the organic one. Last, older respondents and respondents with a higher degree of education value produce grown within their state over neighboring states and more distant origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye tracking plays a crucial role in consumer research. The aim of this work is to present the statuses of studies that used eye tracking as an instrument in consumer research to investigate food from a marketing perspective. For this purpose, a bibliometric review of 118 articles from the Business Source Premier and Web of Science Core Collection database was compiled. The bibliometric review provides information on publication trends, leading authors, collaborative networks, journals, institutions, countries, articles, keywords, and themes investigated. Publications in the research field have appeared since 2011, primarily in Europe, the United States, and Uruguay. Three areas of research streams were identified: (1) how consumers became aware of and chose food, (2) nutritional information and its impact, and (3) how food information and its visual attention led to certain consumer behavior. The bibliographic review summarized past research directions and, thus, identified possibilities for future research streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food marketing targeting children influences their choices and dietary habits, and mainly promotes food high in fat, sugar, and salt as well as ultra-processed food. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional quality of food and beverages marketed to children over the age of 3 and available on the Swiss market. Products with at least one marketing technique targeting children on the packaging were selected from five food store chains. Three criteria to assess nutritional quality were used: (1) nutritional composition (using the Nutri-Score), (2) degree of processing (NOVA classification), and (3) compliance with the World Health Organization (WHO) Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A total of 735 products were found and analyzed. The most common marketing techniques used were childish names/fonts (46.9%), special characters (39.6%), and children's drawings (31.3%). Most products had a Nutri-Score of D or E (58.0%) and were ultra-processed (91.8%). Only 10.2% of products displayed the Nutri-Score. The least processed products generally had a better Nutri-Score (p < 0.001). Most products (92.8%) did not meet the criteria of the WHO NPM. Products that met the WHO NPM criteria, organic products, and products with a nutritional claim generally had a better Nutri-Score and were less processed (ps < 0.05). Pre-packaged foods and beverages marketed to children in the Swiss market were mostly of poor nutritional quality. Public health measures should be adopted to improve the nutritional quality of foods marketed to children in Switzerland and restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods to children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes NielsenIQ household scanner data, exploring the environmental motivation behind organic food consumption using single‐use plastics spending as a proxy for environmental concern. To investigate the relationship between the two environmental behaviors, organic food and single‐use plastic, the study utilizes the instrumental variable approach to account for the potential endogeneity in revealed preference data. Results show a significant negative association between single‐use plastic and organic food purchases, underscoring environmental concern as one of the motives for choosing organic foods. The findings indicate that organic food marketing should emphasize environmental benefits to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the competitive landscape of mobile food ordering applications (MFOA) in India, the primary focus is enhancing the customer experience to mirror or even exceed their offline meal acquisition experiences. Existing research underscores the pivotal role of a superior online experience in driving business success. Against the backdrop of a dearth of studies addressing online customer experience (OCE), our current research seeks to gain insight into its state and its implications for attitudes and intentions. Specifically, we investigate the impact of OCE on the continued usage intentions (CUI) of new MFOA users. This study not only sheds light on the relationship between OCE and CUI but also presents a fresh configuration of OCE, addressing its varied conceptualization. Furthermore, drawing on data collected from over 400 first-time users of MFOA, our findings reveal that e-satisfaction and e-trust act as full mediators in influencing CUI. Finally, the study also suggests that e-trust mediates the effect of e-satisfaction on the CUI of MFOA users. Our research contributes to our understanding of OCE by specifically highlighting the experiences and outcomes of first-time users of MFOAs. Practitioners should employ strategies including personalized orientation and data gathering, location-based services, in-app messaging, push notifications and gamification techniques to increase OCE and drive CUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we argue that Layton's Marketing Systems approach is important to tackle the triple-bottom-line (TBL) of economic, social, and environmental challenges holistically. We discuss how this system approach can contribute to designing effective marketing interfaces for a more sustainable circular economy (CE). Marketing has a legacy of understanding and increasing consumption, but it is also an essential element to drive toward a more sustainable society, as demonstrated by cases on eco-communities and sustainable food marketing systems. The article concludes by encouraging (Marketing) scholars to utilize Layton's work on multi-level systems to its fullest potential to address the pressing TBL challenge and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) missions in a holistic way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Understanding how attributes, consequences and values (A-C-V) influence the predisposition to purchase and buying intention of organic food consumers (OFC) is crucial for its stakeholders. This study aims to (1) investigate whether OFC perceptions of the A-C-V impact their predisposition to purchase and buying intention; (2) examine the mediating effect of predisposition to purchase on the relationship between OFC personal values and their buying intentions and (3) verify whether consumers with distinct levels of organic food-buying intention perceive differently of the A-C-V, predisposition to purchase and consumption frequency. Design/methodology/approach: This quantitative study comprised 307 consumers who filled out a form about their perceptions of organic foods' A-C-V and their consumption frequency, purchasing predisposition and buying intention. Partial least squares strutural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) tested the hypothetical model that resorted to the means-end chain (MEC) theory (Gutman, 1982). Cluster analysis based on OFC's buying intentions compared their perceptions of the A-C-V, purchasing predisposition and consumption frequency. Findings: The OFC's perception of the attributes of these foods impacts the consequences of their consumption and values. Such values positively influence their purchase predisposition and buying intention. Predisposition to purchase measured the relationship between OFC values and purchase intention. Three OFC clusters were identified according to their buying intentions. Such groups perceive the A-C-V singularly and have different purchasing predispositions and consumption frequencies. Originality/value: OFC values directly influence buying intentions. However, the predisposition to purchase strongly mediates the relationship between values and buying intentions, producing an indirect impact more notable than a direct one. It brings academic and managerial contributions to organic food stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable plastic packaging has been conceptualised as a market device that has effects on the functioning of economic markets. It is particularly influential in food retail environments but also has significant environmental consequences. Consumers are aware of these issues, and this paper addresses their questions and objections to the packaging market device for fresh food. Drawing on empirical insights from 28 interviews and 25 completed research diaries conducted as part of the 'Reducing plastic packaging and food waste through product innovation simulation' project, these contestations are explored in a number of ways. Firstly, it explores how such objections become possible and the role of unintended consequences of marketing arrangements. Secondly, conflicting ontologies of freshness are examined, as they also create the potential for objections. Thirdly, the paper engages with the role of responsibility, looking at how municipal recycling systems and packaging design enable contestations. Exploring these contestations contributes to an understanding of how we can address non-market effects of market devices, once they have left the physical spaces associated with market activity and moved into other spheres of activity. It also holds several contributions for debates concerning consumer engagement and acceptance of plastic packaging and plastics policy discourses more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internet is drastically changing how U.S. consumers shop for groceries, order food from restaurants, and interact with food marketing. There is an urgent need for new policies to help ensure that the internet is a force for good when it comes to food access, transparency, and nutrition. This article outlines actions that federal agencies—like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)—and state and local governments can take to improve the online food environment. We recommend policies in three settings: online grocery retail, online restaurant ordering, and marketing on social media and other online platforms. For example, USDA could finalize regulations increasing access to online WIC and remove barriers to accessing online SNAP by requiring large retailers to waive online delivery and service fees for SNAP purchases. FDA could improve access to nutrition information by issuing guidance describing what product information should be available at the online point of selection. FTC could give better guidance on appropriate tactics when marketing to children and collect better data on how companies are marketing food to children online. Finally, state governments could pass laws like New York’s recently introduced Predatory Marketing Prevention Act to address false and misleading advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children and other vulnerable groups.

Background The study focused on understanding infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF) among Muslim mothers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. Objective Recognizing the cultural and religious sensitivities associated with these practices, the research aimed to identify influencing factors and assess the influence of advertisements on maternal decisions regarding infants' and children's diets. Methods A total of 74 Muslim mothers with infants 6-23 months old were recruited and participated in the focus group discussions (FGD). Ten FGD sessions were conducted in Maguindanao Province, Philippines from July to August 2021. Verbatim transcriptions of audio-recorded discussions were transcribed into Microsoft Word files and QSR NVivo version 12 was used in the coding and analysis of the transcripts. Results Mothers exhibited limited awareness of such important complementary feeding issues as preferring fruits and vegetables while avoiding junk food as chips. IYCF information came primarily from health workers and other mothers - their own mothers, mothers-in-law, and midwives. Television commercials were identified as particularly influential in shaping maternal feeding decisions. Conclusions There was a diversity of breastfeeding practices and limited knowledge, especially of complementary feeding among these Muslim mothers. Both traditional beliefs and marketing were said to influence feeding choices. This underscores the need for culturally-sensitive interventions and targeted educational initiatives to enhance maternal knowledge and advocate for optimal infant feeding practices within Muslim communities, as well as regulation of the marketing of commercial infant foods.

Abstract Background The retail market for toddler-specific packaged foods is growing. Many of these products are ultra-processed and high in nutrients of concern for health, yet marketed in ways that may make them appear wholesome. This study aims to assess parents’ responses to claims on unhealthy, ultra-processed toddler food products and test whether removing such claims promotes more accurate product perceptions and healthier product preferences. Methods Parents of toddlers aged 12 to

Background: The retail market for toddler-specific packaged foods is growing. Many of these products are ultra-processed and high in nutrients of concern for health, yet marketed in ways that may make them appear wholesome. This study aims to assess parents' responses to claims on unhealthy, ultra-processed toddler food products and test whether removing such claims promotes more accurate product perceptions and healthier product preferences. Methods: Parents of toddlers aged 12 to < 36 months (N = 838) were recruited for an online experiment testing four on-pack claim conditions: control (no claim); 'contains "good" ingredient'; 'free from "bad" ingredient'; and unregulated 'child-related' claim. Participants were randomly assigned to one condition, then viewed images of toddler food products that varied in nutrition content and the claims displayed. Participants completed tasks assessing product preferences (unhealthy product displaying claim vs. a healthier option with no claim, across four food categories (banana bars, strawberry snacks, blueberry yogurt snacks and veggie snacks)), purchase intentions and product perceptions. Poisson regression (count variable) and linear regression (continuous outcomes) analyses were employed to test for mean differences by marketing claim conditions. Results: For the overall sample, brief exposure to 'free from "bad" ingredient' claims increased participant's intentions to purchase unhealthy food products for their toddlers, but there was no clear evidence that 'contains "good" ingredient' claims and 'child-related' claims significantly impacted parent's preferences, purchase intentions and perceptions of toddler foods. However, certain claims influenced particular parent subgroups. Notably, parents with three or more children chose more unhealthy products when these products displayed 'contains "good" ingredient' or 'free from "bad" ingredient' claims; the latter claims also promoted stronger purchase intentions and enhanced product perceptions among this subgroup. Conclusions: Findings indicate that 'free from "bad" ingredient' claims on unhealthy toddler foods are of most concern, as they boost the appeal of these products to parents. 'Contains "good" ingredient' claims and 'child-related' claims showed limited effects in this study. Considering available evidence, we recommend claims should not be permitted on child-oriented foods, as they may promote inaccurate product perceptions and unhealthy product choices by parents, that can detract from their children's diets and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this research is to check how the external factors, for example the pandemic or high inflation rate, influence the behavior of food consumers. Design/methodology/approach: The main method was the survey questionnaire conducted among 2000 consumers in Poland on a representative sample. Findings: The external factor such as the pandemic influenced the change of consumer behavior when it comes to the food choice. Usually consumers considered less characteristics of food, but the main food choice criteria remained almost the same, such as: best before date, price, ingredients and the country of origin. Research limitations/implications: The results are limited to the Polish market, however can be continued and expanded for other external factors and other markets. Practical implications: The results of this study show how the participants of the food market should be prepared for various crisis. Originality/value: This paper shows how the external conditions of various sources can influence and change the food market and consumers behavior. It is addressed to researchers and professionals operating in food market, food choice, consumers behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Live vinegar is a product formed through a two-step fermentation process of a sugar substrate that has not been subjected to filtration or pasteurization. This is considered to preserve all nutrients and biologically active microorganisms, making it a product with a valuable composition and beneficial properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of the selected vinegars available on the Polish food market. The material in the study consisted of four live (naturally turbid, unfiltered, unpasteurized) fruit or vegetable vinegars: apple, pear, rhubarb, and lemon. Spectrophotometric, HPLC, and GC methods were used. Among the vinegars tested, lemon vinegar had the highest vitamin C content—15.95 mg/100 mL. Apple vinegar proved to be the best source of polyphenols and flavonoids (TPC—191.97 mg GAE/L, TFC—70.22 mg RE/L). All of the vinegars contained dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and myricetin. The acetic acid content of the tested vinegars ranged from 29.180 to 38.125 mM/L. The pH values ranged from 3.14 to 3.41. In conclusion, the most promising nutraceutical with potentially beneficial health-promoting properties seems to be apple vinegar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess whether and how beverage companies incentivize universities to maximize sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) sales through pouring rights contracts. Cross-sectional study of contracts between beverage companies and public U.S. universities with 20,000 or more students active in 2018 or 2019. We requested contracts from 143 universities. The primary measures were presence of financial incentives and penalties tied to sales volume. 124 universities (87%) provided 131 unique contracts (64 Coca-Cola, 67 Pepsi). 125 contracts (95%) included at least one provision tying payments to sales volume. The most common incentive type was commissions, found in 104 contracts (79%). Nineteen contracts (15%) provided higher commissions or rebates for carbonated soft drinks compared to bottled water. Most contracts between universities and beverage companies incentivized universities to market and sell bottled beverages, particularly SSBs. Given the health risks associated with consumption of SSBs, universities should consider their role in promoting them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To inform policy makers concerned with food security, this paper relies on the 1–2–3 household survey (2004–2005) to provide a geographical overview of Congo's food markets and dietary status. The results of this descriptive study point to inefficient domestic food markets, with Kinshasa being a case in point: it is deficient, poorly connected to its hinterland and highly dependent on imports. Food markets in the Kasaï provinces and the northeastern region are two minor exceptions, while the most competitive food producers are found in Équateur and North Kivu. Despite differential access, five diet types can be identified, with the most energy rich (cassava/palm oil) being consumed in Maniema, Orientale, Équateur, and rural Bas-Congo. In contrast, households in South Kivu and Kinshasa suffer from large calorie deficiencies, which is due to low purchasing power for the former and relatively higher food prices and more demanding social norms for the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]