Food sharing platforms as new digital solutions to reduce food waste. An Italian multiple case study

In recent years, food wastage become a top-priority issue in western countries, calling for collective efforts for the waste reduction. In this scenario, food sharing platforms emerge as digital solutions to quickly reallocate food surpluses among society engaging players at different level of the chain and reconfiguring the consumption-production system. A multiple case study was carried out interviewing four Italian food sharing platforms’ founders in order to analyze the business model adopted and the reasons why food sharing is not a widespread phenomenon in Italy. Findings suggest that Italian food sharing platforms have different business model and they pursue different aim. Moreover, the study highlights the existence of three difficulties to spread the food sharing platforms in the Italian market, namely cultural barriers, economic problems, and legislative obstacles. From a managerial point of view, this research provides some recommendations for who wants to launch a food sharing platforms in Italy, describing successful business models and showing the challenges to face in order to develop an effective food sharing platform