Purpose This study aims to examine the relationships between cultural memory, nostalgic consumption behavior, and gastronomic experiences related to childhood foods of individuals from Generations X, Y, and Z. Design/methodology/approach Designed using a qualitative research method, the study involved semi-structured interviews with a total of thirty participants, selected using purposeful sampling and representing the respective generations. Findings The findings show that the meaning attributed to food varies significantly across generations. For Generation X, food represents production, labor, and belonging to one's hometown; for Generation Y, it represents family rituals and longing; and for Generation Z, it represents individual comfort and visual aesthetics. Regarding motivation for nostalgic consumption, it was found that Generation X tends towards loyalty to the past and rejects consumption outside the home; Generation Y seeks habit and continuity; and Generation Z is open to experiencing traditional flavors in modern forms. Originality/value Culinary culture is positioned as a “lifestyle” for Generation X, a “cultural bridge” for Generation Y, and an “experiential pleasure” for Generation Z. While Generation X exhibits a pessimistic attitude towards the future of traditional foods, Generation Y takes on a conscious responsibility. Generation Z is expected to continue this legacy by changing its format. Accordingly, this study is expected to contribute to understanding the preservation of cultural heritage and the processes of intergenerational transmission.
Purpose To tackle food waste issues, encouraging the purchase of near-expiry food products can be a potential solution. Accordingly, this research seeks to examine the factors influencing consumers’ intentions to buy near-expiry food products by integrating the frameworks of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and norm activation theory (NAT). Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered via an online survey involving 220 consumers and subsequently examined using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), enabling a robust assessment of the relationships among the studied variables. Necessary condition analysis (NCA) was employed to uncover which factors are truly indispensable. Findings The results show that all three main TPB variables, including attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, are positively related to purchase intentions. However, health consciousness is not related to attitudes. Additionally, personal norms are positively related to purchase intentions. Ascription of responsibility is positively related to personal norms, and awareness of consequences is positively related to ascription of responsibility. Furthermore, except for health consciousness, all other variables are identified as necessary conditions for their proposed dependent variables. Originality/value This study makes an important academic contribution to the literature by developing one of the first integrated frameworks that combines the TPB and the NAT to explain consumers' purchase intentions for near-expiry food products. In addition, by employing both PLS-SEM and NCA, the study moves beyond conventional sufficiency-based hypothesis testing to identify not only the factors that enhance purchase intentions but also the conditions that are indispensable for their formation. This dual analytical approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of consumer decision-making and advances theory on sustainable food consumption.
Purpose This study systematically reviews frameworks and evaluation approaches used to assess social equity in food rescue and redistribution initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed across PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, as grey literature. Eligible studies (2015–2025) evaluated food rescue programs with a focus on social equity dimensions. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Data extraction and thematic coding identified frameworks, equity dimensions and metrics. Findings Four equity dimensions were identified, including procedural, distributive, health and nutrition and racial equity. Frameworks such as RE-AIM and Social Return On Investment provided structured evaluation but prioritised quantifiable outputs and cost-benefit metrics, limiting capacity to capture empowerment, cultural relevance or systemic change. Justice-oriented frameworks, such as Collaborating for Equity and Justice, demonstrated stronger alignment with equity goals but were rarely adopted, reflecting an implementation gap. Measurement practices were fragmented, indicators inconsistent and limited intersectional analysis. Few studies assessed the nutritional quality or cultural appropriateness of redistributed food, a critical omission in equity-focused evaluation. Originality/value This is the first review synthesise equity-focused evaluation frameworks in food rescue. It identifies key gaps, including the lack of validated, equity-sensitive metrics, limited use of justice frameworks and minimal attention to intersectionality. Policy recommendations include embedding community participation in governance, adopting standardised equity frameworks, ensuring cultural and nutritional appropriateness, and integrating structural and racial equity principles. These actions are critical to ensure food rescue contributes not only to waste reduction but also to just, inclusive and sustainable food systems.
Purpose This study examines the influence of consumers' brand image identification, credibility towards organic food brands and ambiguity tolerance on the attitude-intention link, grounded in the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework. It also explores the mediating role of consumers' attitude and the moderating role of gender. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from 390 Indian consumers through purposive sampling method. Hypotheses testing was performed using structural equation modelling (SEM). To capture gender-based differences, permutation-based multigroup analysis (MGA) was conducted. Additionally, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was employed to validate the SEM results and provide configurational insights. Findings The results demonstrate that brand image identification, credibility identification and ambiguity tolerance significantly and positively influence consumer attitudes and purchase intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between these antecedents and purchase intention, underscoring its critical role in shaping purchasing behaviour. Further, MGA results reveal notable gender differences across several paths in the model. The fsQCA findings confirm and enrich the SEM outcomes by identifying alternative pathways leading to purchase intention. Practical implications The findings offer actionable insights for marketers, managers and policymakers in the organic food sector to design communication strategies, develop consumer-centric branding and tailor marketing initiatives that enhance favourable attitudes and purchase intentions across gender groups. Originality/value This study pioneers the integration of brand image identification, credibility identification and ambiguity tolerance into the S-O-R framework within the Indian organic food context, offering methodological rigour and a comprehensive understanding of consumer decision-making.
Purpose This study investigates the behavioural, systemic and regulatory factors shaping food waste in airline catering operations, using the Comprehensive Action Determination Model (CADM). This study explores how intentional, normative, situational and habitual influences shape waste-related decisions. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was applied through twelve in-depth interviews with stakeholders across airlines, caterers and regulatory bodies. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis guided by CADM themes. Findings The study confirms that food waste elimination is unattainable due to safety regulations, demand uncertainty and logistical rigidity. However, reductions are possible through data-driven provisioning, improved transparency along the catering supply chain and harmonised regulatory protocols. Cross-border collaboration remains constrained by inconsistent policy regimes and inadequate digital integration. The findings challenge the assumption that operational efficiency alone delivers sustainability improvements, highlighting the need for circular recovery pathways aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Research limitations/implications Future studies should integrate supply chain data and regulatory analytics to model waste drivers more precisely and assess benefits of circular redistribution systems. Practical implications Airlines and regulators can reduce waste through predictive analytics, interoperable data infrastructures and enabling rules for edible recovery beyond borders. Originality/value This study extends CADM to the underexplored context of airline food waste. Beyond behavioural factors, food waste in airline catering is also shaped by the interaction of regulatory constraints, organisational norms, operational routines, infrastructural challenges and data transparency challenges. In addition, behavioural and institutional factors collectively influence waste-related decisions and sustainability practices in airline catering operations.
Purpose This study investigates how food vloggers influence Generation Z consumers' intentions to visit restaurants. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Elaboration Likelihood Model, we developed a conceptual model in which food vlogger characteristics were linked to restaurant visit intentions (RVIs) via a positive attitude toward the vlog. A total of 356 valid responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings reveal that (1) food vlogger characteristics such as expertise, trustworthiness and physical attractiveness were positively linked to a favorable attitude toward the vlog, which ultimately influenced Generation Z's RVIs; and (2) location convenience and restaurant reputation did not moderate the relationship between consumers' attitude toward the vlog and their intentions to visit the restaurants. Originality/value The findings offer important implications for both hospitality marketing scholars and restaurant managers by shedding light on the psychological process through which Generation Z consumers develop RVIs based on food vloggers' reviews.
Purpose This study investigates how perceived brand support and perceived salesperson support (PSS) influence retailer commercial performance (RCP) in the wine and spirits sector. Grounded in relationship marketing theory and a technology–organization–environment (TOE)-based perspective, it tests retailer satisfaction (RS) as a mediator and digital enablement (DE) as a moderator that strengthens the retailer satisfaction–retailer commercial performance (RS–RCP) relationship in a regulated, competitive distribution context. Design/methodology/approach Using a cross-sectional survey design, questionnaire data were obtained from 428 wine and spirits retailers and shop/showroom owners distributing products for international spirits groups in Vietnam. The hypothesized mediation–moderation model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings PBS and PSS positively affect RS, which in turn enhances RCP. RS mediates the relationships between perceived support and RCP, indicating that support translates into commercial outcomes through improved RS. Additionally, DE positively moderates the RS–RCP link, such that higher DE strengthens the effect of satisfaction on retailer outcomes. Practical implications Suppliers in the wine and spirits channel should integrate brand-level resources with problem-solving salesperson support to enhance RS. Investing in DE can further improve channel effectiveness by accelerating the translation of satisfaction into commercial performance in competitive point-of-sale environments. Originality/value This study extends channel and relationship marketing research by explaining how dual-source support translates into RCP through RS, while identifying DE as a key boundary condition. Empirically, it provides evidence from Vietnam's traditional trade context, where B2B channel dynamics remain underexplored compared to consumer-focused alcohol marketing.
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting a composite gluten-free flour blend (rice flour: tapioca starch: brown rice flour) (CFB) with defatted silkworm pupae flour (SPF) and defatted house cricket flour (HCF) at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% on the quality of gluten-free pizza (GFP) crust. Design/methodology/approach The functional properties of the SPF, HCF, and CFB were initially characterized. Subsequently, GFP crusts were prepared with the different substitution levels of SPF and HCF, and their physicochemical properties, textural, and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Findings HCF exhibited superior functional properties, including higher protein solubility and water/oil holding capacity compared to SPF and CFB (p ≤ 0.05). In the final product, insect flour substitution resulted in a softer dough and a less firm crust texture, alongside a darker colour. Nutritionally, the substitution significantly enhanced the GFP, with protein content increasing from 7.69% in the control to 24.66% in the 30% SPF sample. Crucially, sensory analysis identified that the substitution with 20% HCF was the optimal level, achieving high consumer acceptance scores statistically comparable to the unenriched control. Research limitations/implications The present study investigated the effects of insect flour type and substitution level on the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of GFP crust; however, the scope was limited to SPF and HCF substitution levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. The restriction to two insect species and four substitution levels represents an inherent limitation of the current work, and the findings should be interpreted within this context. These results nonetheless provide a foundation for several avenues for future investigation. Further studies are recommended to examine intermediate substitution levels (e.g. 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 12.5%, 15%, 17.5%, 22.5%, 25%, and 27.5%) in order to more precisely identify optimal incorporation thresholds and dose-response relation between insect flour content and product quality attributes. The effect of combining two insect flours within a single formulation warrants investigation, as synergistic or antagonistic interactions between the two flours may influence nutritional and functional outcomes. Additionally, comparative studies evaluating the optimal insect flour substitution level in conventional (non-gluten-free) pizza crust, as well as its application in other gluten-free baked products, would broaden the practical relevance of the findings. From a sensory perspective, the masking effect of pizza sauce on the characteristic flavour and aroma of insect-enriched crust samples warrants systematic investigation, including comparative evaluation of different sauce types and application levels on consumer acceptability. Furthermore, the identification and characterisation of volatile aroma compounds derived from insect flours, particularly those associated with undesirable off-odours, their evolution during storage, and their sensory perception thresholds, represent important areas for future research to support the development of more sensorially acceptable insect-enriched food products. In addition, although SPF-containing formulations were excluded from the formal consumer sensory evaluation due to their pronounced odour characteristics observed during preliminary screening, their sensory acceptability should be systematically investigated in future studies using a dedicated sensory evaluation design. Originality/value This study demonstrates that insect flours, particularly HCF, can serve as viable functional ingredients to concurrently address the nutritional and textural deficiencies common in gluten-free bakery products. The research provides a practical framework for utilizing sustainable insects to develop novel, high-protein foods that meet consumer sensory expectations, paving the way for their broader application in the food industry.
Purpose This study identifies which traceability data elements should be prioritized to deter honey fraud and support credible assurance and examines how producer heterogeneity shapes readiness for differentiated traceability requirements. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Expert interviews (n = 30) specified traceability data elements and their assurance roles; a survey of Polish beekeepers (n = 949) assessed perceived importance and producer characteristics. Survey analysis combined descriptive statistics, K-modes clustering, non-parametric between-cluster tests and multinomial logistic regression. Findings Experts structured traceability into four domains and 21 data elements, operationalizing traceability as a layered governance architecture separating enforceability-critical core elements from conditional, verification-intensive tiers. The core baseline comprises identifiers, coarse provenance and producer-stage event records, whereas tiered mechanisms (e.g. testing and sensitive husbandry records) strengthen fraud deterrence under elevated risk. The survey results reveal broad support for traceability alongside systematic heterogeneity: data-cautious, data-aware and data-driven profiles differ in verification-oriented priorities and digital engagement, supporting pathway-based proportional implementation. Originality/value This study operationalizes traceability as a structured set of data elements linked to verification functions and empirically grounds a core-versus-tiered assurance model calibrated for producer heterogeneity. While empirically grounded in honey, the governance logic is transferable to other authenticity-sensitive food sectors with fragmented production, such as olive oil, spices, wine and origin-labeled products.
Purpose This study aims to examine the short- and long-term effects of macroeconomic indicators and consumer confidence sub-indices on food retail sales volume. Design/methodology/approach The research utilizes monthly time series data for the period 2012:02–2025:02; the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach is employed to account for differences in the integration levels of the series, and the findings are supported by a two-stage generalized method of moments (GMM) method to address potential endogeneity issues. Findings The results indicate that, while the policy interest rate has a negative effect in the ARDL model, it has a positive effect in the GMM model. In addition, exchange rate shocks positively affect retail sales volume in both the short- and long-run. Inflation, on the other hand, has a significant and negative effect on retail sales volume across both models. General economic expectations, unemployment and saving tendency variables exhibit behavioral sensitivities as expected, although the direction of these effects varies across models. Originality/value The study offers an integrated framework combining macroeconomic variables, consumer sentiment components and behavioral moderators – providing novel evidence on consumption dynamics in an inflation-prone developing economy and addressing methodological gaps through ARDL–GMM integration.
Purpose The purpose of our article is to investigate the capital structure choices of Italian wine companies. Design/methodology/approach Using balanced panel data of 4,260 firm-year observations, this study analyses the determinants of the capital structure of 852 unlisted small and medium-sized Italian wine firms. Findings The results obtained seem to be consistent with the pecking order theory. We find a negative relationship between profitability and leverage and a positive relationship between non-debt tax shields and leverage, which would provide evidence that Italian wine firms do not raise financial debt for tax purposes. Using a quantile panel regression, we also find heterogeneity among the capital structure of Italian wine firms. Practical implications The results provide practical implications that help stakeholders – especially investors, policy makers and financial institutions – better understand small and medium-sized enterprise financing in the wine sector. Policy makers should address structural financing barriers by promoting improved credit access through targeted lending and risk-mitigating guarantees. Originality/value Our article contributes to the literature on capital structure in at least three ways. First, we investigate the Italian wine industry, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. Second, we analyse the capital structure of small and medium-sized wineries, whose size can hinder access to financial resources and corporate investment and, consequently, compromise their growth. Third, we also investigate heterogeneity in the capital structure of Italian wine firms.
Purpose The study examines the adoption behaviour towards sustainable agri-food system (SAFS) practices with education and gender as moderating variables. An adoption model was conceptualized based on Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Design/methodology/approach The study employed a multistage random sampling. Himachal Pradesh was stratified into three agroecological zones reflecting distinct farming systems and sustainable practice adoption patterns across three zones PLS-SEM was used to validate the proposed relationships and adoption behaviour. Findings The results suggest that social interactions and economic factors play a significant role towards adoption. Educational and gender significantly moderates the relationship between trialability and adoption behaviour. This indicates that the impact of perceived benefits of SAFSs and the ability to test it before full-scale adoption differs with gender. In contrast, the moderating effects of gender on economic, social interactions and technical factors are not statistically significant, suggesting these relationships with adoption behaviour do not significantly differ between with gender. The findings align with DOI and TPB, emphasising the importance of peer influence and perceived economic benefits in adoption process. Practical implications Policymakers should develop specialised market linkages and premium pricing for a sustainable food system to ensure economic viability. Subsidised inputs and low-interest loans can ease financial burdens with their adoption. Originality/value It addresses a research gap by examining the underexplored behavioural and psychological dimensions of adoption, which prior studies often overlook in favour of technical or economic aspects. The findings also contribute to the growing literature on sustainable agricultural practices in the agri-food system.
Purpose Establishing adult-equivalent (AE) scales for rural household food consumption expenditures is crucial for policymakers to set unified benchmarks for living costs in rural China. This study aims to estimate AE scales for food expenditures, providing a standardized tool to capture structural differences in rural household consumption. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 49,254 rural households across China, a Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator models expenditures across major food categories. AE scales are derived by gender, age, and income groups, with rural males aged 35–40 as the benchmark group (scale = 1). Findings At the category level, staple foods have a mean scale of 0.727, edible oils 0.682, aquatic products 0.670, dairy and eggs 0.645, meat and poultry 0.564. At the product level, flour and other grains record 0.752 and 0.738, pork 0.717, eggs 0.712, and beef and mutton lowest at 0.492 and 0.491. Male scales exceed female scales, with values among males aged 40–55: aquatic products 1.607, edible oils 1.398, legumes 1.394, and staple foods 1.354. Across the life cycle, scales rise to a peak and then decline, with females showing a rebound in old age. Practical implications The estimated AE scales provide a policy-relevant tool to calibrate household needs, support nutrition interventions, and improve welfare measurement and programme evaluation in rural China. Originality/value This study applies a PPML framework to a large rural sample to quantify AE scales and reveals systematic heterogeneity by gender, age, and income, offering evidence-based guidance for equitable rural policy design.
Purpose Traditional beverages play a crucial role in the cultural practices and diets of local peoples, especially in harsh environments. These beverages are deeply immersed in tradition, serving as sources of refreshment, health benefits and cultural interaction. Therefore, this study aimed to document the assortment of traditional beverages, understand their cultural and health significance and assess gender-based knowledge variations. Design/methodology/approach For this, surveys were conducted in the cold desert region of Himachal Pradesh. It involved respondent recordings using semi-structured questionnaires, participant observations and proportional analyses. Findings A total of 18 beverages were recorded, of which 22% were alcoholic and 78% non-alcoholic. These were mainly prepared using leaves and seeds (28% each), followed by roots (11%). While all beverages were used for refreshment, 15 were used for health benefits and 4 were used for religious purposes. Among them, Arak and Chatang were highly consumed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, respectively. Based on frequency of use, 33% were consumed frequently, 29% rarely and 39% were consumed seasonally. Gender-based analysis revealed that women held significantly more knowledge about alcoholic beverages (p = 0.0339), due to their role in the preparation, while similar knowledge (p = 0.259) was observed for non-alcoholic beverages. Originality/value This is a pioneer study from the remote cold desert region of the Himalaya; the findings highlight the importance of traditional knowledge to ensure sustainability and social bonding. It also emphasizes the need to document and promote the cultural and health benefits of beverages. Such studies are essential for safeguarding them and their associated culture for future generations.
Purpose This paper presents a bibliometric review to map how academic research from different disciplines on luxury and gourmet restaurants has evolved, focusing on the most influential themes, contributors, and publication trends. To date, prior research has examined luxury as a broad construct, while bibliometric insights into luxury restaurant research remain scarce. Moreover, this study aims to uncover underlying structural patterns and theoretical imbalances within the field.Design/methodology/approach A total of 287 peer-reviewed journal articles was retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, covering publications from 1995 to March 2025. Bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix were employed to conduct performance analysis and science mapping.Findings The analysis reveals growing academic interest in luxury dining, with dominant research topics that have been grouped into six clusters: (1) studies centered on customer satisfaction in the frame of the servicescape; (2) studies focused on the Michelin Guide linked to Destination Marketing Theories, Internationalization frameworks (global versus local strategies) and Digitalization; (3) studies interested in behavioral intentions grounded in the Pleasure-Arousal Paradigm, Theory of Planned Behavior and Brand Attachment; (4) studies focused on customer satisfaction but framed in the Experiential Consumption and Brand Personality Theory; (5) studies based on long-term loyalty in luxury restaurant, inspired in the Relationship Marketing and Social Psychology Theories; (5) studies managerially orientated, using approaches such as the traditional SERVQUAL model. Overall, core themes include customer satisfaction, service quality, behavioral intentions, loyalty, and the role of the Michelin Guide. Beyond this thematic structure, the findings reveal a strong theoretical convergence around satisfaction-loyalty paradigms, suggesting a potential saturation of dominant research streams. At the same time, the analysis exposes a structural imbalance, with a clear dominance of psychological and managerial models, while cultural and institutional perspectives remain underrepresented. Emerging trends highlight increasing attention to emotional value, sustainability, digital transformation, and identity signaling, although these remain weakly integrated into the dominant theoretical core.Originality/value Despite the field's interdisciplinary potential, this study demonstrates that luxury restaurant research is characterized by structural fragmentation, theoretical saturation, and disciplinary imbalance. By moving beyond a purely classificatory approach, the review provides a more critical understanding of the field's intellectual development and offers guidance for future theory-building across hospitality, marketing, and consumer behavior.
Purpose This paper examines three wine geographical indications (GIs) across Europe in order to identify what are the main factors for which some designations achieve durable reputation and value while others underperform (or fail). Design/methodology/approach The study employs semi-structured interviews with local winemakers and institutional representatives. A qualitative approach using thematic analysis is conducted to identify key factors influencing the success or limitations of wine GIs in these areas. Findings Results indicate that the success or failure of a GI is closely tied to its geographical context and the community of stakeholders. In particular, in the two French regions considered, some producers perceive the GI as a constraint rather than an opportunity, as it has not met their expectations for economic development and business growth. Research limitations/implications This research has some limitations due to the chosen methodology, such as possible interpretative subjectivity or potential over-simplification. In particular, the absence of extensive, comparable socio-economic quantitative data constrains a deeper and more objective understanding of different local contexts, limiting corroboration of findings. Nonetheless, the cross-regional comparison across two countries strengthens the credibility of the analysis and could offer clearer guidance on strategies to support local production and development. Originality/value This study moves beyond trade data and single-case analyses by comparing smaller wine GIs in France and Italy through a qualitative lens. It shows how territorial context and stakeholder relations explain divergent outcomes, offering insights into why some GIs foster rural development while others struggle.
Purpose In online food delivery service (OFDS) literature, OFDS quality and OFDS value are defined as multidimensional concepts. Previous studies have demonstrated that quality and value affect satisfaction and continued intention. However, a research gap remains in understanding the relationships among the dimensions of these constructs. The aim of this research is to empirically examine the OFDS value chain, i.e., the impact of OFDS quality dimensions on OFDS value dimensions and, subsequently, on OFDS satisfaction and OFDS continuous usage intention. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a quantitative approach to empirically test the proposed hypothesis. Data were collected from 354 OFDS customers. The model is analysed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) in SPSS and AMOS. Findings The findings highlight the impact of the dimensions of OFDS quality, i.e., reliability, maintenance of meal quality and hygiene, assurance, security, system operation and traceability on the dimensions of OFDS value, i.e., functional, economic, social, emotional and epistemic value using the theory of consumption values (TCV). The OFDS value dimensions, in turn, affect OFDS satisfaction, which subsequently influences the OFDS continuance usage intention. Practical implications The OFDS value chain provides managers with a holistic, structured understanding of the value proposition to customers, thereby reducing the challenges associated with OFDS. Originality/value This study is among the few to empirically test a structured framework, the OFDS value chain, which integrates dimensions of OFDS quality and value, thereby enhancing our understanding of customer satisfaction and continuance intention.
Purpose This study examines how perceptions of food safety and risk contribute to the formation of trust among young consumers toward insect-based food products, a key element in the emerging protein transition. Design/methodology/approach A large-scale survey of university students (N = 5,179) was conducted in Northwestern Italy. Data was analysed using cluster analysis and logit regression to identify consumer segments characterised by different perceptions of food safety and to identify determinants of insect-food trust. Findings Three distinct clusters emerged. Rules-oriented consumers exhibit high trust in EU novel-food regulation and the greatest propensity to trust insect products. The Uncertain group exhibits strong risk sensitivity and relies on situational cues, such as retail cleanliness, leading to hesitant trust. Brand-trusting consumers value commercial reputations but remain sceptical when products are perceived as radically unfamiliar. Across clusters, regulatory credibility reduces perceived risk, but its effectiveness depends on complementary communication strategies. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for targeted, segment-specific strategies to foster trust in insect-based food products. Regulatory transparency and clear safety information are particularly effective for rules-oriented consumers, while brand-related signals and certifications are more relevant for brand-trusting individuals. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by conceptualising trust as a central outcome of food safety perception and by demonstrating that it emerges from multiple sources that operate differently across consumer segments. In particular, it highlights the role of regulatory credibility as a distinct and segment-specific driver of trust in the context of novel foods.
Purpose The application of digital technologies in food information is profoundly transforming how consumers access, interpret and use nutritional information. This paper systematically reviews digital technologies integrated into food labelling systems and evaluates their impact on consumer behaviour, transparency and informed decision-making. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA protocol, covering peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2025. The search, performed in Scopus and Web of Science, focused on the role of digital technologies in delivering nutritional information to consumers. Findings Based on the systematic analysis of 32 peer-reviewed studies, the findings show that digital technologies have a multifaceted role in food information, shaping consumer behaviour, strengthening trust and traceability, supporting research and enabling personalised information platforms. Their effectiveness, however, depends on governance, design and user engagement. The study highlights the growing need for standardised global regulations to ensure data accuracy, accessibility and consumer protection across digital labelling ecosystems. Originality/value This review bridges the gap between digital technologies and consumer food information policy, offering an interdisciplinary perspective on the digital transformation of food information. It contributes to food systems scholarship by framing digital technologies as dynamic tools that mediate knowledge, trust and nutritional behaviour in increasingly data-rich food environments.
Purpose This paper examines consumers' predisposition towards NoLo (non-alcoholic and low-alcohol) wine consumption and identifies consumer segments in Spain, a mature wine-producing market. Drawing on health behaviour and innovation adoption frameworks, the study explores whether NoLo-related motivations form a unidimensional or multidimensional construct, and which consumer typologies emerge from motivational and behavioural profiles.Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire on a specialised wine-sector platform, yielding 688 valid responses. Five ordinal variables related to consumption behaviour and motivations, alongside three sociodemographic variables, were analysed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) assessed factor adequacy, followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction. Consumer segmentation employed hierarchical clustering (Ward's method) and K-means clustering, validated through silhouette and fuzzy clustering analyses; group differences were examined using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests.Findings Results indicate that predisposition towards NoLo wine consumption is primarily associated with health-related motivations, prior consumption of non-alcoholic beverages and alcohol-reduction concerns. Two components were identified, explaining 61.7% of total variance, and cluster analysis revealed three consumer segments: social/trendy consumers, characterised by trend orientation and price sensitivity; traditional consumers, showing higher alcohol consumption and low acceptance of NoLo alternatives; and health-driven consumers, displaying strong health motivations and greater openness to NoLo alternatives.Originality/value This study contributes contextual and configurational insight into an emerging category within a mature wine market, applying established techniques (EFA, PCA and cluster-based segmentation). It clarifies the NoLo motivational construct, provides theoretically grounded consumer typologies, and offers practical implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers and future research.
