Consumer behaviour in relation to food waste: a systematic literature review
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 25 January 2022
Issue publication date: 3 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this systematic literature review (SLR) is to analyse which consumer behaviours are more evident in relation to food waste, in addition to seeking to identify which types of food are most wasted in homes and the methods which have been used by studies for such particularities. In this paper, it was possible to identify the universe of consumer characteristics covering the main contributions to the development of this theme with different points of view.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this goal, the authors performed a SLR according to well-established guidelines set. The authors used tools to partially support the process, which relies on a four-member research team.
Findings
The authors report on 49 primary studies that deal the lack of planning, excessive purchases and the non-reuse of food leftovers by the consumer as the characteristics most evidenced as a consequence of food waste. Furthermore, fruits, vegetables and bread are the most wasted food. Regarding the most used research methods, some studies in this SLR use the qualitative method, but mostly food waste is analysed using the quantitative method.
Originality/value
This SLR is different because it seeks to group different aspects of food waste, mapping not only the consumer’s behavioural characteristics but also seeking to identify the most wasted food. The research contributed to finding theoretical gaps on the subject in favour of reducing waste, based on the findings that demonstrate causing food waste.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was financed in part by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) - Brazil, Finance Code 001.
Citation
dos Santos, J.I.A.S., da Silveira, D.S., da Costa, M.F. and Duarte, R.B. (2022), "Consumer behaviour in relation to food waste: a systematic literature review", British Food Journal, Vol. 124 No. 12, pp. 4420-4439. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-09-2021-1075
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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