The provision of food for consumers is affected by factors concerned with a variety of disciplines such as technical feasibility, choice and environment. This book explores these factors.

This Brief provides a snapshot of the continuing debate in the food industry on how to bridge the gap between consumer knowledge of nutrition principles and the nutrition information system currently in place for labelling. Aware Food Choices: Bridging the Gap Between Consumer Knowledge About Nutrition and Nutritional Information examines the available literature on consumer understanding of nutritional information and comments on the current poor knowledge shown by consumers about nutrition principles. Another focus of this Brief is on the evolution of nutritional information in food labelling andcurrent regulations on nutritional claims and product facts. In reviewing attempts to improve the nutrition information system, this work points out that consumers must first understand the data provided in order to utilize the system to make healthy food choices. Therefore, any campaigns aimed at improving the information system must concentrate on consumer data understanding of nutrition principles and components as opposed to a sole focus on labelling upgrades.

It is critical for the food industry to maintain a current understanding of the factors affecting food choice, acceptance and consumption since these influence all aspects of its activities. This subject has matured in recent years and, for the first time, this book brings together a coherent body of knowledge which draws on the experiences in industrial and academic settings of an international team of authors. Written for food technologists and marketeers, the book is also an essential reference for all those concerned with the economic, social, and psychological aspects of the subject.

Consumer markets for foods and beverages in developed countries are well supplied and highly fragmented. Yet, the question being asked is how close retailers actually come to fulfilling their customers' requirements. The concept of consumer value is one of the main pillars underpinning the theory of market differentiation. This book takes an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis of satisfaction in relation to the consumption of food, with both food science and consumer science playing central parts. It approaches food quality from both the technical and the consumer satisfaction perspectives, and assesses the roles of management and regulatory tools in delivering food quality for all. Each area is discussed in detail, using the appropriate technical terminology, but keeping the text accessible to readers from both academic traditions, as well as to non-specialist readers.

This book, edited and authored by a group of scientists experienced in European cross-cultural and interdisciplinary research in the field of consumer food perceptions, sensory evaluation, product image and risk research, delivers a unique insight into decision making and food consumption of the European consumer. The volume is essential reading for those involved in product development, market research and consumer science in food and agro industries and academic research. It brings together experts from different disciplines in order to address fundamental issues to do with predicting food choice, consumer behavior and societal trust into quality and safety regulatory systems. The importance of the social and psychological context and the cross-cultural differences and how they influence food choice are also covered in great detail.

Food is a source of nutrients but it also provides basic pleasure and aesthetic experiences. Acceptance, food choice, and consumption are affected by many factors, including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors and cues, as well as consumer characteristics. Food-elicited emotions are becoming a critical component in designing products that meet consumers’ needs and expectations. Several studies have reported on the presence of emotional responses to food and the relationships of these to product acceptability, preference, and choice. This Special Issue brings together a small range of studies with a diversity of approaches that provide good examples of the complex and multidisciplinary nature of this subject matter.

In order for food businesses, scientists and policy makers to develop successful products, services and policies, it is essential that they understand food consumers and how they decide which products to buy. Food consumer behaviour is the result of various factors, including the motivations of different consumers, the attributes of specific foods, and the environment in which food choices occur. Recognising diversity between individual consumers, different stages of life, and different cultural contexts is increasingly important as markets become increasingly diverse and international.The book begins with a comprehensive introduction and analysis of the key drivers of consumer food choices, such as the environment and sensory product features. Part two examines the role of consumers' attitudes towards quality and marketing, and their views on food preparation and technology. Part three covers cultural and individual differences in food choice as well as addressing potentially influential factors such as age and gender. Important topics such as public health and methods to change consumers' preferences for unhealthy foods are discussed in part four. The final section concludes with advice on developing coherent safety policies and the consumers' responsibility for food production and consumption.Understanding consumers of food products is a standard reference for all those in the food industry concerned with product development and regulation. - Develop an understanding of buyer behaviour to assist developing successful products - Recognise the diversity between consumers and learn how to cater for their needs - Covers cultural and individual differences in food choice

Foodborne pathogens continue to cause major public health problems worldwide and have escalated to unprecedented levels in recent years. In this book, major foodborne diseases and the key food safety issues are discussed elaborately. In addition, emerging and reemerging microbial agents and other food safety related topics are discussed. This book

This book explores key factors associated with consumer behaviour, from both a theoretical and practical perspective. It particularly focuses on the consumer in the 21st century – educated and conscious, but also impatient, disloyal and capricious. The book is divided into three main parts: the first part discusses the theoretical and legal aspects of consumers’ behaviour, analysing the government's role in regulating consumer behaviour and the role of the European Union. The second part then examines organisational strategies, such as omni-channel retailing and branding products. And lastly, the third part describes consumer behaviours in the context of individual products and services, from coffee to energy.

Quality foods, such as traditional, EU certified, organic and health claimed are part of a growing trend towards added value in the agri-food sector. In these foods, elements of production, processing, marketing, agro-tourism and speciality stores are combined. Paramount above all is the link to the consumer, which requires a personal approach. At this point, one enters the field of food consumer science. This can be seen as a hybrid of two distinct sciences. On one hand, there is the 'hardware' component, i.e. the science of food. On the other hand, the 'software' component, related to the science of consumers' preferences and behaviour. In animal science, nearly all attention is given to the 'hardware' aspect. However, to build a successful business in quality food products, the 'software' aspect is essential. This publication devotes special attention to the consumer and gives insight into an area of knowledge still very much in development. It is intended to enhance understanding of the complex relationships in the route from products to consumers and offers practical solutions in this field. This publication includes review articles covering basic aspects of food consumer science and research trends in the field, and a series of country reports and articles on relevant studies related to the topic, with emphasis on Southern Europe.