Is Food Consumption Sustainable? Clues from Case Studies All over the World

Food always has been, and continues to be, a very sensitive topic. Over the centuries, and even for millions of human beings today, the struggle against hunger and malnutrition has represented a major challenge. Furthermore, for some people, securing an adequate food supply is their primary concern. This enduring narrative underscores the vital role that food plays not only in sustaining life but also in shaping human existence.

Thanks to the appearance of agriculture, and more recently to the “Green Revolution”, food has become abundant for the majority of humanity to the point where even overproduction can be observed in some regions for some products during given years. Thus, some citizens/consumers can focus their attention from quantity to quality, considering not only intrinsic food attributes (e.g., taste, flavor, and color), but also the way agricultural goods are produced and processed, the way food products are distributed and controlled, and the liability of marketing practices. Human health and environmental sustainability (addressing pollution, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions) have become important factors in the decision making of consumers. Additionally, animal welfare is also an emerging topic. This concern reflects a profound shift in societal values, acknowledging that ethical practices within the food industry contribute not only to the welfare of animals but also to the overall health of the planet and its inhabitants.

In future, the situation will be uncertain again, and food security is not guaranteed as climate change has significant negative impacts on agricultural production. In addition, the world population is still rapidly growing, and international relations are unstable, with events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trade disputes between important partners, and unexpected military conflicts. Navigating these challenges calls for a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay between environmental sustainability, the ethical treatment of animals, and the broader geopolitical landscape, ensuring that our pursuit of a secure and ethical food future persists in the face of an ever-changing world.

In addition to this global volatility, food consumption patterns are very variable from one country or one region to another due to different socio-economic conditions, natural resources, and climate, but also consumption habits and religious beliefs. Acknowledging and understanding this intricate interplay is crucial for fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to food production and consumption worldwide.

This diversity is illustrated by the papers constituting this Special Issue. The 12 included papers focus on ten different countries, including China, Turkey, the United States, Romania, India, Senegal, etc. They are all in-depth case studies, with their own specificities. Some deal with classical topics, like consumer segmentation or organic food, while others deal with less common ones, like the roles of digital influencers, street food, insect restaurants, and mushrooms. All papers are based on original data collection through large surveys and utilize solid and relevant statistical tools, ensuring the quality of the results, and contributing to our knowledge of food consumption across the world.

We sincerely thank all authors and reviewers and hope that readers find this Special Issue to be fruitful and relevant.