Obesity Epidemic: The Role of Retailing Sector in Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Proceedings of 6th International European Forum (Igls-Forum) on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks, 13-17 febbraio, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria, ISSN: 2194-511X.
16 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2012
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Obesity Epidemic: The Role of Retailing Sector in Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Obesity Epidemic: The Role of Retailing Sector in Promoting Fruit and Vegetable Consumption
Date Written: February 13, 2012
Abstract
After a deep review of the main economic studies and applications about the emerging problem of obesity, this paper focuses on a particular aspect of the issue: the improvement of fruit and vegetable purchasing in retailing sector. First of all it has been analyzed the actual presence of strategies aimed at improving fruit and vegetable consumption in the main retailing companies operating in Italy. Then the study investigates the role of price in consumers’ purchasing choices. High price elasticity of F&V products could suggest the implementation of lower prices to consumers instead of implementing other policy interventions.
The methodology is based on qualitative and quantitative research methods. In particular, in depth interviews to retailing sector experts have been run to gather useful insights about retailers’ management of F&V department. Then quantitative analysis on IRI data about F&V consumption in Italy has been conducted to evaluate the influence of price on consumers’ attitude towards F&V. The results obtained provide meaningful insights to formulate marketing strategies and policy interventions.
Keywords: obesity, fruit and vegetables, retailing sector, consumer behaviour
JEL Classification: Q13
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation