Consumer Attitudes and Views on Sustainable Food Consumption

The global food industry has experienced significant changes in recent years due to shifts in consumer preferences and technological advancements. Understanding the evolving consumer patterns and trends, particularly regarding sustainability, is crucial for businesses to remain competitive and adapt to changing market conditions. The current trends in the food industry encompass a wide range of areas, including changes in consumer preferences, food innovations and emerging technologies. A significant trend is the shift towards healthier and more sustainable food choices. Consumers are increasingly looking for functional foods that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition and are produced in environmentally friendly ways. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the importance of diet in maintaining overall health and well-being, as well as concerns about the environmental impact of food production. Advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart sensors, 3D printing and robotics, representing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, impact on food production and along with the use of eco-friendly materials in food packaging, ethical advertising practices and the continuing affordability of sustainable options, also play a significant role. Understanding these trends and the associated challenges is the focus of this chapter.