PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review, through a systematic literature review, the different perspectives from which imperfect, ugly and suboptimal food products lead to food waste, as well as to ascertain which are the already proposed improvements, and to present further solutions to develop more sustainable food production and consumption.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA methodology and searching for the following keywords: “imperfect fruit”, “imperfect food”, “ugly fruit” and “ugly food”; the review was carried out within three databases (Emerald, Scopus and Science Direct-Elsevier), starting, since the topic is quite recent, from the first published article on this issue. Only peer-reviewed papers were selected.FindingsResults reveal that, among 188 papers, only 49 fit the aim of the literature review, analysing what strategies can be used to ameliorate consumers' perception of suboptimal food in order to fight food waste. Specifically, four different interventions are suggested: on the supply chain, on personal experience and awareness campaigns, on promoting circular economy, and on marketing and advertising campaigns.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in literature since, by the authors' knowledge, this is the first literature review which analyses different strategies on food waste reduction linked to imperfect/suboptimal food, suggesting further steps which may be taken.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, through a quantitative research, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online food delivery in Italy and Poland, as well as to ascertain whether or not, under a consumer perspective, respondents consider such method as impacting on the environment and on food waste.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical survey of consumers at Italian and Polish Universities was conducted using the online survey computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method.FindingsResults reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has modified consumer habits in both Italy and Poland, though the researched sample does not have full knowledge of these changes. Moreover, the study has proved once again that online food delivery may impact negatively on the environment and the food waste issue.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in literature since, by the authors' knowledge, it is the first quantitative study analysing Italian and Polish young consumers as to online food delivery habits and their approach to sustainability aspects of this purchasing method.

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In the modern retail system, labels may be defined as silent-sellers which, if recognized and understood by consumers, may allow them to make conscious choices. This simple concern is particularly important considering e-commerce: it ensures customers to find nearly everything they demand without the need to exit from home; however, as shoppers are not in direct contact with sales-clerks, labels play even more a crucial role in the purchasing decision. Online shopping is increasing, notably among young people, and ecolabels represent for producers a tool to distinguish their goods and to provide consumers reliable and credible information about the environmental characteristics of their products. Despite the growing interest in the above-mentioned topics, research which investigate the recognition of ecolabels in online shopping by young consumers lack. To this purpose, the authors conducted an online questionnaire that was distributed to a sample of 559 young consumers who shop online in the most popular Polish retailing chains. Results reveal that online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Poland, but only some ecolabels were recognized by more than 50% of respondents. This result is not correlated to the frequency of online purchases nor to gender. The recognition of ecolabels among consumers is fundamental.

The rapid growth of trade volume makes it necessary on the one hand to increase the safety and security of international trade and, on the other hand, to leave the flow of goods unobstructed. The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted the world goods and services trade which, after almost 2 years, are still not back to December 2019’s volumes. This chapter investigates some of the different suggestions proposed by international organizations to mitigate the pandemic effect on international trade, with a specific focus on trade facilitation measures such as international certifications (i.e., Authorized Economic Operator), risk management strategies and new technologies which are deeply transforming and helping the movement of goods at customs level. After reviewing published reports, this chapter aims to verify which are the most feasible solution to be implemented by the government at the customs level for improving customs operations enhancing their efficiency and effectiveness.