Consuming nostalgia? The appreciation of authenticity in local food production

Abstract

Many consumers consider local food a more sustainable choice than conventional food because of the shorter transport distances involved as well as the support provided to local economies. In addition, consumers value the perceived safety benefits, ethical associations and improved taste of local food. In this study, we focus on the cultural meanings of locally produced food among Finnish consumers. Based on interviews with 22 consumers, our analysis suggests that, besides consumers valuing sustainable, healthy and tasty locally produced food, they perceived self-produced, self-processed items, including those they have gathered, hunted and fished themselves, as the most authentic local food. Furthermore, local food is associated with craftsmanship and artisan production. We also found that interviewees tended to historicize their relationship to food through local production. Thus, consumers seem to be in search of 'real' or 'true' food that is embedded in their personal and shared social histories.

Perceived community environmental influences on eating behaviors: A Photovoice analysis

“…These study findings add to the current literature showing that food provenance has become a factor of increasing concern and interest (Autio et al, 2013; Blake et al, 2010). Social movements and civil society organizations have advocated for local food to encourage healthy eating, while also supporting local, family farming communities.…”

“…Participants also said they consume locally grown produce and homemade foods because they are healthy (“safe and tasty too”). In this way, anti-consumerism (Autio et al, 2013; Monteiro et al, 2015) ideals seemed to play little role on their decisions; the emphasis was on the intrinsic value of the local food to the participants. Similarly, participants’ decisions to grow their own food seemed to be strongly shaped by their perceptions of the health and nutrition benefits, safety, sustainability, quality, and tastiness of the fresh produce.…”

Growing a lifestyle movement? Exploring identity‐work and lifestyle politics in urban food cultivation

“…Our generation wants meaning and purpose and I think that's why so many young people think urban farming is so cool; it's really poetic. (Urban farmer, male, 29) As found in other studies, self-produced, local food is associated with high degrees of authenticity (Autio et al, 2013). 'Getting your hands dirty' from working in the soil and with the plants, pents-up kinesthetic needs as in a technology advancing society, work becomes increasingly mental and less manual.…”

An exploration of dietary practices among South Indians in Brisbane, Australia

“…Certeau, Giard & Mayol (1998, p. 177) question this authenticity since globalisation short circuits 'the cause and effects link between inexpensive available products and ordinary local cuisine' and because 'local conditions no longer impose the choice of a dish or its way of preparation'. Access to authentic food via ethnic grocery shops enables the redemption of food nostalgias, although it is interesting that in the case of migrants, authenticity is not about access to organic, locally-sourced food (Autio, Collins, Wahlins, & Antilla, 2013) but to food products from countries of origin. This way of conceptualising migrants acknowledges that they have agency and recognises that they are not passive consumers of food.…”