Sustainable food labelling: considerations for policy-makers

Abstract

Improving the sustainability of the global food system is a policy priority. There are multiple types of sustainability labels in the food market, and policy-makers need to know what constitutes an effective label. We discuss the use of labels to inform consumers about the economic, social and environmental sustainability implications of their food purchasing choices. We categorise these sustainability labels and explain the opportunities they offer and the challenges they pose to be effective. Improved consumer information on the sustainability of food products can serve as an incentive for operators in the food supply chain to increase their sustainability. Specific choices made on the type of food label used are likely to affect their. A comprehensive mandatory labelling and certification scheme is a promising course of action from a policy perspective, if it covers the multiple dimensions of sustainability, and uses scoring and evidence-based criteria.

How to communicate typical–local foods to improve food tourism attractiveness

“…With respect to the second point (ii), on sub‐signals, the overall results emphasize the social and emotional dimensions as common sub‐signals for all three attributes/signals. Specifically, social sustainability is more relevant than economic sustainability, consistent with previous research (de Magistris & Gracia, 2016; Stein & de Lima, 2021), and social protection is confirmed as an important driver of sustainable food consumption (Guyader et al, 2017; Hu et al, 2019; Van Loo et al, 2015). Our study confirms this by the high level of visual and cognitive attention devoted to those areas of interest representing such dimensions of sustainability.…”

“…For example, aspects concerning the economic conditions of workers/farmers and the overall social well‐being of local producers could be used as communication components to attract consumers' visual and cognitive attention. The focus of communications should change from merely the environmental performance of food production to the social and economic benefits of typical–local foods; this aligns with more recent debates in research and industry (e.g., de Magistris & Gracia, 2016; Stein & de Lima, 2021). Organizations would benefit from connecting with various actors in the local economic system (e.g., catering, trade, crafts) and working together towards strengthening the local destination's image (focusing more on geographical indications and related health and well‐being experiences/benefits) to enhance branding and attractiveness to consumers.…”

“…Similarly, Sánchez‐Bravo et al (2020) confirmed the results of prior research demonstrating that sustainable foods attract consumers living in rich countries, who show greater environmental concern. Other studies have stressed consumers' higher concern for the socioeconomic rather than environmental dimensions of sustainability (de Magistris & Gracia, 2016; Stein & de Lima, 2021). They showed that protection of small farms and rural communities influences consumers towards organic choices more than environmental concerns do.…”

“…They showed that protection of small farms and rural communities influences consumers towards organic choices more than environmental concerns do. By focusing on local foods, Stein and de Lima (2021: 6) found that ‘only a small minority of consumers buy domestic products for environmental reasons. Consumers tend to see the meaning of “local” more in terms of identity, supporting their local economy or community traditions'.…”

Farm to fork strategy: Animal welfare, EU trade policy, and public participation

“…8 It was unclear from the question asked whether the labeling was conceived as mandatory or voluntary, and how the existing national labeling systems should have been considered. Despite soliciting layperson's opinions, it is regularly questioned whether labeling can contribute to sustainability by encouraging sustainable consumption (Stein & de Lima, 2021). On this issue, a subgroup will assist the Commission in collecting data and opinions, assuming a behavioral perspective as suggested by Purnhagen in this special issue (Purnhagen, 2022), and hopefully a more robust methodology than that employed in the consultation (European Commission, 2021b).…”