The Impact of Internet Technologies on the Producer-Consumer-Eater Relationship

Abstract

The consumer is looking for good food and better nutrition. He understood very well that food and health are closely linked. What is confirmed today is the feeling of a change in the apparent balance of knowledge and power in relation to food, which requires some adjustment on the part of producers. This article, based on a review of the scientific literature, aims to understand how the use of the Internet changes the relationship between producer and consumer, resulting from the increase in the number of consumers of the Internet. According to the analysis, the development of food trade on the Internet contributes to changing this relationship between producer and consumer. The consumer no longer assumes the role of passive partner, but becomes more “empowered” or enters into more equal relations with brands thanks to digital devices.

Nutritional information as a source of consumer power and psychological empowerment

“…However, with the advent of the Internet, consumers can participate in the co-creation of products with brands, reversing the balance of power between brands and consumers and rebalancing exchange relationships (Fayn et al, 2019). This collaborative approach allows brands to have an open dialogue with consumers about food ingredients (Belharar and Chakor, 2022) and involve their customers or consumers more in the product development process, while giving consumers a sense of involvement and satisfaction in their shopping experience (Fernandes and Remelhe, 2016).…”