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Cited by 18Organic Food and AgricultureConsumer behavior in food and healthFood Supply Chain Traceability

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Determinants of consumer behavior in short food supply chains: a systematic literature review

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Herzig, Janna, Zander, Katrin·2025·Agricultural and Food Economics
DOI 10.1186/s40100-025-00370-w
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Abstract

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are increasingly regarded as promising alternatives to industrialized food distribution systems. They aim to create geographical, logistical, and social proximity between food producers and consumers. Despite extensive research on SFSCs in recent years, our understanding of how they can best be promoted is hindered by the lack of a unified approach in extant studies of consumer perspectives on SFSCs. The aim of this systematic literature review is thus to provide a comprehensive overview of the key determinants shaping consumer behavior around SFSCs. Following PRISMA guidelines, 30 peer-reviewed articles based on empirical research of SFSC consumers in the European Union were selected for analysis, applying Alphabet Theory as a theoretical framework. The findings emphasize the influence on consumer behavior of contextual factors, information availability, and trust, as well as the relevance of other commonly studied factors such as attitudes and sociodemographics. The review further highlights the importance of understanding how these factors interact to shape consumers’ perceptions of the costs and benefits of SFSCs. Based on these findings, the study gives recommendations to address the challenges identified and suggests directions for future research.

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Metadata

Authors
Herzig, J., & Zander, K.
Affiliations
University of Kassel (DE)
Corresponding author
Herzig, Janna
ORCID
Venue
Agricultural and Food Economics
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2025-06-04
Volume
13
Issue
1
ISSN
2193-7532 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s40100-025-00370-w
OpenAlex
W4411033481
Cited by
18
References
11
Citations by year
2026: 11 · 2025: 7
FWCI
1.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Agricultural and Food Economics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Universität Kassel
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Plant Science › Organic Food and Agriculture
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Consumer behavior in food and health
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Food Supply Chain Traceability
Keywords
short food supply chains, consumer behavior, consumer trust, information availability, consumer attitudes, sociodemographic factors, food distribution, local food

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