A master thesis from Aalborg University
Sustainable food labelling - Progress and evidence on consumers and governance in a Swedish context
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-06-01
Pages
147 pages
Abstract
Measures juxtaposing sustainability and human health of food products are in dire need to enhance diets in a Swedish context. This thesis elaborates on the potential benefits of implementing sustainable food labelling to orient Swedish consumers towards more sustainable and healthier food consumption. Credibility, clarity, and relevance of the information provided through sustainable food labelling were assessed and compared between four food labelling: the Planet-score, the Keyhole label, the KRAV certification, and the Sustainability Declaration of the Swedish retailer Coop. The transition theory is used to assess the extent to which sustainable food labelling can contribute to the transition towards sustainable and healthy diets. The nudge theory was utilized as labelling enables to empower consumers while upholding their freedom of choice. A survey was drawn up and disseminated to a sample of Swedish consumers but does not represent the Swedish population. Interviews were carried out to obtain expert knowledge. The study concluded that, to some degree, sustainable food labelling can influence consumers' diets. The format, the means of displaying, the trust in the information, and the harmonization of the scheme are essential aspects that need to be addressed to maximize the effectiveness of sustainable food labelling. As such, the design and the framework of the Planet-score appears to be relevant in a Swedish context. However, other parameters such as taste, or price are decisive in Swedish consumers' food choices. Sustainable food labelling is a tool that can potentially enable a transition, but it needs to be complemented with other initiatives.
Keywords
Documents
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