The role of environmental and social sustainability attributes in food choices

The agri-food supply chain is currently far from being sustainable due to its negative contribution to environmental degradation, climate change, public health and social equity. Individuals as consumers play a key role in favouring the transition towards a sustainable food system. Switching towards more sustainable food consumption patterns can trigger changes on the supply side and contribute to policy efforts aimed at pursuing sustainable development. In this context, the aspects such as the drivers and barriers to sustainable consumption, consumer behaviour towards sustainable choices and how to effectively tackle unsustainable food habits have become paramount. Therefore, to fill the research gaps in the existing literature, this thesis aims to provide a better understanding of the effect of environmental and social sustainability attributes on food choices and investigate the decision-making process adopted by food consumers when choosing sustainable products.