Search Results (1,543)

This paper addresses the lack of hedging effectiveness that yellow corn 1-month futures of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) offer for cross-hedging the price of Mexican white corn. For this purpose, the authors tested 1013 combinations (portfolios) of the ten most traded futures on the CME and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). The results suggest that using a 51.6741% corn and a 48.3259% wheat portfolio mimics the white corn price with a hedging effectiveness of 0.6180. To test the practical use of such a portfolio, the authors backtested its use from 1 January 2000 to 9 February 2025 as a balancing short position for sale of white corn at t + 1. By using the corn–wheat portfolio, the simulated seller (farmer or intermediary) would have earned MXN 5.7664 per kilo traded. The results in this paper provide the first solution to the Mexican white corn cross-hedging problem with a futures portfolio. This hedge can be used as the balancing (short) position for the strike or minimum buy price that the Mexican Government or a financial institution could offer to farmers and intermediaries to enhance food security. Full article

This study investigates the factors influencing green purchase behavior in emerging economies, focusing on Indonesian consumers’ preferences for organic food products. While sustainability awareness is growing globally, limited research has examined how environmental knowledge and trust interact with marketing efforts to shape green purchasing decisions in developing market contexts like Indonesia. The research model incorporates five constructs: environmental knowledge (awareness of ecological issues), green trust (confidence in environmental claims), green marketing mix (eco-oriented strategies for product, price, place, and promotion), green purchase intention (likelihood of buying eco-friendly products), and green purchase behavior (actual sustainable buying decisions). Data from 211 valid respondents were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that environmental knowledge directly influences green trust and the green marketing mix but not green purchase intention or behavior. Instead, it affects behavior indirectly through trust and intention. Contrary to expectations, green trust does not influence the green marketing mix, suggesting it may operate independently of marketing strategies. Similarly, the green marketing mix does not significantly influence green purchase intention or behavior, suggesting that marketing strategies alone may be insufficient in driving sustainable consumer choices. These findings highlight the important role of environmental knowledge in fostering consumer trust and indirectly guiding green purchasing behavior in emerging markets. By promoting sustainable consumption through knowledge and trust, this study offers insights into consumer behavior as a pathway to advancing planetary health. This study advances the Theory of Planned Behavior by integrating green trust and the green marketing mix to explain how trust and economic factors shape green purchasing behavior. Practical implications suggest that businesses should adopt targeted green marketing strategies, such as educational campaigns, eco-labeling, or certifications, to enhance environmental awareness, build consumer trust, and encourage sustainable purchasing decisions. This study contributes to the literature by examining how environmental knowledge indirectly influences green purchase behavior through the mediation of trust and intention within the context of an emerging market. Full article

The sharp rise in electricity prices in South Africa has raised a growing concern over household electricity use, affordability, and the need for sustainable consumption patterns. This increasing cost of electricity has added financial pressure on South Africans already burdened by rising prices of water, food, and fuel. This study aims to determine the relationship between residential electricity consumption and electricity prices in South Africa, using annual time series secondary data spanning from 1975 to 2024. To determine the long-run relationship the study employed econometric techniques such as Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), then, for robustness, the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and diagnostics checks. The findings of the study revealed a negative relationship between electricity prices and residential electricity consumption. While disposable income showed a positive relationship with residential electricity consumption, the population growth revealed a negative relationship with residential electricity consumption. Based on the empirical findings of the study, South African policymakers should ensure the affordability of electricity and user-efficiency so that population growth does not worsen energy inequality. Hence, policymakers should ensure basic access for all households by supporting low-income groups and applying higher tariffs for higher consumption. These measures promote fairness, meet essential electricity needs, and encourage responsible use. Full article

The livestock sector in Serbia has been experiencing a prolonged period of structural and economic challenges, characterized by decreasing animal numbers, low productivity, and reduced competitiveness in both domestic and EU markets. This study analyses the key structural, technological, economic, and policy factors shaping these trends to provide strategic recommendations for sustainable sector revitalization. The methodology integrates macroeconomic analysis, agricultural economic accounts, and international trade data, applying regression modelling to examine relationships between domestic food prices, exchange rates, and agri-food import volumes. The results indicate that livestock’s share of agricultural gross value added remains below 35%, significantly lower than EU averages, while export quotas remain underutilized and the trade balance for animal products is persistently negative. Contributing factors include fragmented farm structures, outdated production technologies, limited adoption of innovations, demographic decline in rural areas, and insufficient alignment with EU CAP Strategic Plans and Green Deal objectives. Climate change impacts, such as droughts and heat stress, alongside animal disease outbreaks and macroeconomic pressures, further exacerbate these vulnerabilities. The study recommends modernizing production systems through investment in technological upgrades, strengthening farmer organizations and cooperatives, enhancing biosecurity and animal welfare standards, and improving policy frameworks to align with EU sustainability objectives. Emphasis is placed on developing integrated approaches that simultaneously address productivity, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. Implementing these strategic measures is essential for enhancing food security, supporting rural development, and ensuring Serbia’s successful integration into the EU market as part of a more sustainable and resilient agri-food system. Full article

With rising consumer concerns regarding food safety, cold chain management—which preserves product freshness through low-temperature distribution—has emerged as a critical competitive factor for retailers. This study examines how retail firms can manage quality deterioration over time to maximize profits, with a focus on pricing strategies and discard rates. Through game-theoretic modeling and empirical data analysis of milk products, we find that while individual items exhibit no consistent pattern, bundled fresh food items demonstrate an inverted U-shaped relationship between discount rates and profits, indicating an optimal discount level. Furthermore, we identify a U-shaped relationship between order quantity and disposal rate, highlighting the importance of determining optimal inventory levels to minimize waste and maximize efficiency for a sustainable competitiveness. Full article

Against the backdrop of the growing popularity of blockchain technology, this study investigates blockchain adoption strategies for the fresh food supply chain (FFSC) under a carbon cap-and-trade (CAT) policy. Taking a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a supplier and a retailer as an example, we designed four blockchain adoption modes based on the supplier’s strategy (adopt or not) and the retailer’s strategy (adopt or not). Combining influencing factors such as consumers’ low-carbon preference, consumers’ freshness preference, and carbon trading price (CTP), we established four game-theoretic models. Using backward induction, we derived the equilibrium strategies for the supplier and retailer under different modes and analyzed the impact of key factors on these equilibrium strategies. The analysis yielded four key findings: (1) BB mode (both adopt blockchain) is the optimal adoption strategy for both FFSC parties when carbon prices are high, and consumers exhibit strong dual preferences. It most effectively mitigates the negative price impact of rising carbon prices by synergistically enhancing emission reduction efforts and freshness preservation efforts, thereby increasing overall profits and achieving a Pareto improvement in the benefits for both parties. (2) Consumers’ low-carbon preference and freshness preference exhibit an interaction effect. These two preferences mutually reinforce each other’s incentive effect on FFSC efforts (emission reduction/freshness preservation). Blockchain’s information transparency makes these efforts more perceptible to consumers, forming a synergistic “emission reduction-freshness preservation” cycle that further drives sales and profit growth. (3) The adoption of blockchain by either the supplier or the retailer significantly lowers the cost threshold for the other party to adopt blockchain, thereby increasing their willingness to adopt. (4) CAT and consumer preferences jointly influence the adoption strategies of suppliers and retailers. Additionally, the adoption strategies of FFSC participants are also affected by the other party’s blockchain adoption status. Drawing on the above conclusions, this study provides actionable guidance for suppliers and retailers in selecting optimal blockchain adoption strategies. Full article

This paper presents the SMALLDERS project, a European initiative aimed at transforming smallholders’ business models through an innovative technological platform. The platform functions as an e-marketplace that connects small farmers directly with consumers while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability and collaboration across the agri-food value chain. The study evaluates the platform’s commercial viability and acceptance through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data. Research methods include focus group sessions, interviews with key stakeholders—such as transport companies, large distributors, and public administrations—and a consumer survey assessing intentions and attitudes toward the e-marketplace. Results indicate limited overall consumer readiness to adopt the platform; however, 48.6% of respondents expressed willingness to use it provided competitive prices and personal benefits are assured. Smallholders regard e-commerce as a promising opportunity, yet they face significant barriers, including limited resources, low digital literacy, and logistical constraints. Stakeholders generally view the platform positively, emphasizing that its success depends on achieving a critical mass of business volume. To foster adoption, SMALLDERS proposes three business models for smallholders: sustainable, cooperative, and technological. The platform includes a user-friendly feature to assist smallholders in transitioning among these models, complemented by training and support services designed to encourage more resilient and innovative agricultural practices. Full article

Direct purchasing offers consumers the advantage of fresher, higher-quality food, often at lower prices, with greater transparency in terms of origin and production methods, which creates trust and enables more environmentally conscious choices. On the other hand, direct selling empowers farmers by cutting out middlemen and improving their income. As a climate-friendly option, direct selling reduces transport emissions, supports environmentally friendly agricultural practises and strengthens the resilience of the food system. This paper examines the factors that influence consumer purchase intentions for direct sales in the context of climate change. The study was conducted with a sample of 313 direct sales consumers at on- and off-farm locations in Croatia (Istria and Primorsko-goranska County). The sample consists mainly of women with higher education and over 45 years of age. The exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors: (1) attitude towards climate change, (2) influence of direct sales on climate change, and (3) intention to buy in direct sales. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed a positive and significant influence of the factors’ attitude towards climate change and the influence of direct selling on climate change on the purchase intention in direct selling. The results suggest that direct selling consumers are aware of climate change and are inclined to choose sustainable behaviours, such as direct selling, to mitigate climate change. Full article

Food loss and waste are critical global issues, particularly in developing economies where they exacerbate food insecurity and environmental degradation. This study focuses on fruit and vegetable loss (FVL) in retail and wholesale markets in North Lebanon, a region marked by socio-economic challenges and infrastructural deficiencies. The research aims to identify the underlying drivers of FVL, assess current management practices, and identify aspects impacting it. Data was collected through surveys of seventy wholesalers and retailers employing descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression for analysis. The findings reveal that 85.7% of the sample generate little or no FVL. Being a retailer or wholesaler, operating on a small or large scale, or being open 24/7 or part-time does not affect FVL. Conversely, inadequate display and storage, hot weather, and pricing practices significantly impact FVL. The market faces challenges such as low consumer purchasing capacity, financial difficulties, legal constraints, and lack of knowledge. Various practices are used to prevent FVL, including strategic supply chain decisions, price reductions, and donations to charities. The study underscores the need for improved infrastructure, financial support, and regulatory frameworks to mitigate FVL, thereby enhancing food security and environmental sustainability in North Lebanon. Full article

This article analyzes the role of digital agriculture in mitigating food inflation in Brazil, highlighting how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and big data—can increase productive efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector. Through an exploratory methodology, the research discusses the challenges and opportunities of digitalization for small- and medium-sized producers, exploring its impact on competitiveness and market accessibility. In addition, it examines the relationship between the adoption of these technologies and the dynamics of agricultural prices, contributing to an essential debate on innovation, food security, and digital inclusion in the rural world. We found that digital agriculture can mitigate food inflation by improving productivity, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and reducing input costs, while underscoring the need for inclusive public policies to ensure equitable adoption among small- and medium-sized producers. The study highlights the need for public policies that foster digital inclusion in agriculture through rural connectivity, targeted training, and access to credit, ensuring that technological advances translate into equitable and sustainable development. Full article

Gum arabic production is a key source of income for communities in several African countries. Despite this, producing nations capture only a small share of the market value due to weak domestic markets, low price incentives, and limited value-added. Meanwhile, global demand is expected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2025 to USD 2.2 billion by 2035, driven by rising consumption in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles. Importing countries, such as France and the US, benefit from significantly higher export prices—French export prices rose from USD 1.58/kg to USD 4.63/kg—highlighting the value added from outside producer regions. This study uses a qualitative analytical approach to examine trends and challenges in enhancing value capture within producer countries. Key strategies include local value-added, collective action, compliance with international standards, market transparency, and direct trade linkages. Findings suggest that implementing these measures could raise farmgate prices by 30–50%, retain more value within African economies, and improve access to premium export markets. In conclusion, targeted interventions are crucial for strengthening the gum arabic supply chain and promoting sustainable and equitable collection practices in producer countries. Full article

In Australasian countries such as New Zealand, algae consumption is gaining in popularity within consumer markets. Beverages containing macro-algae, like kelp, and those containing micro-algae, such as spirulina, are considered novel products. While consumer preferences for algae-based products are well explored, less attention has been given to beverages, despite their importance for consumers, specifically those interested in health and well-being. The present study is dedicated to this research gap and investigates the key factors driving and hindering New Zealand consumers’ willingness to drink, pay a price premium, and spread word of mouth about micro-algae-based beverages, such as tea, smoothies, and cuppa soups. Theoretically, the present study is grounded in a seminal Australasian driver and barrier model of seaweed consumption. The current research design both confirms and extends the consumer behaviours previously examined. An online consumer study was distributed and collected via an opt-in panel provider, resulting in 437 responses. Consumers mirroring the NZ population in age, gender, and household income were the target sample, and descriptive statistics and a quantitative analysis via a partial least squares structural analysis served as the methodological foundation for the study. Food neophilia and involvement with algae were significant drivers for all three behavioural intentions investigated. Food neophobia was a significant inhibitor to the willingness to drink but not significantly related to the willingness to pay a price premium or spread word of mouth. Consumer perceptions of product attributes were a significant driver of New Zealand consumers’ willingness to spread word of mouth. The study provides best practice recommendations for marketers in Australasian beverage industries. In terms of its theoretical merit, two aspects stand out. Micro-algae beverages are an emerging beverage product category in Australasian markets, requiring wider exploration and complementary consumer research dedicated to algae-based food items. The focus on food neophobia and neophilia is original, as it helps to understand the barriers and drivers essential to beverages. In contrast to food items, beverages cannot hide novel ingredients such as micro-algae, making them simultaneously more appealing to food neophilic consumers and extremely challenging to food neophobic consumers. Full article

Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine has led to profound disruptions in local and global agri-food markets. Since Ukraine is one of the world’s largest maize exporters, the war also contributed to considerable changes in trade reallocation, as well as an increase in the significance of the European Union in Ukrainian exports. This study analyses the effects of the Russian–Ukrainian war on horizontal maize price transmission between Ukraine and the EU countries. The panel autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) was applied to investigate the impact of the war on the price pass-through between those countries. The econometric analysis was performed on a weekly feed maize export price series for Ukraine and 14 selected EU countries. The time frame of research, January 2019 to December 2024, was split into pre-war and war periods. The study indicates that with the outbreak of the war, the long-term relationship between Ukraine and the EU’s maize prices has weakened. At the same time, there was an increase in the short-run maize price transmission between Ukraine and the Eastern EU countries. This proves that in the face of the conflict, market participants in these countries are increasingly guided by the market situation in Ukraine when making economic decisions. Full article

Background: Access to healthy food in emerging-economy cities is challenged by last-mile constraints and poor infrastructure. Aligned with the UN SDGs on Zero Hunger and Sustainable Cities, this study examines how a strategically located nanostores network can help close these gaps while fostering local resilience. Focusing on Colombia’s Sabana Centro region, we designed a nanostore network that maximizes spatial coverage, proximity, and affordability. Methods: A competitive facility-location model combined with a discrete choice model captures consumer heterogeneity in price and location preferences. Results: Results show that locating nanostores in peripheral rather than central areas improves equity: the proposed network meets about 65,400 kg of weekly demand—51% fruit, 36% vegetables, 13% tubers—representing 16% of total regional demand and reaching underserved municipalities. This is notable given that existing nanostores already satisfy roughly 37% of household needs. Conclusions: By linking consumer behavior with sustainable spatial planning, the research offers both theoretical insight and practical tools for equitable distribution. Future work should evaluate supportive policies and supply chain innovations to secure nanostores’ long-term viability and community impact. Full article

Background: Grain foods are important sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Objective: To identify healthy grain foods and to assess their associations with composite diet quality measures and selected health outcomes. Methods: Healthy grain foods were identified using two methods. The first one, Carbohydrate Food Quality Score (CFQS-3) was based on whole grains, fiber, and added sugar. The second, NRF9.3g score for grains, balanced nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E, folate, iron, and magnesium) against added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Nutrient composition data for 1244 grain foods came from the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS 2017–2023). Dietary intakes came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017–2023). The Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2020) and the diet-level Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) were the two measures of diet quality. National food prices came from the USDA 2021 Thrifty Food Plan. Data on body weight, waist circumference, insulin, and cholesterol came from NHANES clinical files. Results: Healthy grain foods were those that scored >2 points on CFQS-3 or were in the top tertile of NRF9.3g scores. The CFQS-3 score favored cooked whole grains and cereals and savory snacks. The NRF9.3g score gave the highest ratings to breads, rolls, and RTE cereals. Consumers of healthy grains identified using both methods had higher HEI 2020 values and higher diet-level NRF scores. Both effects were dose-dependent. Consumption of healthy grains was associated with lower obesity rates and lower fasting insulin levels. Conclusions: Consumption of healthy grain foods was associated with healthier diets and lower obesity prevalence. Dietary guidelines need to acknowledge the contribution of healthy grain foods to diet quality and health. Full article