Consumers in a cross-cultural and intra-cultural perspective – Southern Europe

de Moura, A.P.; Moura, Ana Pinto de; Sousa, Sofia A. de; Cunha, Luís Miguel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/20602

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Abstract(s)

This chapter explores the evolving dietary characteristics and food choice motivations in Southern European countries, particularly in France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain, highlighting the growing importance of drivers such as price, food safety, and origin in addition to taste, natural content and health. While recent trends suggest an increasing intake of animal-based foods and a decline in adherence to the Mediterranean diet, this dietary pattern remains aligned with the current Southern European consumer priorities. This constitutes a relevant framework for safeguarding gastronomic traditions by underscoring the substantial cultural and emotional value attributed to traditional foods, which are perceived as safer, more authentic, and sensorially superior. In this context, the European Union’s quality schemes are crucial in preserving food heritage and guiding informed consumer choices.

Keywords

Food choice Food culture France Greece Italy Mediterranean diet Portugal Spain

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.2/20602

Citation

de Moura, A. P., de Sousa, S. A., & Cunha, L. M. (2025). Consumers in a Cross-Cultural and Intra-Cultural Perspective–Southern Europe, Reference Collection in Food Science, Elsevier, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-29139-5.00057-4