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Eating in Season—A Lever of Sustainability? An Interview Study on the Social Perception of Seasonal Consumption

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  • Faustine Régnier

    (Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Paris-Saclay Applied Economics, 91120 Palaiseau, France)

  • Anne-Laure Dalstein

    (Eteicos, Institut d’études et de Conseil, 31 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 93100 Montreuil, France)

  • Clémence Rouballay

    (Eteicos, Institut d’études et de Conseil, 31 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 93100 Montreuil, France)

  • Louis Chauvel

    (Institute for Research on Socio-Economic Inequalities, University of Luxembourg, 11 Porte des Sciences, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

Abstract

Seasonality is a lever of sustainability. However, very little is known about the social perceptions of “in season” food consumption. We aimed to explore different French social groups’ perceptions of seasonality, “in season” food choices, and their respective advantages or disadvantages. We interviewed 73 individuals (general population = 32, clients of short supply chains = 28, Etiquettable (a sustainability app) users = 13). In-depth, semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions were conducted. Content and thematic, textual, and quantitative analyses were performed. We found four clusters of interviewees who differed in social backgrounds and motivations for eating “in season.” A social divide between individuals for whom “eating seasonally” was a priority (upper strata), and those who “eat unseasonally” (lower strata) was highlighted. An analysis of motivations showed a contrast between individuals who were familiar with seasonal food rhythms and aimed to support the local economy and the older generation for whom seasonal products gave better value for money. The implications of public action on sustainable consumption are discussed with respect to the knowledge of seasonality, targeted segments of the population, and a combination of arguments to encourage seasonal consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Faustine Régnier & Anne-Laure Dalstein & Clémence Rouballay & Louis Chauvel, 2022. "Eating in Season—A Lever of Sustainability? An Interview Study on the Social Perception of Seasonal Consumption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:9:p:5379-:d:805657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Régnier, Faustine & Caillavet, France & Badji, Ikpidi, 2019. "Saisonnalité et contre-saisonnalité pour une alimentation durable," INRAE Sciences Sociales, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAE), Departement Sciences Sociales, Agriculture et Alimentation, Espace et Environnement (SAE2), vol. 2019(5-6), November.
    2. Saari, Ulla A. & Damberg, Svenja & Frömbling, Lena & Ringle, Christian M., 2021. "Sustainable consumption behavior of Europeans: The influence of environmental knowledge and risk perception on environmental concern and behavioral intention," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
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