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Internet-enabled access to alternative food networks: A comparison of online and offline food shoppers and their differing interpretations of quality

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  • Benjamin Wills

    (University of Tasmania)

  • Anthony Arundel

    (University of Tasmania
    University of Maastricht)

Abstract

Online food retail has the potential to broaden access to systems of food provision which promote social and environmental quality attributes. This possibility is explored using data from a survey of 365 consumers who purchased food either via internet retailers of local and organic food, or via farmers’ markets, in Vancouver, Canada and Melbourne, Australia. Survey results are analyzed using principal component and regression techniques and interpreted via the theoretical framework of conventions theory. Key findings show that while online retailers of local organic food are not currently attracting more resource constrained consumers, they do appeal to a similar, although broader, array of quality conventions. This research provides new insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with increasing consumer access to alternative food networks, as well as adding to the small number of quantitative studies in the conventions theory literature.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Wills & Anthony Arundel, 2017. "Internet-enabled access to alternative food networks: A comparison of online and offline food shoppers and their differing interpretations of quality," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 34(3), pages 701-712, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:34:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s10460-017-9771-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-017-9771-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Sttefanie Yenitza Escobar-López & Santiago Amaya-Corchuelo & Angélica Espinoza-Ortega, 2021. "Alternative Food Networks: Perceptions in Short Food Supply Chains in Spain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, February.
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    5. Ryan Cronin & Anthony Halog, 2022. "A Unique Perspective of Materials, Practices and Structures Within the Food, Energy and Water Nexus of Australian Urban Alternative Food Networks," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    6. Susanne Kummer & Rebecka Milestad, 2020. "The Diversity of Organic Box Schemes in Europe—An Exploratory Study in Four Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-24, March.

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