From Heritage to Modern Economy: Quantitative Surveys and Ethnographic Insights on Sustainability of Traditional Bihor Products

While accelerating globalization and technological transformation, traditional food products occupy a vulnerable yet strategically important position, straddling the line between cultural preservation and the need to remain economically viable. This study assesses both the sustainability and economic potential of traditional food items specific to Bihor County, Romania, with particular attention to their integration into contemporary value chains. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys with 137 local consumers and semi-structured interviews with 20 regional producers. This research focused on consumer awareness, purchasing behavior, and producers’ readiness to engage with digital tools, within the broader framework of human-centered development and the Industry 5.0 paradigm. Findings reveal a modest but consistent link between familiarity and the willingness to pay a premium, although the frequency of consumption appeared to be unaffected. Sustainability emerged as a widely held value, commonly associated with seasonality, natural ingredients, and artisanal methods. On the supply side, producers showed a cautious openness to digital adoption, often tempered by a strong desire to preserve traditional practices. Based on these insights, this study outlines a territorially grounded framework for enhancing the resilience of traditional foods. Policy recommendations include support for user-friendly digital platforms, improved rural infrastructure, and initiatives that reinforce the regional gastronomic identity.