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Leveraging Household Food Waste Consumer Behaviour to Optimise Logistics

Author

Listed:
  • Sotiris Ntai

    (Department of Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management, Agricultural University of Athens, 32200 Thiva, Greece)

  • Maria Kontopanou

    (Department of Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management, Agricultural University of Athens, 32200 Thiva, Greece)

  • Foivos Anastasiadis

    (Department of Agribusiness and Supply Chain Management, Agricultural University of Athens, 32200 Thiva, Greece)

Abstract

Background: This study explores how consumer behaviour influences household food waste and its ripple effects on the efficiency of the agri-food supply chain. Methods : Using survey data, we applied regression analysis to analyse the links between shopping habits, household demographics, waste reduction goals, and disposal practices. Results : Results show that purchasing driven by promotions significantly boosts household waste, while waste reduction goals strongly reduce disposal behaviours. These results illustrate how irregular consumer purchasing patterns create upstream demand fluctuations, making inventory management and production planning more complex. The findings highlight opportunities for logistics improvements, such as demand-based inventory systems, optimised purchasing routines, adjusted promotional strategies, and consumer-involved forecasting models to cut waste and promote resource sustainability. Conclusions : This research connects consumer behaviour with supply chain management, offering practical insights for building more sustainable and efficient food supply chains through targeted logistics actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sotiris Ntai & Maria Kontopanou & Foivos Anastasiadis, 2025. "Leveraging Household Food Waste Consumer Behaviour to Optimise Logistics," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:126-:d:1740510
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bacha, Bouchra & Bouchery, Yann & Babai, M. Zied & Jemai, Zied, 2026. "Impact of pricing and replenishment decisions on food waste at stores and households," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).

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