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Revitalization of Food in Sweden—A Closer Look at the REKO Network

Author

Listed:
  • Axel Gruvaeus

    (Department of Culture and Society, Linköping University, SE-60174 Norrköping, Sweden)

  • Johanna Dahlin

    (Department of Culture and Society, Linköping University, SE-60174 Norrköping, Sweden)

Abstract

Can parts of the future food system include bi-weekly opportunities to purchase uneven stocks of produce at semi-remote locations? Current development in the Swedish food system suggests so. In the last few years, the Swedish Alternative Food Network ‘REKO’ has grown at an explosive pace. This anthropological article describes and discusses the organizational structure and motivations of the network, as well as discusses it from a revitalization perspective. From a netnographical and policy analysis perspective it is shown how the network uses social media and policy to convey a low bureaucracy, end to end, commercial space for local food—understood as a more “simple” way to achieve direct relationships in the food supply chain and thus create opportunities for local food networks. By adopting a view of the conventions and values of this Alternative Food Network as representing a parallel system aiming at facilitating direct relationships between ends in the food supply chain, the REKO initiative can be understood as a feasible model for a more satisfactory culture without needing to replace the mainstream food supply. The findings of the research deepen the understanding of REKO in Sweden by pointing towards how it can be understood as a sign of change of consumer preference and of prioritization of official policy concerns. The article also points towards how grass root movements can replicate success rapidly using policy documents capturing experiences and best practices spread online through social media.

Suggested Citation

  • Axel Gruvaeus & Johanna Dahlin, 2021. "Revitalization of Food in Sweden—A Closer Look at the REKO Network," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-23, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10471-:d:639717
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johanna Dahlin & Elin Svensson, 2021. "Revitalizing Traditional Agricultural Practices: Conscious Efforts to Create a More Satisfying Culture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-16, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayari Genevieve Pasquier Merino & Gerardo Torres Salcido & David Sébastien Monachon & Jessica Geraldine Villatoro Hernández, 2022. "Alternative Food Networks, Social Capital, and Public Policy in Mexico City," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-25, December.
    2. Kirsi Korhonen & Toivo Muilu, 2022. "Characteristics and stability of consumer food-buying groups: the case of food circles," Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies, Springer, vol. 103(3), pages 211-245, September.

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