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The Influence of Social Media Platforms on Promoting Sustainable Consumption in the Food Industry: A Bibliometric Review

Author

Listed:
  • Claudiu Coman

    (Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brașov, Romania)

  • Anna Bucs

    (Department of Sociology and Social Sciences, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Vasile Gherheș

    (Department of Communication and Foreign Languages, Interdisciplinary Research Center for Communication and Sustainability, Politehnica University of Timisoara, 300006 Timișoara, Romania)

  • Dana Rad

    (Center of Research, Development and Innovation in Psychology and Social Work, Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad, 310032 Arad, Romania)

  • Mihai Bogdan Alexandrescu

    (Faculty of Juridical and Economics Science, Spiru Haret University, 030045 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

The increased trend of globalization and the ever-growing world population have produced significant challenges to sustainable consumption goals, especially in the food industry. Production, transportation, and consumption of food have a major impact on sustainability. This bibliometric review aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the influence of social media platforms on sustainable consumption in the food industry. Based on a literature search in the ISI Web of Science (WoS) database, we identified 38 documents by applying three filters: “sustainable consumption,” “food industry,” and “social media”, and a detailed screening process, a final set of 29 articles was selected for analysis. The selection criteria ensured relevance and alignment with the research objectives. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to identify emerging trends, aiming to highlight the potential of social media in raising awareness, cultivating sustainable consumption practices, and creating change in the food industry. The findings indicate that social media is a powerful tool not only for influencer marketing and brand communication but also for consumer empowerment and behavioral change. Our review identified key themes such as the prevalence of influencer-based food marketing, challenges related to misinformation, consumer demand for transparency, and the growing integration of big data and personalized marketing strategies. We argue that social media can significantly contribute to sustainability goals when responsibly used by marketers, educators, and policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudiu Coman & Anna Bucs & Vasile Gherheș & Dana Rad & Mihai Bogdan Alexandrescu, 2025. "The Influence of Social Media Platforms on Promoting Sustainable Consumption in the Food Industry: A Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5960-:d:1690074
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gennaro Civero & Vincenzo Rusciano & Debora Scarpato & Mariarosaria Simeone, 2021. "Food: Not Only Safety, but Also Sustainability. The Emerging Trend of New Social Consumers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-15, November.
    2. Andreja Vezovnik & Tanja Kamin, 2024. "Young Flexitarians: An Insight into Barriers and Facilitators Related to Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation for Meat Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-20, October.
    3. Parbey, P & Aryeetey, Richmond Nii Okai, 2022. "A review of food and nutrition communication and promotion in Ghana," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 22(02).
    4. Ishara Rathnayake & J. Jorge Ochoa & Ning Gu & Raufdeen Rameezdeen & Larissa Statsenko & Sukhbir Sandhu, 2024. "Strategies for Enhancing Sharing Economy Practices Across Diverse Industries: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-32, October.
    5. Monika Pettersen-Sobczyk, 2023. "Social Media Influencer Marketing in the Food Industry: A Spatial Distribution of Research," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3), pages 246-260.
    6. Monika Pettersen-Sobczyk, 2023. "Social Media Influencer Marketing in the Promotion of Tourist Destinations," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 585-594.
    7. Little, David C. & Bush, Simon R. & Belton, Ben & Thanh Phuong, Nguyen & Young, James A. & Murray, Francis J., 2012. "Whitefish wars: Pangasius, politics and consumer confusion in Europe," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(3), pages 738-745.
    8. Ataharul Chowdhury & Khondokar H. Kabir & Abdul-Rahim Abdulai & Md Firoze Alam, 2023. "Systematic Review of Misinformation in Social and Online Media for the Development of an Analytical Framework for Agri-Food Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.
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