Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effect of sensory marketing and service quality on satisfaction, loyalty and repurchase intentions in this context. Design/methodology/approach The study used a correlational, non-experimental approach and collected data from 315 consumers. To evaluate the significance of the effect, the multivariate analysis was used. It integrates the SOR model and service-dominant logic in the theoretical framework. Findings The outcomes indicate that sensory marketing, based on visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory components, has an effect on service quality (ß = 0.786; p < 0.001). Service quality has an effect on satisfaction (ß = 0.801; p < 0.001), loyalty (ß = 0.310; p < 0.001) and repurchase intention (ß = 0.289; p < 0.001). These outcomes highlight the valuable contribution of sensory marketing in explaining the quality of service, which ultimately influences satisfaction, loyalty, and continued food purchases at convenience stores. Originality/value This research provides practical insights for food convenience store managers, highlighting the significance of sensory marketing management and its crucial role in influencing customers' likelihood to repurchase.

Purpose On June 29, 2025, Chinese customs authorities announced the conditional resumption of Japanese aquatic product imports. By examining the impact of perceived value and perceived risk on consumer purchasing intent for Japanese imported aquatic products as well as the recovery mechanisms for purchasing intent following crisis events, this study expands the application scope of rational choice theory. It provides targeted references for corporate marketing, government regulation, and trust rebuilding, offering theoretical and empirical support for restoring Sino-Japanese aquatic product trade, rebuilding market trust, and informing decision-making among relevant stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was conducted with 549 consumers. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), an extended TRA model was constructed by integrating consumer perception and trust restoration theories to analyze purchase intentions for imported Japanese aquatic products. Findings Results indicate that the perceived value of Japanese imported aquatic products significantly positively influences purchase intention, whereas perceived risk significantly negatively impacts purchase intention. Subjective norms and attitudes mediate consumer perceptions and purchase intention, with chain mediation occurring between these variables. Trust restoration strategies negatively moderate the paths of “perceived risk of Japanese imported aquatic products → Subjective norm” and “perceived risk of Japanese imported aquatic products → Attitude.” That is, trust restoration strategies effectively reduce consumers' perceived risk, thereby restoring their purchase intentions. Research limitations/implications First, the sampling scope was confined to Shanghai, resulting in insufficient geographical representativeness of the sample, which may affect the generalizability of the conclusions. Second, some variables were measured using three-item scales; although these passed the reliability and validity tests, they may limit the robustness of the results. Third, the theoretical basis for including age, sex, education level, and income as control variables in the statistical model remains insufficient. Fourth, as Japanese imported seafood products had not yet entered the Chinese market during the research phase, consumer purchasing behavior could not be examined. Practical implications Through a collaborative mechanism involving corporate governance oversight and third-party certification, we will rebuild the foundation of trust in the Sino-Japanese aquatic product trade. This will facilitate the gradual recovery of trade volume, encourage industry associations to serve as bridges, promote technical exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Japanese aquatic enterprises, elevate the overall quality and safety standards of the industry, and drive the establishment of unified quality evaluation and safety traceability standards within the aquatic product sector. These efforts will enhance the credibility and competitiveness of the industry. Social implications This research not only provides a reference for enterprises to formulate marketing strategies but also offers decision-making support for government departments to improve regulatory systems and ensure stable market operations. This has significant practical implications for promoting the healthy development of the China-Japan aquatic products trade. Originality/value This study provides a reference for relevant enterprises in formulating marketing strategies and holds significant practical implications for promoting the healthy development of the Sino-Japanese aquatic product trade and restoring consumer purchase intention.

Purpose The aim of this research is to assess the level of online disclosure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and to identify the factors which positively influence it. Design/methodology/approach From the perspective of legitimacy theory, CSR practices are an essential tool employed by companies to maintain their social support. By applying a configurational approach (fsQCA analysis), complex combinations of organisational factors that favour their disclosure are identified. This study focuses on a sector that has been little studied in this field, namely the agri-food sector. Findings The fieldwork results show the low level of online dissemination of CSR practices among the companies analysed. However, certain combinations of factors related to online market orientation (packaged wine, online shop and social networks) and organisational characteristics (board size and gender diversity) positively influence the greater disclosure of sustainability information. Research limitations/implications This study has focused on a single product and geographical area, Spain, although it is relevant at national and international levels. External factors (e.g. legislation) could have been considered as conditioning factors for the level of online dissemination of CSR. Originality/value CSR diffusion is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by organisational and technological factors, among others. Therefore, a configurational approach (fsQCA method) is provided, which allows exploring complex interactions between variables and provides an innovative perspective in a sector such as the agri-food sector, traditionally less digitalised and particularly sensitive to CSR actions.

Purpose In the plant-based meat consumption literature, it remains unclear why consumers are willing to continue purchasing and actively engage in word-of-mouth communication after their initial purchase. Therefore, based on product evaluation theory, protection motivation theory, and brand equity theory, this study aims to examine which factors serve as important drivers of consumers' repurchase intentions and word-of-mouth intentions for plant-based meat. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data were collected through an online survey in the UK (n = 399). The structural model was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The moderation effect was tested using SPSS PROCESS macro. Findings Utilitarian value, hedonic value, protection motivation, and brand preference are significant drivers of repurchase intention (R2 = 0.676) and word-of-mouth intention (R2 = 0.708). Notably, in the post-purchase decision-making process, consumers primarily emphasize utilitarian value. The results also indicate that specific antecedents shape utilitarian value, hedonic value, protection motivation, and brand preference. For instance, consumers who find plant-based meat more appealing in taste, nutrition, and price, and easier to access through convenient channels, tend to report stronger perceptions of utilitarian value. Moreover, the findings indicate that psychological discomfort weakens the positive associations of hedonic value, protection motivation, and brand preference with the outcome variables. Practical implications Companies should consider the promotional strategies of plant-based meat by not only sustainable appeals but also its perceived values (e.g. improving flavor and healthfulness), protection motivation (e.g. self-efficacy enhancement), and brand preference (e.g. brand loyalty creation). Originality/value This study constructs a theoretical framework for explaining post-purchase decisions about plant-based meat by integrating three theoretical perspectives. In addition, it verifies that hedonic value, protection motivation, and brand preference are less effective in consumer groups with higher psychological discomfort.

Purpose This study explores the food choices made by the Roma community in Belfast, with a particular focus on how health and sustainability preferences are expressed. Design/methodology/approach An ethnographic methodology was employed, incorporating semi-structured interviews with 14 Roma women recruited through a local community organisation. Findings Thematic analysis revealed a preference for home cooked meals of fresh food, with a distinct cultural categorisation of these food types as Roma food while ultra-processed and convenience foods were identified as “Northern Irish”. There was an expressed preference for foods perceived as healthy and nutritious despite findings that nutrition is low amongst this social group. Sustainable food knowledge was limited to ethical and organic production, suggesting a need for greater sustainability awareness and promotion amongst the Roma. Research limitations/implications The study's small sample size and location-specific focus may limit broader generalisation; however findings suggest interventions to improve knowledge and awareness and incentivise behaviour change in favour of more nutritious and sustainable choices should account for low literacy levels and should be co-produced with the Roma to be culturally appropriate and avoid paternalist approaches which reinforce their social exclusion. Originality/value Limited research is available regarding the Roma's food behaviours and dietary health, with seemingly nothing written about their role of sustainability in their food choices. The findings address a significant gap in our knowledge about this marginalised group by contributing cultural perspectives on the motivations and barriers affecting their food choices, with particular regard to health and sustainability.

Purpose The prices and rents of land depend on its marginal productivity and a number of other factors (the range of economic and policy-related factors). Significant changes in the European Union (EU) agricultural policy and changes in productivity models in recent years have influenced land market dynamics. To properly understand the dynamics in the land market and relate it to changes in agricultural production and policy, it is important to establish a multi-factor model that would allow the main factors determining changes in land rental prices in the EU to be assessed. Design/methodology/approach The article proposes an index decomposition analysis model to explain changes in land price at the country level. The logarithmic mean Divisia index is used for the decomposition of agricultural land prices into their key contributing factors. The proposed index decomposition analysis model is used with data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network. The empirical case of the EU countries over 2004–2022 is considered. The proposed approach allows one to measure the contributions of different factors towards changes in land rent based on the production theory. Findings The results indicate that growth in agricultural output per hectare appears to be the major cause behind changes in agricultural land rent. Increasing land productivity can be attributed to improved agricultural practices and the application of intermediate inputs. The price changes are also included in the analysis. During the period under review, land and rental prices and farm profitability indicators increased in most EU countries. Average growth in land rents in the EU-28 was around 2.2%, while land prices grew at 1.3%. The fastest growth in rental prices was recorded in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic (10.6–17.1%), while that for land prices was recorded in Bulgaria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia (10.4–26.2%). Land prices have also increased relative to the income generated by a land unit. This can be attributed to a €12/ha increase in the land rent price. Increasing agricultural subsidies have also played a stimulating role with respect to changes in agricultural land rent in the EU-28. However, this effect amounted to an increase in the agricultural land rent of just €7/ha. Originality/value The proposed approach allows one to isolate the effects of land rent price changes with respect to multiple factors. These factors explain land productivity, support rate and the situation in the land market. The proposed model can also be adjusted to explain dynamics in the land rent in other contexts.

Purpose The emerging technology of culturing meat offers potential for mitigating sustainability challenges associated with conventional meat production. Despite its promise, past research highlights general consumer aversion to cultivated meat, underscoring the need for theory-based interventions to promote its acceptance. This study aims to identify specific motivators and barriers to regular cultivated meat consumption. Design/methodology/approach We extended the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with underlying beliefs and psychographic factors and used structural equation modelling to analyse data from a representative sample of the Singaporean population (n = 748). Findings Perceived behavioural control, family opinions, product availability and health perceptions are key factors in promoting regular consumption of cultivated meat. Additionally, participants with higher nature-relatedness displayed more positive perceptions toward cultivated meat, whereas those with higher health consciousness expressed greater uncertainty. Practical implications Making cultivated meat more accessible through proper regulations remains crucial. We recommend future interventions focus on family-oriented dining settings and dishes for sharing to encourage cultivated meat consumption, alongside educational campaigns to increase awareness of its benefits. Originality/value This research provides theory-based insights using the TPB to understand consumer intention to regularly consume cultivated meat, which has not been previously studied. The study offers unique insights into consumer perspectives in a context where cultivated meat is approved for sale and consumption, providing evidence-based guidance for practitioners developing interventions to promote sustainable protein consumption.

Purpose The cold chain (CC) is critical in preserving perishable goods across multiple industries. Insufficient infrastructure, along with other challenges, contributes to extensive food wastage. Although numerous studies have focused on the challenges of the CC, an integrated framework is required to prioritize and tackle these challenges. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research utilizes a conscious capitalism perspective and employs multi-criteria decision-making methods, specifically fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, Fuzzy Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and the best-worst method to analyse various factors affecting the cold supply chain (CSC). Findings The findings of this research emphasize that implementing best practices, forming partnerships and alliances and government initiatives are significant non-information technology (IT) solutions. Automating data collection, integrating logistics management systems and creating integrated platforms are notable IT solutions for addressing CSC challenges. These findings align with the recent focus on sustainability in the CCs. Originality/value The current study contributes a novel integrated framework and seeks to fill the existing gap by analysing issues and proposing solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of these issues on the CC. The study attempts to further build upon prior research by extending it through the utilization of a unified model with a focus on sustainability.

Purpose Negative electricity prices are becoming more prevalent in European wholesale energy markets, driven by increasing renewable energy integration. This phenomenon, while widely studied in the context of energy systems, remains underexplored in relation to energy-intensive industries, particularly food supply chains. The purpose of this paper is to explore the operational and economic implications of negative electricity pricing on cold chain logistics in Europe. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a regression-based predictive model to examine the mechanisms behind negative electricity pricing events. It assesses their impact on key food supply chain components such as cold storage, food processing, and refrigerated transport operations, all of which are sensitive to electricity price fluctuations. Findings The paper highlights the vulnerabilities of food supply chains to electricity price volatility and provides actionable insights for businesses to optimize energy consumption. The study also proposes regulatory and procurement strategies to help mitigate risks, improve cost-efficiency, and enhance sustainability in the context of increasingly volatile electricity markets. Research limitations/implications The findings offer practical recommendations for food businesses to anticipate and respond to negative electricity pricing events, supporting their efforts to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability. Practical implications For cold storage operators, food processors and refrigerated transport firms, the results imply that negative-price episodes can be converted from “market noise” into a cost-reduction opportunity by shifting discretionary loads (e.g., deep-freezing, defrosting and ventilation cycles) into forecasted low/negative-price windows and by moving away from rigid fixed-tariff contracts toward dynamic/hybrid procurement. In your study, firms that combine real-time monitoring, automated scheduling, and flexible contracts are able to reduce energy expenditure by up to ∼15% during low-price periods, improving both margins and carbon performance. Social implications By shaping electricity cost volatility and reliability for cold-chain logistics, negative pricing can affect food safety, spoilage losses and consumer prices, with benefits disproportionately accruing to firms able to invest in flexibility and automation. Originality/value This research adds value by bridging the gap between energy systems research and its application to the food supply chain sector, providing a novel approach to managing the impact of electricity price volatility.

Purpose This study examines adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among Italian adults, identifying meaningful determinants, including socioeconomic factors, health and sustainability-related practices, environmental concerns, and psychological well-being. Design/methodology/approach Data consist of 103,447 adult individual-level observations from the Multipurpose Household Survey (MHS) collected by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) from a representative sample of Italian households during years 2019–2021. Adherence is measured through three indexes: the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), and the Mediterranean Diet Composite Score (MDCS). Ordered logit models have been used to assess the impact of individual, household, and health behaviors. Findings The cross-sectional analysis reveals that higher MD adherence is positively associated with older age, female gender, higher education, and elevated socioeconomic status. Individuals engaged in health-promoting behaviors, such as regular physical activity and non-smoking, and those with greater environmental awareness and pro-environmental behaviors are more likely to follow the MD. Psychological well-being plays a relevant role, as lower levels of psychological distress correspond with higher MD adherence. Household characteristics, including marital status and the presence of preschool children, also play a role in adherence patterns. Research limitations/implications These findings underline the importance of integrating health behaviors, environmental sustainability, and psychological well-being into public health strategies to promote the MD. Practical implications Results emerging from this research can assist policymakers to encourage a diet that supports both human and environmental health, in line with the Farm to Fork strategy's objectives and the promotion of sustainable, healthy food systems. Originality/value This study offers a novel, integrative analysis of MD adherence by jointly examining psychological well-being, pro-environmental behaviors, and socio-economic characteristics within a single empirical model. Using a nationally representative sample of over 100,000 Italian adults (2019–2021), it captures subclinical psychological distress in a non-clinical population, extending beyond traditional socio-demographic analyses. The study is also the first to simultaneously explore psychological and environmental factors during the COVID-19 period and to compare three widely used MD adherence indices (MDS, MDSS, MDCS), demonstrating how index choice affects prevalence estimates and associations, thus providing key methodological insights for research and policy.