Sustainable Food Products
Sustainable Food Products

Author(s): Rangel Matanski
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Business Economy / Management, Agriculture, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: sustainable food; food security; EU policies; value chain; consumer behavior
Summary/Abstract: Sustainable food products are a key component of food security in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, rural depopulation, and the growing need to produce sufficient quantities of nutritious food. They form the foundation for the sustainable use of ecosystems for food production, ensuring the availability of resources for present and future generations. The purpose of this study is to systematize scientific definitions and indicators of food product sustainability through a review of current literature and official documents of international organizations at the European level. The methodological approach is based on an analytical review of scientific publications and strategic documents issued by FAO, OECD, and the EU. The scope of the review includes the four main pillars of sustainability – environmental, economic, social, and cultural – and examines their manifestation across different segments of the food value chain. Source selection criteria include relevance, scientific credibility, and applicability to the European context. The review also considers policy instruments and consumer behavior as key drivers of sustainability, with particular attention to EU strategies such as Farm to Fork and the European Green Deal. The results indicate that sustainability in food products is a multidimensional concept integrating ecological objectives (reducing carbon footprint, preserving biodiversity), economic aspects (profitability, market access, and fair value distribution), social dimensions (equity, healthy nutrition, and protection of farmers’ rights), and cultural elements (preservation of traditions and local products). The study highlights the role of consumer demand and policy frameworks – ranging from eco-labeling and marketing strategies to legislative initiatives – in promoting sustainable consumption and production. Evidence from literature suggests that consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, creating opportunities for market-driven sustainability alongside regulatory measures. Practical implications include the need for transparent labeling systems, incentives for organic farming, and support for short supply chains to strengthen rural economies. The discussion proposes a working definition of a sustainable food product as one whose characteristics contribute to achieving long-term EU objectives, provide added value to consumers, and can be leveraged as a tool for both policy implementation and marketing strategies. The conclusion emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that balances environmental, economic, and social goals to avoid unintended consequences, such as those observed in recent farmer protests against overly ambitious green policies. Sustainable solutions can be enforced through regulations or encouraged through informed consumer choices, but their adoption is essential to safeguard food security for future generations.

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