There is a growing interest in understanding the multifaceted factors that influence individuals' food and dietary behaviors and purchasing choices. These include psychological, cultural, economic, and social factors. However there is a need to delve deeper into the role of food and beverage companies, industries, and multinational corporations in shaping individuals' dietary decisions and purchasing behaviors. Despite ever-increasing reliance on industry for providing fast, convenient, and affordable food, limited research exists that holistically synthesizes the influence of strategies employed by food companies on the intricate landscape of food consumption and purchasing.

More and more, food companies and industries battle for consumer attention in a world pushing for healthfulness and environmental and ethical sustainability. With individuals facing an increasingly diverse range of food options and marketing strategies, understanding the factors that guide their choices is critical for both businesses and policymakers. It is therefore crucial for us to understand the understanding, usage, and consumer perception of food labels (including front-of-pack nutrition information and health claims) and other aspects of food packaging design (e.g., material, colour usage, branding). For example, there is an increased need to understand factors that may influence consumer perception around certain brand identities in the context of “boycotting” and fear of “green-washing”.

Despite surges in digitization and social media, traditional marketing and advertising strategies (e.g., billboard, TV and radio) continue to play a key role in consumer behavior, particularly given the rising concerns over the spread of diet- and food-related misinformation. Evaluating the impact of marketing laws and policies on food industry activities (e.g. pre-watershed advertising bans) and the consequences for consumer behaviors and their health therefore remains a crucial line of investigation.

This Research Topic therefore aims to push the boundaries of knowledge in this dynamic field, unravelling the interplay between industries and consumer behaviors, their food choices, and purchasing decisions. Such insight into industry-individual influences in the food sector is not only crucial for businesses seeking to align their products with consumer preferences but also for policymakers and healthcare professionals striving to formulate effective interventions that promote healthier dietary choices. This includes public health initiatives, educational campaigns, and regulatory measures. As societies grapple with issues such as obesity, sustainability, and ethical consumption, this research provides a foundation for evidence-based strategies that can positively impact public health, consumer satisfaction, and the broader wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers from fields such as psychology, marketing, nutrition, sociology, and economics, we welcome original research, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, perspective papers, and case studies covering topics such as the following:

• Impact of front-of-pack labels and nutrition information on guiding consumer choices.

• The role of packaging design on consumers' perceptions and purchasing decisions.

• Consumer perceptions of food industries and companies (e.g., boycotting, "greenwashing")

• Impact of traditional marketing strategies (e.g., billboards, TV advertising, newspaper, radio and so forth) on consumer food choice.

• Sensory marketing strategies, such as olfactory marketing in food settings and retailers.

• Impact of price promotions (e.g., buy-one-get-one-free, two-for-one, sales and discounts) on food purchasing decisions.

• Consumer perceptions of food-related health claims and their source (e.g., industry vs "trusted" sources).

• Influence of industry on food laws and policies and the resultant consequences for consumer health.

• Evaluating the impact of public policies and regulations on consumer behavior and food purchasing patterns (e.g., pre-watershed TV advertising bans).

• Examining consumer perceptions and psychological impacts of press or other communication channels in disseminating rumors about diets or food-related information.

• Impact of social media marketing by industry and companies for food promotion

Impact

Frontiers in Nutrition

Food Policy and Economics