Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to review, through a systematic literature review, the different perspectives from which imperfect, ugly and suboptimal food products lead to food waste, as well as to ascertain which are the already proposed improvements, and to present further solutions to develop more sustainable food production and consumption.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA methodology and searching for the following keywords: “imperfect fruit”, “imperfect food”, “ugly fruit” and “ugly food”; the review was carried out within three databases (Emerald, Scopus and Science Direct-Elsevier), starting, since the topic is quite recent, from the first published article on this issue. Only peer-reviewed papers were selected.Findings: Results reveal that, among 188 papers, only 49 fit the aim of the literature review, analysing what strategies can be used to ameliorate consumers' perception of suboptimal food in order to fight food waste. Specifically, four different interventions are suggested: on the supply chain, on personal experience and awareness campaigns, on promoting circular economy, and on marketing and advertising campaigns.Originality/value: This paper fills a gap in literature since, by the authors' knowledge, this is the first literature review which analyses different strategies on food waste reduction linked to imperfect/suboptimal food, suggesting further steps which may be taken.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate, through a quantitative research, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online food delivery in Italy and Poland, as well as to ascertain whether or not, under a consumer perspective, respondents consider such method as impacting on the environment and on food waste.Design/methodology/approach: An empirical survey of consumers at Italian and Polish Universities was conducted using the online survey computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method.Findings: Results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic has modified consumer habits in both Italy and Poland, though the researched sample does not have full knowledge of these changes. Moreover, the study has proved once again that online food delivery may impact negatively on the environment and the food waste issue.Originality/value: This paper fills a gap in literature since, by the authors' knowledge, it is the first quantitative study analysing Italian and Polish young consumers as to online food delivery habits and their approach to sustainability aspects of this purchasing method.

In the modern retail system, labels may be defined as silent-sellers which, if recognized and understood by consumers, may allow them to make conscious choices. This simple concern is particularly important considering e-commerce: it ensures customers to find nearly everything they demand without the need to exit from home; however, as shoppers are not in direct contact with sales-clerks, labels play even more a crucial role in the purchasing decision. Online shopping is increasing, notably among young people, and ecolabels represent for producers a tool to distinguish their goods and to provide consumers reliable and credible information about the environmental characteristics of their products. Despite the growing interest in the above-mentioned topics, research which investigate the recognition of ecolabels in online shopping by young consumers lack. To this purpose, the authors conducted an online questionnaire that was distributed to a sample of 559 young consumers who shop online in the most popular Polish retailing chains. Results reveal that online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Poland, but only some ecolabels were recognized by more than 50% of respondents. This result is not correlated to the frequency of online purchases nor to gender. The recognition of ecolabels among consumers is fundamental.

The still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the current Russia-Ukraine war have deeply impacted the world, with aftermath that will long last. The whole EU food supply chain has been placed under unprecedented stresses and consumers are one of the most impacted stakeholders as, on the one hand, they have concerns related to price increase, and on the other they are attracted by certified food, characterized by a combination of environmental and human factors which are linked to a specific territory. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate in two different EU countries the extent to which voluntary quality marks such as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Identification (PGI) may influence consumers’ choices, trying to evaluate if their use can help the resilience of the agrifood supply chain. Research methods: The method consists of an empirical survey of young consumers in Italy and Poland. The sample groups were chosen from University students in both countries. A statistical evaluation of the differences found between the two sample groups is provided. The survey includes a preliminary qualitative research phase with personal dialogues useful for the formulation of the questionnaire, based on the real needs and expectations of consumers. Results: The answers are slightly different in the two analysed countries. In Poland, the COVID-19 pandemic has been perceived as an average factor of habits changes while the Russia-Ukraine conflict has not influenced shopping behaviours. For the Italians, instead, these two crises have not changed University students’ attitudes. The results show the importance of quality labels in consumer choice and the interest in PDO and PGI certifications which play a crucial role in the resilience of the rural economy by keeping those areas populated and rural traditions alive.