Circular Characteristics of Organic Food Consumption, New Consumption Trends in Hungary

Abstract

Consumers have an important role to play in the transition to a circular economy by making more sustainable decisions and further supporting the functioning of value groups through their consumer choices. To this end, it is necessary to promote circular and sustainable policies and practices that can lead to the emergence of demonstration initiatives. From the theory of the circular economy and the sustainability literature, 10 groups of factors can be identified that can influence the acceptance of circular products and services for consumers. None of the aspects were specifically related to the consumption and recycling of organic food. Food supply systems are identified as a potential area for the implementation of circular concepts; however, these concepts focus mainly on food production and the recycling of surplus food. Current circular solutions place less emphasis on food-related consumption, separating it from production or waste streams. In the next study, we would like to demonstrate that consumption trends have surprisingly overlapped in recent years (during Covid), resulting in a generational change in the consumption of organic food. And the clear driving force of this change is circular thinking and gaining preferences.