Novos modelos de negócio de combate ao desperdício alimentar

Abstract

Food waste is a worldwide problem with severe economic, social, and environmental consequences. Like many other sustainable-related topics, food waste has been a subject of increasing attention and concern over the last years. Therefore, new strategies and innovations that aim to combat and minimize the impacts of food waste have emerged, for instance, through new business models. Business models that focus on reducing food waste are categorized as sustainable business models and, consequently, face challenges beyond those that are common to any type of business. The purpose of this study was to explore those challenges using a qualitative methodology. This investigation was accomplished through interviews done to companies that fit the characteristics of those business models and a survey assigned to Portuguese consumers to understand their behavior on this subject and their use of the services offered by the organizations that were interviewed. Throughout the work, the main challenges were identified, mainly related to the lack of receptivity of consumers to this type of business as well as the lack of government support for their development. Some limitations to this study were also detected, which can be seen as opportunities for future research work.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Jorge Julião (Supervisor) & Marcelo Gaspar (Co-Supervisor)