Household Food Consumption and Wastage during the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak: A Comparison between Peru and Brazil

Mirza Marvel Cequea, Jessika Milagros Vásquez Neyra, Valentina Gomes Haensel Schmitt and Marcos Ferasso
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Mirza Marvel Cequea: Business Management Department, Universidad de Piura, Piura 20009, Peru
Jessika Milagros Vásquez Neyra: Institute of Scientific Research and Graduate School, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
Valentina Gomes Haensel Schmitt: Graduate School, Universidad de Lima, Santiago de Surco 15023, Peru
Marcos Ferasso: Institute of Scientific Research and Graduate School, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-22

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has represented a major global challenge. In Latin America, both Brazil and Peru reported the highest levels of impact in terms of proportional infection and death rates. Within this context, this study sought to compare food consumption and wastage patterns in Peruvian and Brazilian households. For these purposes, the authors conducted a quantitative research study based on a self-reported online survey submitted during the pandemic outbreak. Results revealed that the intention of reducing food wastage and implementing leftover management routines are related to the economic value of wasted food. In addition, in both countries, shopping lists are used as planning elements, and food purchases are influenced by on-sale products. Leftover management is also similar in both countries, and the expiration date on the label is the most commonly used criterion for consuming or discarding food items. Nevertheless, within the framework of the health and economic crisis generated, opportunities for change toward the adoption of smarter and more sustainable purchasing behaviors are emerging for both households and companies, in addition to giving equal importance to environmental, social, and economic benefits. This research study provided insights into food consumption and food wastage behaviors in times of crisis, such as a pandemic.

Keywords: household food wastage; consumer behavior; comparative study; shopping behaviors; crisis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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