From Heritage to Modern Economy: Quantitative Surveys and Ethnographic Insights on Sustainability of Traditional Bihor Products

Ramona Vasilica Bacter, Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan, Ramona Ciolac (), Denis Paul Bacter, Monica Angelica Dodu (), Mirela Salvia Casau-Crainic, Codrin Gavra, Ana Cornelia Pereș, Alexandra Ungureanu and Tibor-Zsolt Czirják
Additional contact information
Ramona Vasilica Bacter: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Alina Emilia Maria Gherdan: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Ramona Ciolac: Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
Denis Paul Bacter: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Construction, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, Str. Barbu Ștefănescu Delavrancea nr. 4, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Monica Angelica Dodu: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Mirela Salvia Casau-Crainic: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Codrin Gavra: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Ana Cornelia Pereș: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania
Alexandra Ungureanu: Department of Economics, University “Ștefan cel Mare” of Suceava, University Street 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
Tibor-Zsolt Czirják: Department of Animal Husbandry and Agritourism, Faculty of Environmental Protection, University of Oradea, 26 Gen. Magheru St., 410087 Oradea, Romania

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-28

Abstract: While accelerating globalization and technological transformation, traditional food products occupy a vulnerable yet strategically important position, straddling the line between cultural preservation and the need to remain economically viable. This study assesses both the sustainability and economic potential of traditional food items specific to Bihor County, Romania, with particular attention to their integration into contemporary value chains. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining structured surveys with 137 local consumers and semi-structured interviews with 20 regional producers. This research focused on consumer awareness, purchasing behavior, and producers’ readiness to engage with digital tools, within the broader framework of human-centered development and the Industry 5.0 paradigm. Findings reveal a modest but consistent link between familiarity and the willingness to pay a premium, although the frequency of consumption appeared to be unaffected. Sustainability emerged as a widely held value, commonly associated with seasonality, natural ingredients, and artisanal methods. On the supply side, producers showed a cautious openness to digital adoption, often tempered by a strong desire to preserve traditional practices. Based on these insights, this study outlines a territorially grounded framework for enhancing the resilience of traditional foods. Policy recommendations include support for user-friendly digital platforms, improved rural infrastructure, and initiatives that reinforce the regional gastronomic identity.

Keywords: traditional food systems; food heritage; sustainable rural development; consumer behavior; regional branding; digital transition; Industry 5.0; ethnographic methods; coopetition; agro-food policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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