An Exploratory Analysis of Consumer Attitudes and Behavioural Intentions Toward Food Waste Reduction in Slovenian Food Services

Tamara Kozic (), Roman Wolf and Sasa Straus
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Tamara Kozic: Inovacijsko Tehnološki Grozd Murska Sobota (ITC), 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Roman Wolf: Pomurska Gospodarska Zbornica (PGZ), 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia
Sasa Straus: Inovacijsko Tehnološki Grozd Murska Sobota (ITC), 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Food waste is a critical issue, with significant implications for global sustainability and the achievement of SDG 12.3, which aims to halve per capita food waste by 2030. This study explores consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions toward food waste reduction in food services in Slovenia, focusing on their willingness to support measures such as taking leftovers home, pre-ordering meals, and reducing portion sizes. Using an online survey with 802 respondents, we examined the behavioural drivers within the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability MOA framework and demographic predictors. The results from the regression analysis revealed that motivation significantly influenced both the likelihood of taking leftovers home and the acceptance of pre-ordering, though in opposite directions. Ability was a significant factor in pre-ordering acceptance, while perceived portion size importance negatively impacted acceptance of portion reduction. While meal quality and portion sizes remain the main causes of plate waste, ethical and environmental concerns were found to be the strongest drivers of consumers’ behaviour to reduce food waste. Support for interventions increased when convenience or financial incentives were offered. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies that balance sustainability goals with consumer preferences and provide actionable recommendations for food service providers to reduce food waste effectively while aligning with consumer expectations.

Keywords: food waste; food services; sustainability; consumer behaviour; motivation; Slovenia; food waste reduction; pre-ordering; portion size; leftovers (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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