Objectives

 

Understand Consumer Behaviour

Understanding purchasing, cooking and eating behaviour related to the Mediterranean diet across Mediterranean countries.

Perceptions & Attitudes

Understanding perceptions regarding health, modern vs traditional products, and special food categories with focus on local determinants.

Consumer Segmentation

Identifying consumer segments based on attitudes, socio-demographic profiles, purchasing models and health consciousness.

Stakeholder Insights

Gathering industry, retailer and policy-maker perspectives to inform innovative business models for Mediterranean diet products.

WP1 Key Facts

Lead: University of Parma (UNIPR)
Duration: M1 – M34
Countries: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Tunisia, Turkey, France
Methods: Interviews, focus groups, ethnography, online surveys
Survey size: ~500 consumers per country

Task Status

 
Task Description Lead
T1.1 State of the art regarding MD in MED populations (M1–M10) UNIPR
T1.2 Evaluation of socioeconomic, cultural barriers through qualitative methodologies (M1–M24) UNIPR
T1.3 Identification of Motivations, Barriers and Perceptions for new recipes/products (M1–M24) UNIPR
T1.4 Computer-Aided Web Interviews — 500 consumers/country (M24–M34) UEX
T1.5 Validation of local determinants of food choice for business models (M24–M34) IBE

Key Findings — Qualitative Research

 
IT

Italy

Strong MD adherence. Geographical origin is a key purchasing motivation. Price is the main barrier. Wide variety of seasonal dishes recognised as core to the Mediterranean diet.

ES

Spain

Associates MD with health, nutritional balance, local and traditional foods. Motivations: personal preferences, eating habits, health. Barriers: high costs of specific food categories.

PT

Portugal

Associates MD with local/seasonal ingredients, shared family meals. Motivations: health benefits, food accessibility. Barriers: personal taste, food intolerances, price.

TN

Tunisia

Associates MD with fresh, locally available food. Motivations: product availability and geographical origin. Barriers: price, religious restrictions, unhealthy foods.

TR

Turkey

Associates MD with high consumption of fruit and vegetables, preferring steaming or raw. Motivations: taste, organicity, freshness. Barriers: taste, price, religious restrictions.

Deliverables

 
ID Title Due
D1.1 State of the art regarding MD in the MED population M10
D1.2 A Pilot study report (Tasks 1.2 & 1.3) M24
D1.3 Consumer perspectives to quantitatively assess attitudes and preferences M34
D1.4 Open access scientific paper on food choices motivations M34