How Do Brazilians Perceive Food Waste?

Abstract

This research aims to identify the profile and factors associated with the perception of Brazilianconsumers regarding food waste. The chosen technique was survey research, with the application ofa structured online and self-administered questionnaire with 664 Brazilian consumers. Descriptivestatistics were calculated and multivariate statistical techniques, such as factor analysis and multiplelinear regression. Five factors have different affirmations on assessing and dealing with the food,besides the behavior concerning food and its respective waste. The factor regarding education wasincluded in the survey, adapted from Richter (2017), which generated this factor. This is an additionalresult when applied to the Brazilian context. The waste is associated with behavioral factors. One ofthe main contributions was to present the use of metrics, which provide comparisons betweendifferent themes of food waste, providing proposals for the public policies and guidelines forminimizing this problem. The study helps with discussions based on a relevant topic for humanity andcontemplating the UN SDGs through a national diagnosis. Academics, public, private, and non-profitorganizations have increasingly brought the spotlight onto food waste. Implications of this study pointto the need for effective policies turned to mitigate food waste.