Authors: Prokopis Theodoridis, Theofanis Zacharatos, Vasiliki Boukouvala

Title: Understanding Household Food Waste in Greece

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate household food waste and consumer behavior in Greece. Extensive international research has delved into the causes of food waste, with households identified as the primary contributors to food waste in developed nations. This study primarily examines Greek consumers' awareness levels regarding food waste and their associated behaviors. Additionally, it explores the possibility of discerning distinct consumer profiles based on these behaviors. A nationwide survey was conducted in Greece, distributing a structured questionnaire using the snowball method to gather responses from 1238 participants. Common descriptive statistics were employed to outline respondent profiles, and a non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis was performed. The findings reveal that Greek consumers exhibit a high level of awareness regarding the issue of food waste. Furthermore, changes in "best before" and "due date" labeling, along with improved meal planning, are recommended to reduce the amount of discarded food. The cluster analysis identifies four distinct consumer types, characterized by notable differences among them.