Date labels as a cause of household food waste in Austria

Due to high amounts of food wastage at the consumption level in Austria, this thesis focuses on the (mis)interpretation of date labels on food products. Lisa-Maria Eder under the supervision of Univ. Prof. Dr. Petra Riefler conducted an experiment revealing insights on consumer behaviour towards food declarations using ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ date.

Abstract Lisa-Maria Eder

 

Impacts of global diets on obesity in America and Europe

What are drivers and factors of obesity in the US and in Europe? This question was investigated and discussed by Melis Kristan under the supervision of Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Rainer Haas. A focus was laid on healthy eating and commensal eating with a global proposition with the aim of understanding the relationship between obesity prevalence and personal eating behavior. Therefore, a cross-continental research including an online survey on different food-related lifestyles was carried out.

Abstract Melis Kristan

Motives for Consumption of Meat and Meat Substitutes in Austria

Global meat consumption has almost doubled in the past 60 years which implies consequences on the meat production and the environment. Consumption of meat alternatives can contribute to the reduction of carbon footprint compared to meat production. Under the supervision of Ao. Univ. Prof. Dr. Rainer Haas, Olga Perfilyeva examined the main motives for meat and substitute consumption in Vienna, Austria. Thus, laddering interview technique and mean-end chain analysis were used to determine the motives.

Abstract Olga Perfilyeva

 

Success factors and barriers to the performance of cooperative supermarkets

As an alternative to the current food system, cooperative supermarkets aim to combine environmental and social sustainability with affordable prices and convenience. Claudia Zefferer under the supervision of Ao. Univ. Prof. Mag. Dr. Oliver Meixner focused on success factors and barriers of cooperative supermarkets. Therefore, two case studies on the cooperative supermarkets in New York City and in Brussels were conducted. A qualitative research approach including analytical framework of critical success factors method was applied.

 

The theses got rewarded with the BOKU Talent Award. Congratulations to Claudia Zefferer!

Abstract Claudia Zefferer