Donatella Privitera

Typical products and consumer preferences: the “soppressata” case

Purpose – The paper sets out to analyse consumer preferences relating to a typical product, soppressata (a traditional Calabrian salted meat with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification).Design/methodology/approach – A multivariate analysis technique (factor analysis) was used on a sample of consumers, identified by a specific market research survey. Identification of groups of homogenous purchasers, according to one or two variables, is the objective of the segmentation approach which breaks up the reference market into homogeneous subgroups as regards their expectations and purchasing behaviour. Factor analysis lends itself to this use, allowing the weight of each component extracted from the interviewee to be graded.Findings – Soppressata is a well‐known product. The main reason for purchase is that it is very tasty. Consumers appreciated the traditional culture it represents.Originality/value – The possible strategies for quality and development offer new opportunities for producers as the...

Globalization vs. Local. The Role of Street Food in the Urban Food System

Abstract The street food sector offers ready-to-eat food and beverages that are prepared and/or sold by itinerant or stationary vendors, especially on streets and in other public places. Due to its low cost and convenience, street food is consumed by millions of low- and middle-income consumers, especially in developing countries. But it also contributes to authentic gastronomic experiences for tourists, offering a link between food, place, and tourism. Fast food on the other hand is generally associated with high-income countries where globalization is affirmed. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of street food and what it represents to the image of a region. Information from the study shows that vendors lacked training in food preparation.

Sustainable Transport and Quality of Life Analysis of Cycling Impact in Italy

In the last 20 years cities have undergone considerable changes. The current phase of expansion, which took place in the absence of demographic pressures, has diluted urban space into functional areas, scattered randomly throughout the area. The authors therefore identify new mobility needs, met mainly by private means, with implications in terms of congestion and air pollution. Sustainable mobility is a priority intervention for the EU. This chapter studies, after a discussion of the importance of sustainable mobility, cycling in Italy from an economic and strategic perspective. Promoting cycling is important for individual health, environmental sustainability, and transport demand management. In Italy, very few people use a bicycle on a regular basis. The analysis relies on national aggregate data as well as case studies of large and small cities in an Italian region.

Municipal Waste Management: the Calabrian Case

This paper tackles the issue of municipal waste collection and disposal in the light of the environmental and health demands and emergencies coming from urban areas. Starting from an overview of the European situation, the case of the Calabrian region will be analysed, in order to hypothesise effective management interventions and disposal systems.