Research on World Agricultural Economy

A Digital Platform Strategy to Improve Food Waste Disposal Practices: Exploring the Case of "Too Good To Go"

Filippo Sgroi

Department of Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo PA, 90133, Italy

Teresa Totaro

Department of Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo PA, 90133, Italy

Federico Modica

Department of Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo PA, 90133, Italy

Caterina Sciortino

Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, Palermo PA, 90133, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i1.996

Received: 4 December 2023; Received in revised form: 12 March 2024; Accepted: 15 March 2024; Published: 28 March 2024

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Abstract

This conceptual article delves into the intricate dynamics of global food security and the paradox of food waste, with a focus on Europe and Italy. Specifically, we examine the transformative potential of digital platforms, with a spotlight on the Too Good To Go platform, in tackling the challenge of redistributing food surpluses. In conventional market settings, the intricacies of food waste often go unnoticed by buyers and sellers, resulting in an inefficient equilibrium quantity determined solely by supply and demand forces. This failure to achieve an optimal outcome leads to a missed opportunity to maximize social benefit. Taking a microeconomic perspective, we highlight the platform's capacity to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts associated with food waste. Our findings illustrate how a market-based platform can address the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the Coase Theorem within the realm of food waste. By facilitating negotiation, reducing information asymmetries, and addressing environmental costs, the platform exemplifies how innovative market solutions can foster efficiency and sustainability.

Keywords: Food waste, Sustainability-oriented innovation, Technology, Gift economy, Gadda Law, Waste out-of-home

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