Research on World Agricultural Economy

Special Issue: Health-Driven and "Functional" Food Markets: Consumer Behavior, Sustainability, and Agricultural Implications

Submission Deadline: June 31, 2026

Collection Editors:

Caterina Sciortino  
Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy

Filippo Sgroi  
Department of Economics, Business and Statistics, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy

Federico Modica  
Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy

Special Issue Information:

Dear Colleagues,

The global shift toward “functional” and health-oriented foods — such as high-protein, light, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, keto, allergen-free, fortified, and clean-label products — is profoundly reshaping agricultural systems, industrial strategies, and consumption habits. These evolving preferences influence not only how food is produced and traded but also how sustainability and well-being are integrated into food system governance.

This special issue aims to explore the multiple dimensions of this transformation, combining economics, consumer studies, sustainability analysis, and agricultural policy. Contributions may focus on how these markets emerge and evolve, how consumers perceive and respond to “health” or “eco-friendly” claims, and how agrifood systems adapt to the growing demand for transparency, reformulation, and carbon reduction.

Particular attention will be given to studies that examine the economic, social, and environmental implications of product innovation and labeling; that assess the role of digital and traceability tools (blockchain, QR codes, smart labeling) in building consumer trust; or that discuss how policy frameworks can promote both health and sustainability while maintaining affordability and market equity.

The issue encourages interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives, including case studies, market analyses, consumer surveys, and scenario-based evaluations.

Dr. Caterina Sciortino, Prof. Filippo Sgroi, and Dr. Federico Modica
Guest Editor

Main Themes

This Special Issue addresses the transformation of contemporary food markets under the growing influence of health and functionality claims. The call welcomes contributions on topics such as:

• the evolution of reformulated and “free-from” product categories (high-protein, light, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, keto, allergen-free, fortified, enriched, and clean-label foods);
• consumer response to health-related communication, nutritional reformulation, and marketing strategies;
• the economic and agricultural impacts of the growing demand for functional foods;
• transparency, traceability, and the role of digital technologies (blockchain, QR codes, smart labeling) in fostering consumer trust;
• the intersection between health-oriented consumption, sustainability goals, and circular food systems;
• governance, certification, and labeling as instruments to support responsible food choices;
• ethical and social implications of health-driven consumption patterns, accessibility, and inclusion in new food markets.

Keywords:

• Functional And Reformulated Food Markets
• High-Protein
• Light
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• Lactose-Free
• Sugar-Free; Keto
• Allergen-Free
• Fortified And Clean-Label Foods
• Consumer Behavior
• Willingness To Pay
• Sustainability
• Circular Economy
• Digital Traceability
• Policy And Regulation
• Ethical Marketing

How to Submit Manuscripts?

For planned papers, authors may send the title and abstract to the Editorial Office at tricia@nassg.org for announcement on the journal website. All submissions that pass the initial pre-check will undergo rigorous peer review. Accepted manuscripts will be published continuously in the journal and listed collectively on the Topical Collection website. Submissions of research articles, review papers, and short communications are all welcome.

Please carefully review the Submission Guidelines before submitting a manuscript. Manuscripts should be well-formatted and written in clear, high-quality English.

All manuscript (Word format) must be made via the Online Submission. When submitting, please chose the manuscript is intended for the Special Issue: Health-Driven and “Functional” Food Markets: Consumer Behavior, Sustainability, and Agricultural Implications.

Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration elsewhere (except conference proceedings).

All manuscripts are subject to double-blind peer review.

For any questions regarding this Special Issue, please contact the Editorial Office at tricia@nassg.org.