An Italian Innovative Small-Scale Approach to Promote the Conscious Consumption of Healthy Food

Abstract: An unhealthy diet is considered to be one of the main causes for increases in obesity
and chronic diseases. Food choices are frequently influenced by food systems and environments
along with the availability and aordability of healthy and sustainable food. In this context, a major
contemporary challenge lies in improving these aspects in order to support healthy dietary choices.
Hence, to address this issue, here, we propose a small-scale approach called SANI (Italian for “healthy”)
which involves experts in science and marketing. Two typical agri-foods of the Abruzzo area (center
of Italy), tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil, are characterized as high-quality products in terms
of their nutrient content, absence of chemical contaminants (chromatographic, spectrophotometric,
and magnetic resonance techniques), and ecological footprint (lifecycle assessment and carbon
footprint). Hence, their consumption is promoted, with strict attention being paid to several aspects
of the food system, such as production, processing, distribution, labeling, and promotion, as well as
marketing strategies and dissemination activities. Overall, these SANI actions, especially labeling
and dissemination, have proven to be a valuable learning tool for consumers moving toward more
conscious consumption, which can be extended and applied to additional food products. Future
applications of similar research strategies in a wider context could positively aect human and
environmental health.