Is Local Sustainable? Exploring Consumers' Perceptions Towards Short Food Supply Chains in Greece

The present study aims to explore the issue of sustainability and short food supply chains, focusing on the attitudes and perceptions of consumers towards them. The objectives of the research are to identify and measure the perceptions of consumers about the social, economic, environmental and cultural sustainability dimensions of SFSCs and to explore the relationship between these perceptions and purchase behavior. This is attempted through quantitative research on a sample size of 768 Greek consumers with the use of an online survey, based on previous relevant studies found in the literature. The findings show that consumers' attitude towards short food supply chains is positive, although the purchase frequency is not very high and the amount of money spent is rather small. Moreover, consumers agree that SFSCs have sustainability dimensions, with more evident the economic, followed by cultural. Finally, the perceptions of consumers about sustainability dimensions influence positively their attitudes towards SFSCs, but they do not seem to influence significantly their purchasing behavior yet. The outcomes of the research contribute to the scientific knowledge on a field that is gaining attention and importance among academics and consumers.