On March 7, Professor Karine Charry and PhD student Axelle Dorisse gave a research talk in the framework of the Entreprendre.wapi chaire. The Entreprendre.wapi agency aimes at stimulating the Walloon-Picardie economy. Supported by the Fondation Lemay, it finances the UCLouvain Entreprendre.Wapi chaire that investigates consumers’ responsible food behaviours. The event attracted around thirty participants, all related to the food industry.
Axelle Dorisse presented the important topic of food labels and how it contributes to consumers food choice, focusing on sustainable ones. She explained the theoretical roots of labelling and exposed the results of one of her studies, which deals with the impact of multi-labelling (several labels being presented on packaging, and for instance, a Nutri-Score and Eco-Score) on consumers’ food choices. Then, Karine Charry discussed food acceptance, and notably alternative proteins as a replacement of meat. She detailed different mechanisms that made the audience understand the processes that facilitate or inhibit acceptance of food innovations and detailed strategies to encourage acceptance of sustainable food innovations.
The two LouRIM researchers were very pleased to share their knowledge with an audience that is highly involved in the food context, strengthening the ties between (food) industries and academics. The discussions were interesting and dynamic, which shows the relevance of these exchanges between the academic and the business worlds. Additional workshops are foreseen in the coming months.