The evolution of Solidarity Purchasing Groups: changing preferences and patterns.

This study explores the food supply and demand changes among three Solidarity Purchasing Groups (SPGs) in Parma, Emilia Romagna, Italy, by examining their orders from 2015 to 2022. It found that the pandemic led to a surge in SPG orders. Over the eight-year period, a notable trend emerged: a shift from certified organic to uncertified organic foods and those associated with social assistance projects. The analysis also uncovered differences in food demand patterns between urban and periurban SPGs and identified a growing interest in products from Parma and distant areas like Sicily. Conversely, there was a reduced interest in products from Emilia Romagna farmers and those in Northern Italy. These insights can help SPG members to reflect on their purchasing habits and support sustainable food supply chains. Furthermore, this research enriches to scholarly discussions on SPGs by offering a first-of-its-kind analysis on the specifics of SPG orders and their supplier selections.