The impact of supermarkets on nutrition and nutritional knowledge: A food policy perspective
This book chapter published by Springer provides an analytical and policy perspective on the rapid emergence of supermarkets and their modern supply chains, and the subsequent impact on food security and nutritional well-being. The rapid emergence of supermarkets in low- and middle-income countries plays an essential role in providing food to consumers. But there are also negative effects, including increased availability and marketing of high-fat, high-sugar and salty foods. In essence, the modernization of the food system, which is to a large extent led by supermarkets, shortens the distance between food producers and consumers but in a way that reduces the number of players and the influence of public sector entities. The story is complicated because there are important opportunities and challenges raised by the supermarket revolution. On the positive side, supermarkets and modern supply chains offer significantly enhanced food safety, the opportunity to fortify basic food staples with essential vitamins and minerals, and the potential to stabilize food prices, thus contributing to food security. On the negative side, supermarkets offer an enticing array of “junk foods” that are likely contributors to the obesity epidemic and rapid spread of non-communicable diseases. Government policies can shape both the positive and negative dimensions at the margin, but most of the dynamics of supermarket growth are stimulated by technological changes and consumer demands that are beyond the control of governments.