Alternative Food Networks in Selected Countries of Central and Eastern Europe

Consumers’ increasingly negative perceptions of industrially produced food, together with the difficulties faced by smaller farms and processors in maintaining market viability, have contributed to growing interest in short food supply chains and the development of alternative food networks. The aim of this study was to assess the functioning of alternative food networks in Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, and Italy, and to identify key factors underpinning their economic, social, and environmental success. The analysis covered 419 alternative food networks; a sub-sample of 43 entities from Slovenia, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Italy was examined in greater depth to explore success factors. The results indicate that alternative food networks in Austria offer a substantially broader product range than those in the other countries studied. The surveyed networks typically relied on multiple distribution channels, with customer self-pickup frequently used (except among AFNs in Italy). The success of alternative food networks was most often attributed to a strong orientation towards local embeddedness and environmental considerations. By contrast, the relatively low share of responses identifying economic factors as a source of success is a matter of concern. This may reflect, among other factors, extensive public support provided through various subsidy schemes, the short lifespan of some initiatives, the small scale of participating entities, and limited awareness of cost structures due to simplified accounting practices.