This book explores the main methods, models, and approaches of food consumer science applied to six countries of the Western Balkans, illustrating each of these methods with concrete case studies. Research conducted between 2008 and 2011 in the course of the FOCUS-BALKANS project forms an excellent database for exploring recent changes and trends in food consumption.

Agri-food traditional, regional and typical products are an important resource for agricultural and rural development in many areas of the European Union. These Origin Labelled Products (OLPs) activate a complex system of relationships involving the local production and marketing and distribution systems, rural development dynamics and the consumer. Based on research conducted in European countries, this book provides an account of the current state of OLPs, enabling a better understanding of their characteristics and evolution in the agri-food system. It also assesses public policies at various levels and the effects of legal protection, financial support and public promotional initiatives on those involved, and consumers and citizens concerns and expectations.