AEM 5480

From Labels to Lab-Grown Meat: Consumer Behavior and the Food Industry

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2020-2021.

Through reading, writing, and discussion students will broaden their understanding of the food market and its components. The course will introduce students to current research on consumer perceptions and behavior with regard to food. Topics will be covered with an eye toward understanding the landscape of the food industry and how consumer behavior shapes opportunities within this space. Students will write short case studies relating to each of the course modules exploring the current trends in the industry. This will include assessing the market potential for novel and controversial foods or food services. It may also include researching food companies that have either successfully or unsuccessfully attempted to innovate, or policies that have attempted to change food behavior.

When Offered Spring (weeks 8-14).

• Identify and describe food consumer trends and describe how the challenges they pose to the food industry.
• Address how consumer trends and behavior shape food industry strategy.
• Creatively address rising challenges in the food industry using knowledge of consumer behavior and strategy.
• Provide informed critique of food policy proposals.

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