Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing

The Future of Food Marketing

Summary and Scope

This special issue is organized in conjunction with the International Food Marketing Research Symposium (IFMRS) 2026 (https://mgmt.au.dk/ifmrs) and is dedicated to the memory of Professor John L. Stanton, whose scholarly contributions and mentorship have had a lasting influence on food marketing research. Professor Stanton’s work consistently combined theoretical rigor with practical relevance, shaping debates on food consumers, retailing, branding, and public policy. By looking forward while honoring this legacy, the special issue aims to reflect the kind of research Professor Stanton championed: work that is conceptually grounded, empirically robust, and meaningful beyond academia.

Aims and Scope

The global food system is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technological change, sustainability imperatives, public health concerns, and shifting consumer expectations. Against this backdrop, food marketing research must continue to evolve in both scope and method. This special issue seeks to advance understanding of the future of food marketing by bringing together high-quality research that engages with emerging challenges and opportunities in the field. We welcome conceptual, empirical, and methodological contributions that push the boundaries of existing knowledge and speak to contemporary and future challenges in food marketing across consumers, firms, and policy environments.

Eligibility for consideration in this special issue is contingent upon presentation at the IFMRS 2026 conference (http://www.mgmt.au.dk/ifmrs). Articles included in the issue will be developed from papers that are presented at the conference. All submissions will undergo the journal’s standard double-blind peer-review process, and conference presentation does not guarantee acceptance.

Suggested Topics (Not Exhaustive)

·            Sustainability communication, greenwashing, and consumer trust in food

·            Food branding and innovation in alternative proteins and novel foods

·            Consumer well-being, health, and ethical considerations in food marketing

·            Digital and data-driven food marketing (e.g., AI, personalization, platforms)

·            Retail transformation, omnichannel food marketing, and food retail and service systems

·            Cultural, social, and ideological dimensions of food consumption

·            Regulation, public policy, and responsible food marketing

·            Methodological advances in food marketing research

·            Future-oriented theories and integrative frameworks for food marketing

Dedication

This special issue honors Professor John L. Stanton’s enduring contributions to food marketing scholarship and his commitment to research that matters - for academia, industry, and society. It is also intended as a tribute to his role as a mentor, collaborator, and intellectual community builder. We hope this collection will reflect his intellectual curiosity, generosity of spirit, and vision for the future of the field.