Alla ricerca di salute: il cibo-benessere e le nuove pratiche di consumo. Lo sviluppo degli Alimenti Funzionali da una prospettiva sociologica

After a deep analysis of the existing literature on the topic of consumption, material culture and the theories related to supply practices, with this work we have tried to contextualize the theoretical aspects related to new consumption practices through an empirical study that was going to investigate the main aspects which define and characterize the boom supply of food with health claims. As a social phenomenon rather recent and not studied in the Italian context, especially from the sociological point of view, it was decided to start an exploratory and descriptive study, for this reason, the tools we have used are those typically found in the qualitative research: participant observation and in-depth interview. In the phase of the empirical research we then focused on the main social actors involved in the study, development, production, marketing and distribution of functional products. Therefore, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with scientists and experts of food technologies, those responsible for the marketing of a number of corporations, directors of some stores, and finally, some medical professionals and nutrition professionals. In order to grasp the more practical aspects related to the positioning and sale of these products however, during the three years of study, we carried out a series of observations directly in some stores (especially megastores and supermarkets).