Sustainability in the Food Industry: Trends, Thematic Axes, and Emerging Topics from a Bibliometric Analysis

1.1 Literature review

Research on sustainability in the food industry has intensified in recent decades as a response to escalating environmental pressures, resource constraints, and the growing demand for more responsible production and consumption models. This body of literature reflects a gradual shift from isolated environmental assessments toward more systemic and integrative approaches that consider technological, organizational, and social dimensions of food systems. Recent studies highlight the transformative role of digital technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture in enhancing operational efficiency, traceability, and resource optimization across food supply chains (Şimşek et al., 2024; Galanakis, 2020).

Within this technological trajectory, blockchain has received particular attention due to its potential to improve transparency, trust, and data security in food supply chains, which are critical enablers of sustainability-oriented governance (Niknejad et al., 2021). Similarly, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including digitalization and the Internet of Things, has been shown to support more efficient and sustainable food processing and production systems (Režek et al., 2021). These innovations contribute not only to waste reduction and process optimization, but also to the development of more circular and resilient business models within the food industry (Brennan, 2024).

Despite these advances, literature consistently underscores the persistence of structural challenges affecting the sustainability of food systems. Issues such as food insecurity, climate instability, pressure on natural resources, and increasing food loss and waste continue to undermine the long-term viability of the sector. The COVID 19 pandemic acted as a critical stress test, exposing vulnerabilities in global food supply chains and amplifying concerns related to food safety, logistics, and equitable access to food (Rizou, 2020; Şimşek et al., 2024). In response, scholars have emphasized the importance of resilience-oriented strategies, including localization, diversification of supply networks, and the strengthening of contingency and risk mitigation mechanisms (Boyacı Gündüz, 2021; Galanakis, 2023).

From a supply chain perspective, sustainability research has increasingly focused on both upstream and downstream processes. Studies examining agricultural production highlight the role of organizational and contextual factors such as competitive conditions and proximity to raw materials in shaping the adoption of sustainability instruments by firms (Rueda et al., 2017). At the same time, life cycle assessment approaches have been applied to evaluate the environmental impacts of food products and packaging, proposing design improvements through material substitution, weight reduction, and circular design principles (Del Borghi et al., 2014; Kazancoglu, 2023). These contributions reflect a growing emphasis on aligning technical efficiency with environmental performance across the entire product life cycle.

Beyond production and logistics, recent literature has expanded the analytical lens to incorporate social, territorial, and communicative dimensions of sustainability in the food industry. Consumer perceptions and ethical expectations are increasingly recognized as key drivers of change, influencing corporate strategies and sustainability-oriented innovation (Galanakis, 2020). In this regard, communication practices, particularly through digital and social media channels, have been examined as mechanisms through which food companies articulate and legitimize their sustainability commitments, with particular attention to social dimensions related to people and community engagement (Garner & Mady, 2023). Complementarily, decision support approaches such as the analytic hierarchy process have been proposed to prioritize sustainability criteria, emphasizing local social and economic development as a strategic objective for food companies (D’Adamo, 2023).

Collectively, this literature illustrates the multifaceted nature of sustainability in the food industry, encompassing technological innovation, supply chain configuration, environmental performance, and socio territorial embeddedness. However, despite the richness of existing contributions, research remains fragmented across disciplinary boundaries and thematic silos. The lack of integrative assessments that capture the structural evolution of the field, identify dominant and emerging research streams, and systematically map underexplored areas limits the cumulative development of knowledge.

In this context, the present study adopts the food system as an implicit integrative framework and employs a bibliometric approach to address this fragmentation. The search strategy is conceptually grounded in key structural and operational components of food systems associated with sustainability. The use of the term sustainability in the title ensures the inclusion of studies explicitly addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The inclusion of food production captures research focused on primary production as the material foundation of food systems, where sustainability outcomes are closely linked to resource management and productive capacity (Campi et al., 2021). The term food supply chain reflects the functional subsystem connecting production and consumption, whose configuration directly influences efficiency, resilience, and sustainability, particularly through alternatives such as short supply chains (Jia et al., 2024). The inclusion of food industry allows for the analysis of industrial and corporate actors involved in processing, transformation, and distribution, and their structural influence on sustainability outcomes, governance, and public health (Baker et al., 2021). Finally, incorporating the gastronomic industry extends the analytical scope to the consumption interface, recognizing gastronomy as a cultural and economic mediator capable of shaping more sustainable, localized, and socially embedded food systems (Sgroi, 2022).

Overall, the literature review highlights both the depth and the dispersion of sustainability research in the food industry. While significant progress has been made in technological innovation, waste reduction, and supply chain efficiency, less attention has been devoted to integrating these advances into a coherent and cumulative knowledge structure. This gap reinforces the relevance of bibliometric analysis as a tool for synthesizing existing research, identifying emerging themes, and informing a more coordinated and forward-looking research agenda on sustainability in the food industry.

2.1 Inclusion criteria

In this bibliometric study focusing on food sustainability, exclusion criteria were considered. The main metadata analyzed were the titles of the documents, and records containing terms related to sustainability and synonyms related to the food industry, gastronomy and the food supply chain were included. The inclusion criteria for this bibliometric analysis focused on documents whose title contained terms related to sustainability and the food industry, such as “food production”, “food industry”, “food supply chain” and “gastronomy”, according to the search equation used in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Only articles that matched these terms and had complete metadata and full-text access were included in the analysis. The inclusion of these criteria ensures that the articles selected are in line with the objective of research and guarantees the coherence and relevance of the documents analyzed.

On the other hand, the exclusion process consists of three complementary stages. The first stage involves the elimination of records with incomplete indexing, i.e. documents whose categorization does not specifically correspond to the subject of this research, in order to guarantee the integrity of the primary data. In the second phase, documents without access to the full text are excluded. This measure is only applied to systematic literature reviews. In the case of bibliometrics, only the metadata of the documents are analysed. Finally, the third stage of exclusion eliminates conference proceedings, records with incomplete indexing or metadata, and other texts not relevant to the topic of the study. This ensures the quality and coherence of the database.

The selected food-related terms represent broad structural components of the food industry and were intentionally chosen as umbrella categories. More specific concepts related to distribution models, alternative food systems, or governance were considered analytically relevant but were not included in the search equation to maintain thematic focus and avoid semantic dispersion.

2.2 Sources of information

During the database selection process for this research, two of the most comprehensive and widely recognized sources of scientific information were chosen: Scopus and Web of Science. These databases are known for their extensive coverage of various disciplines and subject areas. The selection of Scopus and Web of Science as the sole sources of information was based on their high standards of editorial quality, the scientific impact of the journals they index, and the level of standardization of their metadata (Echchakoui, 2020).

These characteristics facilitate the systematic organization, normalization, and interpretation of bibliometric data, which is essential for conducting robust network analyses, thematic mappings, and trend identification. Furthermore, the use of these databases ensures greater comparability and replicability of results, as they represent the main international channels for the dissemination of high-impact scientific research in sustainability and food-related studies.

2.3 Search strategy

In this study, the search strategy was intentionally restricted to the title field in both databases. This decision was made to ensure that sustainability and food-related systems constitute the primary focus of the retrieved publications, rather than secondary or contextual mentions. Title-based searches are commonly employed in bibliometric analyses to enhance thematic precision, reduce semantic noise, and improve the interpretability and replicability of results, particularly in interdisciplinary research domains where terminology is highly heterogeneous.

In this sense, we have the following equations:

The analysis considered peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science within the selected publication period, without disciplinary restrictions, provided that sustainability and the food industry constituted the central focus of the study.

2.4 Data management

For the development of this bibliometric study on sustainability in the food industry, we utilized the Microsoft Excel^® tool to extract, store, and manipulate the information obtained from the databases. This tool allowed for efficient organization and systematization of the collected data, which facilitated the bibliometric analysis carried out later. Additionally, the bibliometric indicators were graphically represented using a combination of the free software VOSviewer^® and Microsoft Excel^®. VOSviewer^® was utilized to create co-occurrence maps and thematic networks, while Microsoft Excel^® was used to generate graphs. This procedure corresponds to a technological approach previously applied to bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer^® (Hirawan, 2022). This enriches the analytical possibilities of the present study.

2.5 Selection procedure

Following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, it is crucial to indicate the use of an automatic internal classifier for record selection assistance (Page, 2021). Validating this case internally and externally is essential to raise awareness of the risks associated with omitting relevant studies or incorrectly assigning classifications. This study utilized automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel^® in accordance with the recommended guidelines.

2.6 Data collection process

The study followed the guidelines provided by the PRISMA 2020 statement (Page, 2021) for data collection. Data extraction from reports in the Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed using Microsoft Excel^®. All authors involved in this research served as reviewers of the validation process of the data obtained from both databases, working independently to ensure an impartial evaluation of the results. A collaborative data confirmation process was then carried out until absolute convergence of the results was achieved. This was done to ensure precision and coherence of the data collected, following the validation and confirmation guidelines recommended in the scientific literature.

2.7 Data elements

For this research on the sustainability of the food industry, we studied data related specifically to our research objective. We collected information from articles that matched our search equation for each database. It was decided to exclude non-relevant information to maintain coherence and quality of the dataset. This ensures that incomplete elements do not distort the understanding of the knowledge base on the topic.

2.8 Assessment of the risk of bias of the study

Based on the bias assessment guidelines observed in the included studies, it is necessary to provide detailed information on the methods and tools used. A consistent approach was used in this review. In addition, as all authors were involved in data collection, the risk of bias was assessed using a similar methodology, which ensured consistency between data collection and bias assessment. Finally, Microsoft Excel^® was used as an automated tool throughout the process.

2.9 Measures of impact

In the context of bibliometrics on sustainability in the food industry, impact measures are specified. Although more commonly applied in primary research, they can also be adapted to the approach of secondary research sources. The focus is on quantitative aspects that can be extracted from the data. This includes bibliographical information. The metrics analyzed to evaluate the research output include the number of publications, number of citations, and the temporal usage of each keyword. Tools such as Microsoft Excel^® are used for data systematization and processing. Additionally, VOSviewer^® is utilized to identify thematic nodes and associations within the literature. By utilizing these tools and following established guidelines, a comprehensive understanding of sustainability patterns and trends in the food industry can be obtained, even without utilizing traditional impact measures.

Automated tools developed in Microsoft Excel^® were used to support the classification, structuring, and graphical representation of bibliometric data, operating through equations and logical rules applied to standardized metadata to organize records and generate descriptive indicators. To this end, descriptive and exploratory statistical operations were applied, including the calculation of frequencies, measures of central tendency, temporal distribution of publications, citation and keyword counts, growth analysis through trend fitting and interannual comparisons, as well as co-occurrence matrices and data aggregation and normalization procedures. The resulting outputs were represented through graphs and bibliometric maps to describe the structure and evolution of the field of study from a quantitative and non-inferential perspective. Validation of these tools was carried out through iterative cross-checks between automated results and manual reviews of record samples, allowing for rule adjustments when inconsistencies were identified. Potential sources of error related to metadata quality, the limitations of fixed rules in capturing complex semantic nuances, and thematic ambiguity in certain documents were acknowledged; therefore, automated outputs were continuously supervised and complemented by human review.

2.10 Synthesis methods

The studies’ eligibility in each synthesis was determined based on the context provided by this bibliometrics, following rigorous methodological processes. The characteristics of the study intervention were tabulated and compared, generating a contrast for each synthesis. Statistical issues related to missing summary or data conversions were addressed to prepare the data for presentation and synthesis. By following these methodological steps, we applied bibliometric indicators to evaluate the quantity, quality, and structure of the results obtained (Durieux & Gevenois, 2010). Finally, we implemented the indicators in a fully automated manner using Microsoft Excel^® and applied them only to documents that passed the three exclusion phases defined in the study.

The identification of thematic areas followed an inductive and data-driven analytical procedure. Themes were not defined as a priori; instead, they were derived from bibliometric techniques aimed at detecting relational patterns among keywords, including co-occurrence analysis and thematic mapping. These techniques were used to reveal the underlying structure of the research field, while the substantive interpretation of the resulting themes was developed in the Results and Discussion sections.

2.11 Assessment of reporting bias

In this bibliometric research on the sustainability of the food industry, it is important to address the risk of bias that may arise from the absence of results in the syntheses due to reporting bias. Additionally, we recognize the possibility of biases in certain synonyms identified in thesauri such as the IEEE, which will be reflected in the inclusion criteria, search strategy, and data collection. This research is based on a critical evaluation and careful interpretation of the results to ensure the solidity of the study. However, it is important to note that following the characteristics of clear, objective language and conventional structure may unintentionally lead to the omission of relevant information. Additionally, exclusion criteria based on incomplete indexing, conference proceedings, and non-relevant texts may result in the loss of valuable data for knowledge in the area of study.

2.12 Quality control procedures and reviewer consistency

To ensure methodological reliability, specific quality control procedures were established to verify data consistency, stability, and accuracy throughout the analytical process. These procedures included sequential reviews of the dataset at different stages of the analysis to identify unjustified variations in record classification, coding, or structuring. In addition, logical coherence checks were applied across bibliometric variables, allowing the detection of potential errors arising from automated sorting or grouping processes.

Reviewer agreement was assessed through the systematic comparison of independently made decisions regarding record inclusion, exclusion, and categorization. Concordance was examined in terms of absolute agreement and decision stability over time, with consistent application of criteria across reviewers considered an indicator of methodological rigor. Identified differences were used as feedback to refine the operational application of the criteria and to improve internal consistency of the analysis.

Discrepancy management followed a stepwise procedure. First, records with divergent decisions were jointly re-evaluated, explicitly contrasting each case against the predefined operational criteria. When discrepancies persisted, a methodological discussion was conducted to clarify criterion interpretation and ensure uniform application. In cases where immediate consensus was not achieved, final decisions were reached through collegial deliberation, prioritizing coherence of the analytical corpus and stability of the applied categories. This approach reduced individual arbitrariness and strengthened the overall methodological robustness of the study.

2.13 Evaluation of certainty

The review’s assessment of certainty differs significantly from primary studies. Rather than evaluating individual results, it provides a global assessment that encompasses various aspects of the methodological process. These include the independent application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definition and measurement of bibliometric indicators, and the reporting of possible biases inherent in the methodological design. This section covers the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definition and measurement of bibliometric indicators, and the reporting of potential biases in the methodological design. The discussion phase addresses the assessment of certainty, which is further reinforced by discussing limitations. This approach allows for a better understanding of the implications and scope of the results obtained. The applied strategy enables a comprehensive evaluation of the confidence level perceived in the evidence, considering the methodological aspects, possible biases, and limitations inherent to this type of research. To summarize the methodological design, refer to the recommended flow chart presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1. PRISMA flow chart.

Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science.

The diagram displays the identification of articles in three stages. Firstly, the search strategy is executed in selected information sources, and duplicate documents are excluded. Secondly, the defined eligibility criteria are applied to exclude irrelevant records. Finally, 525 articles are obtained, which form the basis of analysis in this bibliometric research.

4.1 Integrated analysis of scientific production growth and key references in food industry sustainability

The bibliometric analysis reveals a sustained growth in scientific production on sustainability in the food industry throughout the analyzed period (see Figure 2), with a marked increase from 2019 onwards and a peak in 2022. This trend reflects the growing academic interest in addressing sustainability through multidimensional approaches that integrate environmental, economic, and technological perspectives. During this period, research increasingly focused on global challenges such as CO₂ emissions, population growth, food production, and energy consumption, particularly in developing economies (Rehman, 2022). At the same time, innovation-oriented studies examined the role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, in enhancing transparency and efficiency within sustainable food supply chains at a global scale (Friedman & Ormiston, 2022).

The years 2021 and 2023 further consolidated this trajectory, with research addressing the design of sustainable perishable food supply networks and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, including empirical case studies in the dairy sector (Jouzdani & Govindan, 2021). Other studies explored sustainable practices in agri-food supply chains under conditions of uncertainty and complex market dynamics (Joshi et al., 2023; Gholian-Jouybari, 2023). Earlier contributions had already laid important foundations by assessing the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of short food supply chains (Malak-Rawlikowska et al., 2019) and by examining the role of information and communication technologies in promoting the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the food industry (Singh et al., 2019). Collectively, these studies illustrate a progressive shift toward integrated analytical frameworks that combine operational efficiency, technological innovation, and systemic sustainability.

This quantitative expansion of the literature is closely aligned with the consolidation of a core group of influential authors, journals, and countries shaping the intellectual structure of the field. In terms of key research references (see Figure 3), authors such as Mangla and Luthra stand out due to their high academic productivity and scientific impact, particularly in studies addressing enabling factors for implementing sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains and the application of digital technologies to support sustainable SME growth (Mangla, 2018; Singh et al., 2019). Additional influential contributions from authors such as Beske, Seuring, and Van der Vorst have advanced the field by integrating concepts of sustainable supply chain management, dynamic capabilities, simulation modeling, and holistic decision-making that jointly consider product quality, logistics, and sustainability objectives (Beske et al., 2014; Vorst et al., 2009).

From an editorial perspective, journals such as International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of Cleaner Production, Sustainability, and International Journal of Production Research emerge as the most prolific and influential outlets in this research domain (see Figure 4). These journals have played a central role in consolidating sustainability as a core research theme within the food industry by publishing studies on sustainable supply chain management, technological innovation, life cycle assessment, and the transition toward more sustainable agri-food systems (Beske et al., 2014; Grimm et al., 2014; Notarnicola et al., 2012; Saurabh & Dey, 2021).

Regarding the geographical distribution of scientific production (see Figure 5), countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, the Netherlands, and Germany emerge as leading contributors to research on food industry sustainability. The United Kingdom has been particularly influential through studies on local food supply chains, producer sustainability, and ecological entrepreneurship (Ilbery & Maye, 2005; Marsden & Smith, 2005). The United States and Italy have contributed substantially through research on sustainable management practices, environmental assessment, and strategic decision-making in agri-food supply chains (Grimm et al., 2014; Zanoni & Zavanella, 2012; Del Borghi et al., 2014). Similarly, Germany and the Netherlands have played a key role in advancing analytical models and sustainable management practices applicable to food supply chains (Beske et al., 2014; Vorst et al., 2009).

Overall, integrating the analysis of scientific production growth with the examination of key references, journals, and countries reveals not only a quantitative expansion of research on sustainability in the food industry, but also the consolidation of a well-defined intellectual structure. This structure is characterized by influential academic actors and geographically concentrated research hubs that collectively shape contemporary research agendas and methodological approaches within the field.

4.2 Analysis of food sustainability theme evolution and thematic clusters

Regarding thematic evolution, early research on sustainability in the food industry was primarily oriented toward environmental concerns related to food production, with a strong emphasis on soil erosion and land degradation (Brklacich, 1989). Over time, this focus expanded substantially (see Figure 6), incorporating broader and more complex dimensions such as circular economy, supply chain management, food safety, wastewater treatment, and food security. This evolution reflects a growing awareness of the need to address sustainability challenges in the food industry from a more integrated and systemic perspective, capable of responding to changing dynamics and emerging global demands.

From 2019 onwards, food security emerged as a central research theme, particularly in relation to technological and energy-based solutions for sustainable food production. For example, Kinney et al. (2019) analyzed the use of geothermal energy to improve food access in remote communities in northern Canada, highlighting the role of renewable energy in enhancing food security. In 2020, attention shifted toward wastewater treatment as a critical issue for environmental management and public health, with studies proposing more efficient and sustainable pretreatment processes for food industry effluents (Boguniewicz-Zablocka, 2020). In 2021, food security regained prominence through research addressing the sustainability of agri-food supply chains under conditions of uncertainty, including epidemic outbreaks, and emphasizing the enabling role of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (Yadav et al., 2021). Subsequently, supply chain management became particularly salient in 2022, as studies highlighted the contribution of quality practices and transparency in fresh food supply chains to organizational sustainability and waste reduction (Siddh et al., 2021). More recently, in 2023, the circular economy emerged as a dominant conceptual framework, with research examining its potential to drive sustainable development through waste reduction and resource reuse within food supply chains (Kumar, 2023a).

Complementing this temporal analysis, the co-occurrence network of keywords reveals the internal thematic structure of the field (see Figure 7). The most prominent cluster, identified in purple, centers on sustainability, waste management, and short food supply chains, emphasizing the role of waste reduction strategies in improving the overall sustainability of fresh food supply chains (Kaipia et al., 2013). A second major cluster, shown in blue, encompasses food security, food production, climate change, biodiversity, and agriculture, reflecting broader systemic and environmental concerns related to resilience and long-term sustainability. Together, these clusters illustrate how sustainability research in the food industry has evolved around interconnected yet distinct thematic pillars.

Figure 7. Keyword co-occurrence network.

Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science.

However, a closer examination of the co-occurrence network suggests that links between these clusters remain relatively weak, particularly between waste management–oriented supply chain research and themes related to food security, digital technologies, and production resilience. This pattern indicates that much of the literature approaches sustainability from compartmentalized perspectives rather than integrated frameworks. Consequently, research that explicitly bridges circular economic practices, food security objectives, technological adoption, and systemic resilience remains limited, highlighting important opportunities for future interdisciplinary and cross-thematic studies.

4.3 Functional and evolutionary analysis of key concepts in food sustainability research

The bibliometric analysis reveals notable changes in the relevance and function of key concepts associated with sustainability in the food industry (see Figure 8). Traditionally central terms such as “agriculture” and “food” have shown a decline in their frequency of use in recent years. Although these concepts historically constituted the backbone of food sustainability research, their reduced presence suggests a shift in scholarly attention toward more specialized and functionally defined themes. Currently, “agriculture” appears mainly in studies that explicitly link sustainable agricultural practices with food production and poverty reduction, particularly in developing contexts (Omodero, 2021). Similarly, despite the foundational role of “food” in sustainability debates related to food safety, waste, and distribution, its declining frequency indicates a transition toward more precise and operational terminology within the field (A. Kumar, 2020).

Figure 8. Validity and frequency of keywords.

Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science.

This semantic shift is further reflected in the emergence and consolidation of new thematic priorities. In Quadrant 2, the analysis highlights Covid-19, circular economy, and blockchain as concepts of growing relevance. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a transformative effect on sustainable food supply chains, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and real-time monitoring (V. Kumar, 2023b). The circular economy has become a key paradigm for addressing environmental challenges in the food sector, promoting resource efficiency, waste minimization, and closed-loop systems through practices such as life cycle assessment and eco-design (Krishnan, 2020). At the same time, blockchain technology has emerged as a disruptive tool capable of enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust across food supply chains by enabling decentralized and immutable data records (Joo & Han, 2021).

In contrast, Quadrant 1 captures concepts that have consolidated their relevance over time, with food security standing out as a central and enduring concern. Food security remains a fundamental pillar for global stability and population well-being, encompassing not only food availability but also access, utilization, and nutritional adequacy. Research in this area has addressed the role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security in developing countries (Pawlak & Kołodziejczak, 2020), as well as emerging challenges such as natural epidemics. Recent studies emphasize the integration of digital technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agri-food supply chains under crisis conditions (Yadav et al., 2021).

To further structure these findings, Table 1 presents a functional classification of emerging and growing keywords related to sustainability in the food industry. Keywords were categorized according to their predominant function, associated tools, applications, and defining characteristics, considering their frequency, validity, thematic clustering, and temporal evolution. This classification highlights key areas such as Covid-19, circular economy, blockchain, climate change, the agri-food sector, and food security, providing a synthesized view of current research priorities and future opportunities. By linking conceptual evolution with functional roles, this integrated analysis offers a clearer understanding of how sustainability research in the food industry is evolving toward more applied, technology-driven, and system-oriented approaches.

4.4 Other related studies and literature review

Compared to the findings of our study, the results of the literature review highlight a landscape in which sustainability in the food industry is seen as an ever-evolving field, with an increasing focus on the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and precision agriculture (Galanakis, 2020; Şimşek et al., 2024). However, our results reveal an even more recent trend, with a significant increase in scientific production between 2021 and 2023, reflecting a surge in interest in this topic. The key difference lies in the fact that while the technologies mentioned in the literature are recognised as key factors for improving sustainability, our research identifies a concentration of terms such as ‘circular economy’ and ‘food security’, which stand out as consolidated and growing concepts in current research. This finding supports the idea that as emerging technologies gain traction, traditional concepts such as food security remain central to academic discussions.

Furthermore, when looking at authorship patterns and key contributions, figures such as Mangla and Luthra emerge as key references in terms of productivity and impact, which is consistent with the identification of countries such as the UK, the US and Italy as the most productive and influential in the field of food sustainability. However, our research goes further by identifying three groups of countries with different dynamics of productivity and impact. The case studies mentioned in the literature, such as those by Rueda et al. (2017) and Otles et al. (2015), address critical aspects of sustainability in different regions, while our findings show a growing interest in global issues such as climate change and the circular economy. This suggests that while regional research remains relevant, there is an increasing global interconnectedness around food sustainability, with a particular focus on resilience and adaptation to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In contrast to the present research, which focuses on the bibliometric evolution of sustainability in the food industry, (Herrero, 2010) emphasize the importance of mixed cropping and livestock systems as significant contributors to global food production. They highlight the need for policies aimed at intensifying agricultural production through efficient input management to reduce waste and environmental impact. Rana, Tricase, and De Cesare, Rana et al. (2021) discuss the potential of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain and its contribution to sustainability. Although the author’s research highlights the relevance of key terms such as ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Blockchain’, Herrero et al. and Rana et al. offer specific approaches related to sustainable agricultural production and the application of technology in the supply chain, respectively.

However, Nicholls et al. (2020) emphasize the role of small-scale food production in urban areas in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They examine how urban and peri-urban agriculture, with its small scale and diverse crops, can provide a sustainable alternative by addressing multiple SDGs, including biodiversity and local food production. This study focuses on the evolution of key terms and approaches in the literature on food sustainability. Compared to Garcia et al. (2020) research, which emphasizes the need for a ‘One Health’ approach to ensure food safety and sustainable production, this study offers a more focused view of emerging trends and themes in academic research on sustainability in the food industry. Nicholls et al. demonstrate the significance of sustainable local production. Garcia et al. propose a broader ‘One Health’ framework that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in food production. It is important to consider both perspectives when evaluating sustainable food production.

From the perspective of transitions toward sustainability, the thematic shift identified in this study reflects a broader movement from specific environmental concerns toward systemic and integrative frameworks, such as the circular economy and food system resilience. This evolution is consistent with theories of socio-technical transitions, which argue that changes in scientific agendas tend to reflect transformations in public policy priorities, technological innovation, and social expectations. Recent evidence shows that research on sustainability in the food industry has experienced rapid and sustained growth, particularly since 2018, establishing itself as an emerging and highly dynamic field with a clearly defined intellectual structure (Şimşek et al., 2024).

The growing centrality of issues such as food systems, food supply chains, food security, climate change, food waste, and the circular economy confirms a shift towards multidimensional and integrated analytical approaches, beyond isolated environmental issues. From the perspective of food system transformation, the concentration of scientific production in certain regions and thematic clusters highlights how dominant scientific agendas shape the global understanding of sustainability challenges. Bibliometric evidence indicates that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy act as central nodes in the production and dissemination of knowledge, while regions such as Africa and Latin America are less represented, revealing persistent geographical asymmetries in scientific visibility and influence (Şimşek et al., 2024).

These patterns are closely linked to the role of the food industry as a key player in the transition to sustainability, as companies respond to pressure from policymakers, consumers, and other stakeholders to reduce their environmental footprint, improve supply chain transparency, promote ethical sourcing, and adopt circular economy principles (Prasanna et al., 2025).

Likewise, the literature emphasizes that the sustainability of food systems cannot be addressed exclusively from the primary production stage but must consider the entire food value chain in a comprehensive manner, including processing, distribution, and consumption. While the pre-harvest phases contribute significantly to key environmental indicators, such as greenhouse gas emissions, the post-harvest stages play a critical role in maintaining food quality, reducing losses, and increasing the overall efficiency of the system (Schottroff et al., 2022). In this context, tools such as Life Cycle Assessment have established themselves as central instruments for comprehensively evaluating the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability, supporting evidence-based decision-making and the design of public policies in food systems.

Finally, when comparing the present research to the studies of Režek Jambrak et al. (2021) and Desiderio et al. (2022), additional perspectives on sustainability in the food industry are presented. Režek Jambrak et al. (2021) highlighted the convergence of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and non-thermal food processing, in the creation of ‘Internet of nonthermal food processing technologies’ (IoNTP). The study emphasizes the need to evaluate the feasibility of integrating smart sensors, artificial intelligence, and additive technologies with non-thermal approaches. This approach, focused on digitalization and sustainability, highlights the importance of life cycle assessment and points out potential benefits such as energy savings and optimized environmental performance. On the other hand, the work of Desiderio et al. (2022) examines the social dimension of sustainability in the food supply chain, evidencing the lack of consensus and tools to measure social aspects. The article discusses social sustainability tools and measures at different stages of the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of maintaining attention to social sustainability throughout the chain. The studies cited in this article provide additional perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in pursuing sustainability in the food industry, including both technological and social aspects.

4.5 Practical implications

The use of bibliometrics in this study has revealed important shifts in the thematic focus of sustainability in the food sector, highlighting the transition from earlier concerns such as soil erosion to more contemporary issues such as circular economy, supply chain management, food security and wastewater treatment. This shift highlights a wider reorientation of research priorities, indicating an increased recognition of the complex challenges facing the food sector, including agricultural practices, environmental concerns and the need for more systematic and integrated solutions.

The dominant themes emerging from the analysis, in particular sustainability, waste management and short supply chains, underline the growing convergence between environmental efficiency and local, sustainable approaches to food production and distribution. This conceptual shift calls for the promotion of local, sustainable production strategies that minimise environmental impacts and increase the resilience of food systems.

The frequency and validity analysis of keywords revealed an interesting trend: terms such as agriculture and food are becoming less relevant, while emerging concepts such as circular economy, blockchain and climate change are gaining prominence. These evolving terms reflect the increasing focus on technological innovation and the broader environmental challenges that the food industry needs to address. In addition, food security remains a key issue, highlighting the critical need to ensure equitable access to safe and nutritious food amidst ongoing environmental and health transformations.

Exploring these research trends is crucial for shaping future policies and industry practices. By understanding the emerging directions in sustainability research, policymakers and industry leaders can design strategies that address the pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges in the food system. This analysis lays a foundation for the development of effective policies and practices that foster sustainability while encouraging innovation. It also highlights the importance of connecting research findings with practical applications in order to drive the adoption of more sustainable approaches and technologies, ultimately advancing toward a more sustainable and equitable global food system.

4.6 Limitations

The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the PRISMA-2020 methodology and the Scopus and Web of Science databases to gain a deeper understanding of research trends. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the methodology and data sources currently employed. The selection of databases may introduce biases due to the limited coverage of publications. Potentially relevant contributions from other platforms not included in this study may have been excluded.

One limitation of the current methodology is that the search is limited to the title field in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. This may result in missing relevant articles that do not explicitly mention the keywords in the title, but include them in the abstract or keywords. In order to obtain more comprehensive and representative results, it would be useful to extend the search to include not only “title” but also “abstract” and “keywords” in Scopus and “subject” in Web of Science, which could improve the coverage and precision of the results obtained.

Despite the advantages offered by Scopus and Web of Science, their use entails inherent limitations related to coverage. Relevant research on food sustainability, particularly from regions such as Africa and other developing contexts, may be disseminated through grey literature, institutional reports, or regional journals not indexed in these databases. Consequently, the geographical gaps identified in this study should not be interpreted as an absence of scientific production, but rather as a lower representation of such research in high-impact, internationally indexed journals. This limitation reflects structural asymmetries in global scientific visibility and should be considered when interpreting the geographical distribution of the results.

Similarly, while tools like Microsoft Excel^® and VOSviewer^® can effectively restructure bibliometric indicators, this approach may overlook certain semantic nuances present in articles, potentially limiting a holistic understanding of thematic evolution as a keyword co-occurrence network. Despite these limitations, the current bibliometrics offer a valuable insight into the latest trends in sustainability research within the food industry. Therefore, the presented results serve as a useful starting point for future research seeking to expand or develop a more comprehensive contextual understanding.

With regard to the limitations of the research, it should be noted that the query used was too restrictive, which could have led to relevant articles being missed. In particular, the use of the term ‘sustainab*’ in lines 230 and 231 was a search strategy designed to cover variants of terms such as sustainable, sustainability and other related terms. However, this approach may have also limited the inclusion of some important studies that did not contain these exact variants, thus limiting the breadth of thematic coverage of the review.

4.7 Research gaps

The bibliometric findings reveal several critical research gaps that extend beyond thematic absences and reflect structural and methodological limitations within the field. These gaps include the limited representation of studies from developing regions, the underexploration of socio-cultural and behavioral dimensions of sustainability, and the predominance of technical and conceptual approaches over empirical and longitudinal analyses. Addressing these gaps requires the adoption of mixed methodologies, comparative regional studies, and interdisciplinary frameworks capable of capturing the complexity of sustainable food systems. By integrating these gaps into the main discussion, the study provides a clearer foundation for the proposed research agenda and future empirical investigations.

Refer to underlying data Table 2 presents research and conceptual gaps in sustainability within the food industry that require further attention in future studies. The corresponding justifications and future questions to address these issues are also detailed. These gaps indicate areas where the current literature is deficient and require further exploration on a larger scale to enhance the comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sustainability and the food industry.

Refer to underlying data Table 2 includes gaps in various categories, including those related to the circular economy in the food supply chain, waste management, loss minimization, the incorporation of new technologies such as blockchain, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. These categories aim to improve traceability, transparency, and the industry’s adaptation to unforeseen events. Similarly, this resource emphasizes important topics such as food security within the context of sustainability. It promotes the use of short and localized food systems. This guide is useful for researchers seeking to explore current knowledge gaps in the field. By addressing these gaps, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this critical area can be achieved.

4.8 Research agenda

Sustainability in the food industry is a critical area of research due to global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change. These issues are interrelated and require comprehensive consideration of economic, environmental, and social aspects of food production and consumption. In this context, the Multidisciplinary Research Agenda is presented to contribute to the development of future research in sustainability in the food industry. The agenda consists of a series of keywords, each reflecting a critical area of study addressing current challenges and emerging opportunities.

This agenda serves as a tool to identify knowledge gaps and guide researchers towards areas that require greater attention. Its aim is to inform and promote the transformation of the food industry towards a more sustainable production and equitable access to resources. Regarding food security, it is a crucial aspect of the sustainability of the food industry. It is widely acknowledged as necessary to guarantee equal access to nutritious and adequate food in a constantly evolving world. Therefore, future research should further analyze innovative strategies that address the challenges of food security in terms of sustainability. This analysis should take into account the impact of climate change, price instability, equitable distribution of resources, and the adaptive capacity of food systems in times of crisis.

Agriculture plays a central role in this issue as the primary source of food. Future research could focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of agrochemicals, exploring cropping systems related to agroecology, and assessing the impact of precision agriculture technology. These research areas contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in this regard.

Regarding supply chain management, optimizing traceability and transparency is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability. Future research should focus on waste reduction, logistics efficiency, and cooperation among supply chain actors. Similarly, exploring circular supply chain approaches is necessary to gain insights on closing material cycles and minimizing environmental impacts from production to consumption.

Environmental impact assessment is a crucial topic that can be approached from various angles. Future research could focus on quantifying environmental impacts through tools like life cycle assessment and the environmental footprint approach. Additionally, studying the adoption of cleaner production practices that use environmentally friendly technologies is relevant to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental degradation.

Finally, sustainable marketing is a topic that has gained great relevance and is growing. Therefore, future research should analyze marketing strategies that influence the adoption of responsible consumption habits and explore narratives that influence consumer purchases. It is important to communicate effectively, highlighting the environmental and social benefits for the advancement of sustainability in the industry.

Regarding Figure 9, it displays the research agenda for the sustainability of the food industry. The figure includes key terms that have been studied since 1995, such as environment, biodiversity, food systems, and aquaculture. Some of these terms have lost validity over time. The lack of current relevance is a potential issue that could be addressed in future research. This could involve analyzing the environmental and social factors that may contribute to the decline in participation in current studies.

Figure 9. Research agenda.

Prepared by the authors based on scopus and web of science.