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Centre for research and strategy in the food industry

Research area: "Consumer perceptions of food preferences and food risks"

Since its founding in 1998, LESMA has brought together a multidisciplinary team of researchers in management sciences (especially marketing and strategy), in social sciences (economics, sociology, anthropology and psychology) and, for certain projects, specialists in food science and processes.

The research performed by LESMA generally aims to contribute to:

  • a better understanding of the reasons for consumer acceptance or rejection of foodgoods,
  • a clearer notion of the impact of psychological and sociological influences on the adoption of food innovations.

This research allows certain practical recommendations that:

  • address the current focus of those involved in marketing and innovation for the agribusiness sector,
  • contribute more generally to the prevention and anticipation of food scares among consumers.

News

Projects ongoing

  • COSI-VEG project led by ESA of Angers on the establishment of a new protocol for sensory analysis on fruits and vegetables
  • MANOE project on the analysis of dietary practices of allergic children and their families and making recommendations to improve food supply and labeling 
  • AUPALESENS project (ANR) on the development of new products suitable for feeding undernourished and dependent elderly people (nutritional deficiencies)

New contract

A contract on nutrition education for children will start in September 2011. It is a focus on school canteens which consists in studying a cohort of young children. It will be funded for 3 years, with a possible extension for 3 more years. In addition to an educational component, the research will focus on observing the behaviour and food habits of children in canteens. It is funded by the French Food Ministry and the Company, Fleury Michon.

Contacts

  • Mohamed Merdji, Director of LESMA, Professor in Marketing, Expert of the Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des aliments
  • Gervaise Debucquet, Agrifood engineer, Associate Professor in Marketing
  • Emmanuel Dion, Associate Professor in Marketing
  • Jean-Louis Nicolas, Associate Professor in Marketing


See all the members

Les accréditations

  • EFMD EQUIS ACCREDITED
  • AACSB Accredited
  • Accredited by Association of MBAs
Audencia Nantes - School of Management
8 route de la Jonelière - B.P. 31222 - 44312 Nantes Cedex 3 - France Tel. : 00 33 (0)2 40 37 34 34 - Email Audencia