Informações de clientes sobre critérios de sustentabilidade utilizados na seleção de restaurantes

Abstract

An exploratory study was carried out to analyze customer information on sustainability criteria as a factor in the selection of restaurants. To achieve this, a questionnaire was created to collect the necessary data. The questionnaire was structured with closed questions (single and multiple choice) and open questions related to sustainable gastronomy as a criteria for restaurant selection by customers who were staying in two types of accommodation facilities located in two cities of the Serra Gaúcha (Rio Grande do Sul): Caxias do Sul (hotel) and the city of Garibaldi (hostel). The results let us conclude that there is a concern within the participants to consume organic foods (33.12%). This consumption is mainly because of health reasons (41.46%) and because they consider these foods tastier (20.56%). Only 17.42% of the indications were related to the consumption of these foods and concerns regarding the environment. It was also possible to identify that sustainable practices were not the most commonly used criteria for restaurant selection. Meal price was the main reason and had the highest number of indications (14.74%), followed by 13.25% pointing to ambience and comfort of the establishment. Only 4.30% of the indications were related to the adoption of sustainability as the main criteria of restaurant selection. The final conclusion therefore is that sustainability is not yet a major criteria factor in the selection of restaurants. The implementation of sustainable gastronomy practices by the food service industry however allows us to establish important relationships between the service offered and the client. Once adopting these practices, establishments can demonstrate a greater concern with the health of its consumers, with the impact caused by the sector to the environment, as well as stimulate the local or regional communities to adopt sustainable practices and thus promote the local culture and traditions, enhancing the economic performance of these communities.