An Exploratory Analysis of Consumer Attitudes and Behavioural Intentions Toward Food Waste Reduction in Slovenian Food Services

Food waste is a critical issue, with significant implications for global sustainabilityand the achievement of SDG 12.3, which aims to halve per capita food waste by 2030. Thisstudy explores consumer attitudes and behavioural intentions toward food waste reductionin food services in Slovenia, focusing on their willingness to support measures such astaking leftovers home, pre-ordering meals, and reducing portion sizes. Using an onlinesurvey with 802 respondents, we examined the behavioural drivers within the Motivation–Opportunity–Ability MOA framework and demographic predictors. The results from theregression analysis revealed that motivation significantly influenced both the likelihood oftaking leftovers home and the acceptance of pre-ordering, though in opposite directions.Ability was a significant factor in pre-ordering acceptance, while perceived portion sizeimportance negatively impacted acceptance of portion reduction. While meal quality andportion sizes remain the main causes of plate waste, ethical and environmental concernswere found to be the strongest drivers of consumers’ behaviour to reduce food waste.Support for interventions increased when convenience or financial incentives were offered.These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies that balance sustainability goalswith consumer preferences and provide actionable recommendations for food serviceproviders to reduce food waste effectively while aligning with consumer expectations.