Quality Assurance Schemes and Food Marketing in the European Union

Quality assurance schemes are increasing in importance all over the European Union. They have considerable influence on the marketing of food products. Two main types can be identified: in-chain quality management schemes and market differentiation schemes. The first group has a considerable influence on the food chain, whereas the second group is larger in numbers. This chapter discusses perceptions of stakeholders and the functioning of selected schemes using two sets of the data gathered from stakeholder hearings (and panels) and economic analyses of eight case studies. Quality assurance schemes appear to be an integral part of current food marketing in the agri-food chain; a fundamental change in the future is not likely.