Food waste research in hospitality, leisure, and tourism: A bibliometric approach with VOSviewer

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of food waste research within the hospitality, leisure, and tourism domains using the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. A total of 127 English-language articles published between 2012 and 2025 were analyzed. Data were retrieved using the keyword “food waste” across all indexers and refined by language, document type, and WoS subject category filters specific to hospitality, leisure, and tourism. VOSviewer software was employed to conduct co-occurrence, co-authorship, and bibliographic coupling analyses. The findings reveal a sharp increase in food waste research post-2020, with peak activity in 2024. Core journals include the International Journal of Hospitality Management and the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. Thematic clusters highlight three dominant research strands: (1) sustainability practices such as circular economy models and resource-efficient operations, (2) consumer behavior, including plate waste, portion size, and behavioral nudges, and (3) food waste management strategies addressing pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. This interdisciplinary mapping highlights the intersection of environmental sustainability, managerial interventions, and consumer actions in the context of food waste research. The study provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners seeking to reduce food waste and align industry practices with global sustainability objectives.