THE ROLE OF ORGANIC FOODS IN PUBLIC CATERING IN HUNGARY: AN EXAMINATION OF THE DEMAND, SUPPLY, AND ORGANISATIONAL ASPECTS

KÜRTHY GYÖNGYI – KIRÁLY GÁBOR – KIRÁLY-GÁL KAROLA VIKTÓRIA – DARVASNÉ ÖRDÖG EDIT – RADÓCZNÉ KOCS

Keywords: Keywords: organic farming, sustainable food production, public procurement, food supply chain JEL codes: Q01, Q18

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.53079/GAZDALKODAS.70.3.t.pp_207-223
In the past decade, the integration of organic food into public catering has become an important area of European food policy. As this demand has also emerged among stakeholders in the domestic food supply chain, the professional analysis of the feasibility of its implementation has become a current expectation. The research reviewed relevant literature and legislation, identified international best practices, and assessed the regulatory and financing framework of public catering in Hungary. As part of the primary research, we conducted personal consultations and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in public catering, organic farming, processing, and control, complemented by a questionnaire survey and an expert workshop. Demand and supply were estimated based on available statistical data, official information, and expert assessments. Our results indicate that, in quantitative terms, only domestically produced organic cereals could meaningfully meet the raw material demand of public catering. Since the domestic public procurement system for catering is highly centralised and inflexible, processors play a key role in the introduction of organic products; however, they face numerous obstacles. The low level of organization among producers further exacerbates the situation. While well-established wholesale actors serve caterers in the conventional food supply chain, such intermediary actors are currently absent in the case of organic products. Therefore, we conclude that imposing a mandatory share of organic products would not be advisable. Instead, a gradual introduction is recommended through guidelines and pilot projects. Establishing stable and predictable demand is crucial, which requires raising consumer awareness and strong government involvement. As organic raw materials are more expensive, reforming the financing of public catering and providing targeted support is essential. Strengthening market relationships, improving information flow and transparency are also important.