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Understanding the dynamics of this scientific production motivated a bibliometric analysis to identify trends, key themes, and emerging topics in this field. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science to examine the evolution of scientific output related to sustainability in the food industry. Techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, evaluation of country and author productivity, and thematic evolution analysis were applied. Additionally, a Cartesian system was used to classify the relevance and recency of identified key terms. Results An exponential growth pattern in scientific output was identified, particularly in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, with a statistical significance of 99.65%. Three main country clusters were observed, with the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy standing out for their productivity and impact. At the author level, Mangla and Luthra were notable for productivity, while Land, Beske, and Van Der Vorst stood out for their impact on the discipline. Thematic evolution analysis revealed a shift from early research on “soil erosion” to current themes like “circular economy,” “supply chain management,” “food safety,” and “wastewater treatment.” The keyword co-occurrence network showed seven thematic clusters, with the purple cluster—comprising “sustainability,” “waste management,” and “short supply chain”—being most prominent. Emerging topics such as “Covid-19,” “blockchain,” and the “agri-food sector” were found in the emerging topics quadrant. Conclusions This study highlights the evolution and diversification of sustainability research in the food industry, emphasizing the relevance of emerging topics and international collaboration. A multidisciplinary agenda is proposed to address critical areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain management, stressing the need to incorporate innovative technologies to meet current environmental, economic, and social challenges. " } { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": "1", "item": { "@id": "https://f1000research.com/", "name": "Home" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": "2", "item": { "@id": "https://f1000research.com/browse/articles", "name": "Browse" } }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": "3", "item": { "@id": "https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1", "name": "Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging..." } } ] } Home Browse Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging... ALL Metrics - Views Downloads Get PDF Get XML Cite How to cite this article Valencia-Arias A, Vásquez Coronado MH, Velasco Cardona DC et al. Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.1 ) NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article. Close Copy Citation Details Export Export Citation Sciwheel EndNote Ref. Manager Bibtex ProCite Sente EXPORT Select a format first Track Share ▬ ✚ Systematic Review Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] Alejandro Valencia-Arias https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9434-6923 1 , Manuel Humberto Vásquez Coronado 2 , Diana Carolina Velasco Cardona 3 , [...] Jackeline Valencia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6524-9577 4 , Martha Luz Benjumea-Arias 5 , Edgar Roland Tuesta Torres 6 , Sebastián Cardona-Acevedo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-2928 5,7 Alejandro Valencia-Arias https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9434-6923 1 , Manuel Humberto Vásquez Coronado 2 , [...] Diana Carolina Velasco Cardona 3 , Jackeline Valencia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6524-9577 4 , Martha Luz Benjumea-Arias 5 , Edgar Roland Tuesta Torres 6 , Sebastián Cardona-Acevedo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6192-2928 5,7 PUBLISHED 29 Sep 2025 Author details Author details 1 Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14000, Peru 2 Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14013, Peru 3 Ciencias de la Salud, Institucion Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, 51052, Colombia 4 Vicerrectoría de Investigación y postgrado, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Los Lagos Region, 5290000, Chile 5 Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas, Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano, Medellín, Antioquia, 50010, Colombia 6 Escuela de Posgrado USS, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14001, Peru 7 Coordinación de Investigación, Institucion Universitaria Marco Fidel Suarez, Medellín, Antioquia, 55413, Colombia Alejandro Valencia-Arias Roles: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Manuel Humberto Vásquez Coronado Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Diana Carolina Velasco Cardona Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Jackeline Valencia Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Martha Luz Benjumea-Arias Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Edgar Roland Tuesta Torres Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Sebastián Cardona-Acevedo Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing OPEN PEER REVIEW DETAILS REVIEWER STATUS This article is included in the Ecology and Global Change gateway. Abstract Background With growing focus on the environmental and social impacts of the food industry, sustainability has become a central topic in scientific research. Understanding the dynamics of this scientific production motivated a bibliometric analysis to identify trends, key themes, and emerging topics in this field. Methods A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Scopus and Web of Science to examine the evolution of scientific output related to sustainability in the food industry. Techniques such as keyword co-occurrence analysis, evaluation of country and author productivity, and thematic evolution analysis were applied. Additionally, a Cartesian system was used to classify the relevance and recency of identified key terms. Results An exponential growth pattern in scientific output was identified, particularly in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023, with a statistical significance of 99.65%. Three main country clusters were observed, with the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy standing out for their productivity and impact. At the author level, Mangla and Luthra were notable for productivity, while Land, Beske, and Van Der Vorst stood out for their impact on the discipline. Thematic evolution analysis revealed a shift from early research on “soil erosion” to current themes like “circular economy,” “supply chain management,” “food safety,” and “wastewater treatment.” The keyword co-occurrence network showed seven thematic clusters, with the purple cluster—comprising “sustainability,” “waste management,” and “short supply chain”—being most prominent. Emerging topics such as “Covid-19,” “blockchain,” and the “agri-food sector” were found in the emerging topics quadrant. Conclusions This study highlights the evolution and diversification of sustainability research in the food industry, emphasizing the relevance of emerging topics and international collaboration. A multidisciplinary agenda is proposed to address critical areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain management, stressing the need to incorporate innovative technologies to meet current environmental, economic, and social challenges. READ ALL READ LESS Keywords Supply chain, circular economy, disruptive technologies, PRISMA-2020, environmental impact. Corresponding Author(s) Alejandro Valencia-Arias ( [email protected] ) Close Corresponding author: Alejandro Valencia-Arias Competing interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Grant information: The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work. Copyright: © 2025 Valencia-Arias A et al . This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. How to cite: Valencia-Arias A, Vásquez Coronado MH, Velasco Cardona DC et al. Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.1 ) First published: 29 Sep 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.1 ) Latest published: 12 May 2026, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.3 ) There is a newer version of this article available. Suppress this message for one day. 1. Introduction In the current context, sustainability in the food industry has become a fundamental topic due to the increasing awareness of the significant environmental and social impacts that food production and distribution can have ( Echchakoui, 2020 ). This research area covers a range of interrelated topics that aim to balance global food demand with the conservation of finite natural resources and the promotion of resilient socioeconomic systems. The topic not only seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of conventional practices but also fundamentally rethinks how food is conceived, produced, and consumed ( Friedman & Ormiston, 2022 ). The article examines the narratives of fruit and vegetable producers in relation to the regulation of environmental water use in food production ( Sutcliffe et al., 2023 ). Additionally, it explores the facilitating factors for the adoption of 3D printing technology in the food supply chain, with the aim of achieving more sustainable distribution ( Panghal, 2023 ). Similarly, methodologies that combine robust optimization and K-domain approaches, such as those applied to inventory control, are proposed to enhance the sustainability of companies in the perishable food supply chain ( Luo & Deng, 2023 ). Additionally, roadmaps have been developed, such as the one used to evaluate sustainability performance in the context of food supply chains ( Carvalho et al., 2022 ). Similarly, scientists have analyzed tools and gaps, including those used to monitor biodiversity in long-distance food supply chains, to meet business needs and sustainability goals ( Beck-O’Brien & Bringezu, 2021 ). The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain. For instance, Friedman and Ormiston (2022) highlight the potential of blockchain technology as a sustainability-oriented innovation to enhance transparency and efficiency in global food supply chains, demonstrating how multidisciplinary approaches can address these pressing challenges. Research has explored a wide range of elements related to sustainable food supply chains. Studies have focused on decision-making strategies ( Zanoni & Zavanella, 2012 ) and the development of a conceptual model for sustainable supply chain management in the food industry ( Mastos & Gotzamani, 2022 ). To complement the increasing research and efforts applied to this topic, a needs assessment was conducted to inform research and outreach efforts on sustainable agricultural practices and food production in the western United States. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive action ( Lamm, 2023 ). The importance of this topic has been emphasized by several studies that emphasize the need to address the challenges related to the sustainable production, distribution, and consumption of food ( M. Kumar, 2023a ; Lamm, 2023 ; Panghal, 2023 ). Research has been promoted to improve sustainability in the food supply chain by applying innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, due to the complex interactions between food security, human health, and the health of the planet ( Panghal, 2023 ). In this context, it is imperative to transform agricultural and food systems towards more sustainable practices. Conducting needs assessments to inform research and dissemination efforts that support sustainable food production is also of great importance ( Lamm, 2023 ). In addition to identifying the adoption of the circular economy in the food supply chain as a crucial challenge to achieving sustainable development ( M. Kumar, 2023a ), this aims to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste throughout the food’s life cycle. The H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic has highlighted the importance of sustainability in the food industry. The disruption of global supply chains has emphasised the need to assess and improve the resilience of food supply chains in crisis situations without compromising sustainability ( Le, 2023 ). Similarly, research has explored the sustainability of irrigated food production in the context of global water stress ( Mohan, 2022 ). This body of research deepens our understanding of sustainability as an essential component in addressing current and future challenges facing the food industry and society, including food security, health and the environment. Although research on the sustainability of the food industry has grown significantly, there are still gaps that require greater attention. One such gap is the confluence of supply chain management and sustainability in a specific context. Similarly, the advancement of concepts and case studies has not effectively integrated sustainable management practices into food supply chains. As Mangla (2018) discuss, implementing sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains requires addressing critical enablers and barriers, which highlights the need for further empirical research in this area. This is a crucial factor that requires greater attention. However, a conceptual model has been proposed based on a literature review and case study ( Mastos & Gotzamani, 2022 ). Empirical research is required to fully understand its practical implementation and execution in diverse and complex environments. Sustainability in food systems and the halal food supply chain are both critical areas that deserve increased attention, especially in light of the growing global demand for halal products. The link between these two areas arises from the fact that halal food production and distribution presents unique sustainability challenges, including certification, resource management and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. Despite increasing demand, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies examining sustainable practices within these supply chains ( Abderahman et al., 2021 ). Furthermore, the issue of sustainability in exceptional and challenging contexts, such as food production on international space stations, has also been under-researched. A technical review has highlighted the lack of studies that address how to optimise sustainability in these unique environments, highlighting the need for more focused research in both areas ( Carillo et al., 2020 ). Due to the gaps observed in research on the sustainability of the food industry, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis. This will allow for the identification of the current state of knowledge, emerging trends, promising approaches, and areas that require further development. The analysis should promote effective practical results. This fragment of text describes the importance of a tool for identifying effective solutions to critical challenges in the search for a more sustainable food industry. The authors Abderahman et al. (2021) , Carillo et al. (2020) and Mastos & Gotzamani, (2022) have contributed to this topic. Growing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation and food insecurity have highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies to address these challenges. Emerging digital technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence offer unprecedented opportunities to transform the food industry towards more sustainable practices. These tools not only optimise resource management and traceability in supply chains, but also increase transparency and operational efficiency - critical aspects for managing the complexities of a globalised market. In this context, the use of these technologies has become an imperative to balance the growing demand for food with the preservation of the environment, thereby ensuring the resilience of food systems for the future. The inspiration for this study stems from the critical role the food industry plays in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, such as environmental degradation, resource scarcity and the increasing demand for food driven by population growth. The authors were motivated by the observed gaps in the integration of sustainability practices and digital technologies in the food sector, despite their proven potential in other industries. Recognising the transformative capacity of digital innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and IoT to drive efficiency and sustainability, the authors sought to explore how these technologies could be used to address existing shortcomings in the food supply chain. By focusing on the food industry, a sector closely linked to environmental health, social equity and economic stability, the study aims to contribute to the global discourse on achieving sustainable development through innovative, technology-driven solutions. Therefore, the present study aims to examine current trends through bibliometric analysis of key concepts, thematic groupings and emerging keywords to provide a comprehensive view of the state of knowledge in the field of food sustainability, highlighting both emerging trends and future approaches. This research fits seamlessly within the scope of Frontiers in Sustainability: Food Systems by bridging theoretical frameworks and practical applications in the pursuit of sustainable food systems. Using bibliometric analysis, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of key trends, emerging issues and critical gaps in the integration of sustainability practices within the food industry. It not only advances the theoretical discourse by identifying conceptual linkages, such as the role of the circular economy and digital technologies, but also provides actionable insights for practitioners and policy makers seeking to implement sustainable management strategies. The focus on identifying research gaps and proposing a multidisciplinary agenda also reflects the journal’s emphasis on promoting innovative and systemic approaches to addressing pressing challenges in global food systems. To achieve this goal, the research poses the following questions: 1. What are the years in which research trends on the sustainability of the food industry have been most prominent? 2. What is the growth rate of scientific articles on research trends related to the sustainability of the food industry? 3. What are the primary research references on research trends related to the sustainability of the food industry? 4. What is the thematic evolution of research trends surrounding the sustainability of the food industry? 5. What are the primary research themes regarding the sustainability of the food industry? 6. What are the emerging keywords in research trends related to the sustainability of the food industry? 7. What are the main topics that should be prioritized when designing a research agenda on sustainability in the food industry? This article will make a significant contribution to the current literature by providing a detailed and up-to-date overview of sustainability research trends in the food industry. Extensive bibliometric research will identify key approaches, emerging topic areas, and leading voices in this dynamic field. In addition, proposing a multidisciplinary research agenda and identifying critical areas will provide a valuable framework for future research. This will promote the continuous advancement of knowledge in the search for sustainable solutions in the food industry. Ultimately, this article is an essential contribution that will guide academics, policymakers, and industry professionals towards a more holistic and up-to-date understanding of sustainability in the food industry. The research focuses not only on analyzing the current state of scientific production, but also on identifying various gaps, be they thematic, geographic, interdisciplinary, or temporal. In the process, detailed rationales are provided, and specific questions are posed to address these knowledge gaps. The importance of adopting a global and integrative perspective is recognized, with particular emphasis on gaps in developing countries. It also highlights the need for sustainability research in these contexts. Finally, it suggests new areas of research and highlights the loss of relevance of certain terms. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to understand the current state of scientific research, but also to actively contribute to filling the existing gaps by promoting a vision of the subject in the academic field. This manuscript is divided into several sections that follow a logical and progressive approach. First, a review of the literature related to bibliometric studies on the topic is presented, highlighting existing trends and gaps. Next, the methodology section outlines the data collection process, the databases used and the bibliometric analysis methods employed, such as keyword co-occurrence and network analysis. The results section presents the main findings of the bibliometric analysis, segmented into different thematic and geographical dimensions. Finally, the discussion interprets these findings in the context of the existing literature, identifies theoretical and practical implications, and suggests possible directions for future research. 1.1 Literature review Sustainability in the food industry has become increasingly important in recent decades, driven by environmental challenges and the need to respond to global demand for more responsible practices. According to Şimşek et al. (2024) , the industry has undergone a transformation driven by the integration of new technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and precision agriculture. These technologies improve operational efficiency and traceability of food products. They enable optimised production processes, reduced waste and more sustainable sourcing, contributing to a more circular and responsible business model. Furthermore, Niknejad et al. (2021) emphasise that the adoption of blockchain is particularly important for ensuring transparency and security in supply chains, which are key elements of sustainability in the food industry. Despite these technological advances, the industry faces ongoing challenges that require urgent attention. Food insecurity, climate change and pressure on natural resources are issues that impact the stability of the sector. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges and revealed the vulnerability of global supply chains ( Şimşek et al., 2024 ). In response, localization and resilience strategies have gained prominence, focusing on strengthening local networks and reducing reliance on imports. Kamdem et al. (2019) highlight that, in the context of food chemistry research, there has been a trend towards the adoption of innovative technologies aimed at improving both food safety and sustainability. These technologies, together with approaches such as the reuse of waste and the integration of digitalization, are opening up new prospects for more sustainable and efficient food production. Currently, the food industry is undergoing significant transformation due to various forces and trends. Consumer preferences are shifting towards more ethical and responsible practices, driven by growing global awareness around sustainability and health. Additionally, rapid technological evolution has impacted every aspect of the food supply chain, from production to distribution and consumption. The food industry is benefiting from the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and precision agriculture. These technologies are enabling greater operational efficiency, improved traceability, and more informed decision-making ( Galanakis, 2020 ). However, the industry also faces significant challenges, including climate instability, pressure on natural resources, and the need to address critical issues such as food security and waste reduction. Immediate attention is required to tackle these concerns. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of global food supply chains and accelerated the adoption of more local and resilient strategies ( Galanakis, 2020 ). The food industry is currently at an inflection point where innovation, sustainability, and adaptability are emerging as crucial elements for its future development and success ( Galanakis, 2023 ). Food security is a critical issue in the industry due to population growth, accelerated urbanization, and changes in dietary patterns. Extreme weather events and environmental degradation pose a threat to crop stability and resource availability, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies. Traceability in the supply chain is crucial, and technologies such as blockchain play a vital role. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these challenges, demonstrating negative effects on the environment, food systems, and people across the supply chain ( Rizou, 2020 ). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted food safety, leading to a shift in the industry’s priorities. The disruption of global supply chains has exposed vulnerabilities, prompting a greater emphasis on the resilience and localization of food supply chains. This includes strengthening local networks and reducing dependence on imports. The integration of digital technologies has become crucial in the post-pandemic era, with the aim of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring food security. Boyacι-Gündüz (2021) review emphasizes the importance of addressing food loss and waste, highlighting the urgent need to develop contingency plans and mitigation strategies to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the food sector in the future. In light of this reality, researchers and the industry have sought innovative solutions, such as the reuse of waste and recovered products. This highlights how science and technology can contribute not only to sustainability but also to the nutritional well-being of consumers ( Brennan, 2024 ). Režek et al. (2021) explored the potential of implementing Industry 4.0 elements in food processing technologies. The study emphasized the significance of digitalization and the Internet of Things in achieving sustainability and efficiency in food production. In the agricultural field, Rueda et al. (2017) present an analytical framework for understanding how agricultural companies adopt sustainability instruments in their supply chains. They highlight competitive conditions and the location of raw materials as key factors that influence adoption decisions. In recent years, sustainability in food production has been approached from various perspectives, including studies related to the supply chain. This involves examining components of the process, such as food packaging, from the perspective of the consumer and technical requirements. The aim is to achieve a truly circular and sustainable design ( Kazancoglu, 2023 ). Based on life cycle evaluation, the environmental impact of products is analyzed, proposing improvements such as weight reduction and the use of alternative materials ( Del Borghi, et al., 2014 ). Sustainability in supply chains has been addressed through communication components, such as messaging on social networks. A study was conducted on how companies in the food industry disseminate sustainability, focusing on the dimensions of people ( Garner & Mady, 2023 ). D’Adamo (2023) suggests using the analytical hierarchy to identify strategic criteria, with a focus on local social and economic development as a priority aspect. This orientation has operational implications and highlights the connection of food companies with local communities as an added value. The literature review emphasizes the complexity of the current challenges facing the food industry. Joint efforts have produced solutions, such as waste reuse and the integration of industry 4.0 technologies. Additionally, the review highlights the significance of considering the consumer perspective, production efficiency, and connection with local communities as crucial factors in the pursuit of sustainability. In this context, the review emphasizes how science and technology, along with strategic and communicative approaches, can enhance not only the operational efficiency of the food industry but also the nutritional well-being of consumers and their connection with the communities in which they operate. 2. Materials and methods To achieve the proposed objectives, we conducted exploratory research based on secondary sources. We performed a bibliometric analysis following the parameters established by the PRIMA-2020 Declaration ( Page, 2021 ). This study analyzes the scientific literature by identifying and critically evaluating the existing trends related to sustainability in the food industry. 2.1 Inclusion criteria In this bibliometric study focusing on food sustainability, exclusion criteria were taken into account. The main metadata analysed were the titles of the documents, and records containing terms related to sustainability and synonyms related to the food industry, gastronomy and the food supply chain were included. The inclusion criteria for this bibliometric analysis focused on documents whose title contained terms related to sustainability and the food industry, such as “food production”, “food industry”, “food supply chain” and “gastronomy”, according to the search equation used in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Only articles that matched these terms and had complete metadata and full-text access were included in the analysis. The inclusion of these criteria ensures that the articles selected are in line with the research objective and guarantees the coherence and relevance of the documents analysed. On the other hand, the exclusion process consists of three complementary stages. The first stage involves the elimination of records with incomplete indexing, i.e. documents whose categorisation does not specifically correspond to the subject of this research, in order to guarantee the integrity of the primary data. In the second phase, documents without access to the full text are excluded. This measure is only applied to systematic literature reviews. In the case of bibliometrics, only the metadata of the documents are analysed. Finally, the third stage of exclusion eliminates conference proceedings, records with incomplete indexing or metadata, and other texts not relevant to the topic of the study. This ensures the quality and coherence of the database. 2.2 Sources of information During the database selection process for this research, two of the most comprehensive and widely recognized sources of scientific information were chosen: Scopus and Web of Science. These databases are known for their extensive coverage of various disciplines and subject areas. The selection of these sources for the research is based on their quality in terms of completeness and precision in collecting and organizing scientific information. Their joint use is considered the best alternative to provide a more holistic perspective in the planned analysis, particularly for studies such as bibliometric analyses, which have been supported by various studies ( Echchakoui, 2020 ). 2.3 Search strategy In this sense, we have the following equations: For the Scopus database (TITLE(sustainab∗) AND TITLE(“Food production” OR “Food industry” OR “Food supply chain” OR “Gastronomic industry”)) For the Web of Science database (TI(sustainab∗) AND TI(“Food production” OR “Food industry” OR “Food supply chain” OR “Gastronomic industry”)) 2.4 Data management For the development of this bibliometric study on sustainability in the food industry, we utilized the Microsoft Excel ® tool to extract, store, and manipulate the information obtained from the databases. This tool allowed for efficient organization and systematization of the collected data, which facilitated the bibliometric analysis carried out later. Additionally, the bibliometric indicators were graphically represented using a combination of the free software VOSviewer ® and Microsoft Excel ® . VOSviewer ® was utilized to create co-occurrence maps and thematic networks, while Microsoft Excel ® was used to generate graphs. This procedure corresponds to a technological approach previously applied to bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer ® ( Hirawan, 2022 ). This enriches the analytical possibilities of the present study. 2.5 Selection procedure Following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, it is crucial to indicate the use of an automatic internal classifier for record selection assistance ( Page, 2021 ). Validating this case internally and externally is essential to raise awareness of the risks associated with omitting relevant studies or incorrectly assigning classifications. This study utilized automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel ® in accordance with the recommended guidelines. 2.6 Data collection process The study followed the guidelines provided by the PRISMA 2020 statement ( Page, 2021 ) for data collection. Data extraction from reports in the Scopus and Web of Science databases was performed using Microsoft Excel ® . All authors involved in this research served as reviewers of the validation process of the data obtained from both databases, working independently to ensure an impartial evaluation of the results. A collaborative data confirmation process was then carried out until absolute convergence of the results was achieved. This was done to ensure precision and coherence of the data collected, following the validation and confirmation guidelines recommended in the scientific literature. 2.7 Data elements For this research on the sustainability of the food industry, we studied data related specifically to our research objective. We collected information from articles that matched our search equation for each database. It was decided to exclude non-relevant information to maintain coherence and quality of the dataset. This ensures that incomplete elements do not distort the understanding of the knowledge base on the topic. 2.8 Assessment of the risk of bias of the study Based on the bias assessment guidelines observed in the included studies, it is necessary to provide detailed information on the methods and tools used. A consistent approach was used in this review. In addition, as all authors were involved in data collection, the risk of bias was assessed using a similar methodology, which ensured consistency between data collection and bias assessment. Finally, Microsoft Excel ® was used as an automated tool throughout the process. 2.9 Measures of impact In the context of bibliometrics on sustainability in the food industry, impact measures are specified. Although more commonly applied in primary research, they can also be adapted to the approach of secondary research sources. The focus is on quantitative aspects that can be extracted from the data. This includes bibliographical information. The metrics analyzed to evaluate the research output include the number of publications, number of citations, and the temporal usage of each keyword. Tools such as Microsoft Excel ® are used for data systematization and processing. Additionally, VOSviewer ® is utilized to identify thematic nodes and associations within the literature. By utilizing these tools and following established guidelines, a comprehensive understanding of sustainability patterns and trends in the food industry can be obtained, even without utilizing traditional impact measures. 2.10 Synthesis methods The studies’ eligibility in each synthesis was determined based on the context provided by this bibliometrics, following rigorous methodological processes. The characteristics of the study intervention were tabulated and compared, generating a contrast for each synthesis. Statistical issues related to missing summary or data conversions were addressed to prepare the data for presentation and synthesis. By following these methodological steps, we applied bibliometric indicators to evaluate the quantity, quality, and structure of the results obtained ( Durieux & Gevenois, 2010 ). Finally, we implemented the indicators in a fully automated manner using Microsoft Excel ® and applied them only to documents that passed the three exclusion phases defined in the study. 2.11 Assessment of reporting bias In this bibliometric research on the sustainability of the food industry, it is important to address the risk of bias that may arise from the absence of results in the syntheses due to reporting bias. Additionally, we recognize the possibility of biases in certain synonyms identified in thesauri such as the IEEE, which will be reflected in the inclusion criteria, search strategy, and data collection. This research is based on a critical evaluation and careful interpretation of the results to ensure the solidity of the study. However, it is important to note that following the characteristics of clear, objective language and conventional structure may unintentionally lead to the omission of relevant information. Additionally, exclusion criteria based on incomplete indexing, conference proceedings, and non-relevant texts may result in the loss of valuable data for knowledge in the area of study. 2.12 Evaluation of certainty The review’s assessment of certainty differs significantly from primary studies. Rather than evaluating individual results, it provides a global assessment that encompasses various aspects of the methodological process. These include the independent application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definition and measurement of bibliometric indicators, and the reporting of possible biases inherent in the methodological design. This section covers the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the definition and measurement of bibliometric indicators, and the reporting of potential biases in the methodological design. The discussion phase addresses the assessment of certainty, which is further reinforced by discussing limitations. This approach allows for a better understanding of the implications and scope of the results obtained. The applied strategy enables a comprehensive evaluation of the confidence level perceived in the evidence, considering the methodological aspects, possible biases, and limitations inherent to this type of research. To summarize the methodological design, refer to the recommended flow chart presented in Figure 1 . Figure 1. PRISMA flow chart. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. The diagram displays the identification of articles in three stages. Firstly, the search strategy is executed in selected information sources, and duplicate documents are excluded. Secondly, the defined eligibility criteria are applied to exclude irrelevant records. Finally, 525 articles are obtained, which form the basis of analysis in this bibliometric research. 3. Results The results of this bibliometric analysis are presented in line with the research questions posed at the beginning of the study, ensuring a clear link between the objectives of the study and the findings. Each section addresses a specific aspect of sustainability in the food industry and provides insights into the evolution of scientific interest, key contributors, geographical influences, thematic developments and the future relevance of concepts. By organizing the findings in this way, the study provides a structured approach that highlights the dynamics of sustainability research, from trends in publication growth to the identification of core themes and influential actors. This methodological presentation not only clarifies the scope of research, but also enhances understanding of current and future directions in the field. Through bibliometric research, we have identified an in-depth analysis that provides basic statistics for understanding the current state of sustainability in the food industry. Figure 2 shows an exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance level of 99.65%. The most productive years in terms of scientific production were 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. These results demonstrate a significant increase in attention and interest from the scientific community regarding this topic, emphasizing its importance and potential for future advancements. Figure 2. Publications by year. Author's calculations based on scopus and web of science. On the other hand, when it comes to research references, three distinct groups of authors emerge, each playing a prominent role in terms of their level of scientific productivity and academic impact. These results are illustrated in Figure 3 , which uses a Cartesian plane to determine the position of each group of authors based on the total number of citations they have received. The text identifies three groups of authors based on their scientific productivity and impact. Mangla and Luthra are distinguished for their outstanding scientific productivity and relevance of their contributions. Figure 3. Main authors. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. Land, Beske, Seuring, and Van Der Vorst are considered references in terms of impact, despite having a more moderate scientific productivity. Finally, the third group is led by author Kumar, who is distinguished by his scientific productivity, although it does not translate into the same number of citations. These results confirm the existence of different dynamics that converge between productivity and impact parameters within this field of research, providing a comprehensive overview of the composition and contributions of authors in this discipline. This study identified three groups of journals based on their prominence and level of productivity and impact, as shown in Figure 4 . The first group includes the journals International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Sustainability. These journals are highly important in terms of their scientific productivity and the impact generated by their publications. Figure 4. Major journals. Author's calculations based on scopus and web of science. The second group of journals includes the International Journal of Production Research, which has a significant impact but moderate scientific productivity. The third group is led by the journal Sustainable Production and Consumption, which is highly scientifically productive but receives fewer citations. The bibliometric analysis has identified three distinct groups of countries based on their level of productivity and impact, as shown in Figure 5 . The first group comprises countries highly relevant to sustainability in the food industry, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy. These countries are recognized for their high levels of scientific productivity and academic impact. Figure 5. Main countries. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. The most cited studies on sustainability in the food industry in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy reveal diverse regional approaches. In the United States, research highlights private investments as key drivers for addressing environmental issues in the agri-food sector. The study analyzes the decision-making process and conditions that lead to the adoption of sustainability instruments ( Rueda et al., 2017 ). Meanwhile, the Italian study by Del Borghi et al. (2014) focuses on the environmental impacts of tomato-based products and proposes technical and managerial solutions through a Life Cycle Assessment. The UK research by Otles et al. (2015) addresses the global challenge of food waste management, highlighting waste recovery strategies and regulatory policies to improve the sustainability of the food industry worldwide. These regional variations provide valuable insights into sustainability, emphasizing the significance of localized approaches to addressing the environmental and social complexities of the food industry. The second group consists of Holland and Germany, which are considered references in terms of impact, although their scientific productivity is more moderate. On the other hand, the third group of reference countries is led by India, a country that stands out above all for its scientific productivity, but not necessarily for the number of citations it receives. Figure 6 shows the results of an exhaustive analysis of thematic evolution, exploring the trend in the use of predominant keywords from 1989 to 2023. The initial year, 1989, identified the predominance of key concepts such as ‘soil erosion’, marking a milestone in early research in the field. In recent years, there has been a predominance of terms such as ‘circular economy’, ‘supply chain management’, ‘food safety’, ‘wastewater treatment’, and ‘food security’ in this discipline. These terms highlight the current trends of research and reflection while recognizing the changing nature of the field. Figure 6. Thematic development. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. In this literature review study, a matrix of 7 thematic clusters is used to illustrate the central structure of the co-occurrence of keywords indexed in each scientific article, which is essential in the field of sustainability in the food industry. The purple cluster, composed of terms such as ‘sustainability’, ‘waste management’, and ‘short food supply chain’, predominates, showing its high conceptual coherence. Following the red cluster is the blue cluster, which is defined by terms such as ‘food security’, ‘food production’, ‘climate change’, ‘biodiversity’, and ‘agriculture’, covering a wide range of interrelated topics. Additionally, clusters of green, yellow, orange, and turquoise coexist, adding layers of thematic affinity and providing a clear visual structure regarding the key conceptual relationships in the subject of this study. Finally, the investigation includes a unique approach by proposing a Cartesian system, as shown in Figure 8 . The system is based on the frequency of use in relation to the validity of each relevant keyword in the context of this research. The validity was determined by observing the average year of use in relation to the scientific literature. This generates four quadrants for the comprehensive analysis of the dynamics described above. The four quadrants are created by plotting the frequency of use on the X-axis and validity on the Y-axis. Quadrant 4 shows the concepts in decline, where keywords such as ‘agriculture’ and ‘food’ are observed to be less prominent in terms of their usage over time. On the other hand, Quadrant 2 displays terms with low frequency but high validity, categorized as emerging topics. These include ‘Covid-19’, ‘Circular Economy’, ‘Blockchain’, ‘Agri-Food Sector’, and ‘Climate Change’, which are considered current research trends. Meanwhile, quadrant 1 contains consolidated and growing concepts. In this case, the term ‘food security’ is present, demonstrating its deep-rooted relevance and persistent adoption in current academic discourse addressing sustainability in the food industry. 4. Discussion The following section presents the results obtained from the exhaustive observation of the data contained in the analyzed topic, sustainability in the food industry. The main findings regarding the annual scientific production, research references, thematic evolution, thematic clusters, keyword frequency, and validity analysis will be thoroughly analyzed, highlighting their relevance and contextual relationships. In the same way, the practical implications of these results are explored, such as how they influence decision making, industrial practices, limitations, research gaps found during the development of the study and data that could affect the interpretation of the results. However, a research agenda for sustainability in the food industry was proposed, providing various avenues for future studies and contributing to the ongoing progress of research in this vital field. 4.1 Analysis of the growth of scientific literature on sustainability in the food industry During the analyzed period, there was a noteworthy rise in scientific production related to sustainability in the food industry (refer to Figure 2 ). The year 2022 was the peak of development and interest in this topic. The text discusses the impact of CO2 emissions on population growth, food production, economic development, and energy consumption in Pakistan ( Rehman, 2022 ). Additionally, it explores sustainability-oriented innovation through the opportunities and resistance surrounding blockchain technology as a driver for more sustainable food supply chains globally ( Friedman & Ormiston, 2022 ). A multidisciplinary approach is essential in addressing sustainability in the food industry, covering economic, environmental, and technological aspects. 2021 has been a notable year for scientific production in this area. The article discusses the use of blockchain technology in sustainable agri-food supply chains ( Saurabh & Dey, 2021 ) and the design of sustainable perishable food supply networks. A case study on dairy products is used to address sustainable development goals ( Jouzdani & Govindan, 2021 ). Similarly, 2023 was an important year for production. Studies explored sustainable practices in agri-food supply chains in a developing economy ( Joshi et al., 2023 ) and the optimization of sustainable agri-food supply chains, considering marketing practices under uncertainty ( Gholian-Jouybari, 2023 ). This highlights the importance of approaching sustainability from a global and multifaceted perspective, taking into account both operational aspects and market conditions. In 2019, significant contributions were made to the field of knowledge. For instance, Malak-Rawlikowska et al. (2019) assessed the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of short-distance food supply chains. Additionally, Singh et al. (2019) explored the use of information and communication technologies for the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises in the Indian food industry. Thus, the analysis emphasizes the importance of considering the multiple dimensions of the problem and the role of technology in improving efficiency to bring about positive change. 4.2 Analysis of research references on the sustainability of the food industry In regard to significant research references (refer to Figure 3 ), Mangla and Luthra are prominent in this field, acknowledged for their academic productivity and scientific impact on the subject. Mangla has contributed to various studies, including one that explored the enabling factors for implementing sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains, and another that focused on the application of information and communication technologies for the sustainable growth of small and medium enterprises in the Indian food industry ( Mangla, 2018 ). Both studies were conducted in collaboration with author Luthra. Luthra has conducted research on technology applications for sustainable growth of SMEs in the Indian food industry ( Singh et al., 2019 ) and enablers to implement sustainable initiatives in agri-food supply chains ( Mangla, 2018 ), demonstrating a commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the field. Similarly, Land, Beske, and Seuring have made significant contributions to the literature on sustainability issues in the food industry. For instance, they conducted a critical analysis of sustainable supply chain management practices and dynamic capabilities in the food industry ( Beske et al., 2014 ). Van Der Vorst has contributed to the advancement of knowledge through research. For example, they explored simulation models to redesign the food supply chain, considered integrated decisions on product quality, sustainability, and logistics ( Vorst et al., 2009 ), and made other contributions that highlight their focus on decision-making in the food supply chain. Therefore, these authors have had the most influence, providing innovative and transcendent perspectives through their scientific research. The International Journal of Production Economics, Journal of Cleaner Production, and Sustainability were the most prolific scientific journals (see Figure 4 ). These journals have been fundamental in constructing knowledge about sustainability in the food industry. They have contributed to understanding the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the supply chain and other important issues in this field. The International Journal of Production Economics has shared research on sustainable management practices in supply chains in the food industry ( Beske et al., 2014 ) and the critical factors for managing subcontractors in sustainable food supply chains ( Grimm et al., 2014 ). The Journal of Cleaner Production has played a significant role in addressing sustainability in the food industry from a broad perspective. For instance, Saurabh and Dey ( Saurabh & Dey, 2021 ) explored the adoption of blockchain technology in sustainable agri-food supply chains. On the other hand, it presented an analysis of the progress towards a more sustainable agri-food industry ( Notarnicola, et al., 2012 ). This provides a platform for exchanging ideas and knowledge that drive innovation and sustainable development in the field. The Sustainability Journal is important because it promotes research on sustainability in the food industry. For example, it includes studies on the competitiveness of small farms and supply chains of innovative foods ( Berti & Mulligan, 2016 ) and the role of agriculture in food security in developing countries ( Pawlak & Kołodziejczak, 2020 ). These studies contribute to understanding the importance of sustainable solutions in food production and distribution globally. The International Journal of Production Research has played a significant role in promoting sustainability in the food industry. For instance, Vorst et al. (2009) conducted research on the simulation of models for redesigning the food supply chain. The study considered integrated decision-making on product quality, sustainability, and logistics. This research laid the foundation for holistic approaches to sustainable management of the food supply chain. These journals have contributed significantly to the consolidation of sustainability as a topic of study and a critical vision of the food industry. They provide a platform to publish and share innovative research that addresses challenges and solutions related to sustainability. The countries that have excelled in scientific production ( Figure 5 ) reflect their contributions in this area. The United Kingdom stands out the most due to research on food supply chains and sustainability in producers, particularly in the Scottish/English border region ( Ilbery & Maye, 2005 ), and on ecological entrepreneurship and quality food production in local communities ( Marsden & Smith, 2005 ). These studies have enriched our understanding of sustainable practices in food production and distribution in specific contexts. The United States has also made significant contributions to the topic. For instance, research conducted by Grimm et al. (2014) analyzed critical factors for managing subcontractors in sustainable food supply chains, while Notarnicola et al. (2012) evaluated progress towards a more sustainable agri-food industry. Italy is notable for its scientific production, including research on decision-making strategies for sustainable food supply chains ( Zanoni & Zavanella, 2012 ) and the evaluation of environmental sustainability in tomato product supply chains through life cycle analysis ( Del Borghi, et al. 2014 ). Regarding the Netherlands and Germany, their impact is reflected in studies such as the simulation of a model to redesign the food supply chain, which considers integrated decisions on product quality, sustainability, and logistics ( Vorst et al., 2009 ). Additionally, sustainable management practices in the food industry have been analyzed in Germany ( Beske et al., 2014 ). The contributions emphasize the role of these countries in promoting sustainable practices globally. They play an essential role in promoting new practices in the food supply chain and generating knowledge and solutions necessary to contribute to the continued advancement of responsible practices in this crucial area. 4.3 Analysis of food sustainability theme evolution Regarding thematic evolution, during the initial years of research, the conceptual approach concentrated on the issue of soil erosion, addressing the challenges related to food production and its correlation with soil degradation. However, the research has evolved (see Figure 6 ), broadening its scope to include key areas such as circular economy, supply chain management, food safety, and wastewater treatment. Through these emerging areas, the growing awareness of the need to comprehensively address the challenges posed by the issue of sustainability in the food industry and how the issue adapts to changing dynamics and current demands is evident, ensuring more sustainable and resilient food production for the future ( Brklacich, 1989 ). In recent years, various concepts have gained great relevance in the global panorama and have had a significant impact on the topic of sustainability. One such concept is food security, which emerged as a central research topic in 2019. For instance, Kinney et al. (2019) explored the potential of geothermal energy to promote sustainable food production in remote communities in northern Canada. This innovative approach seeks to address the challenges of access to nutritious food in remote regions, thus promoting food security through renewable energy solutions. In 2020, there was a significant focus on wastewater treatment, which is a crucial aspect of environmental management and public health. Several studies have been published on the topic, including a proposal for improving the pretreatment of wastewater from the food industry to eliminate dyes and yeasts, which enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of the process ( Boguniewicz-Zablocka, 2020 ). This highlights the importance of mitigating water pollution in the food sector and the need for efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. In 2021, the concept of food security regained its central position in the study of the topic addressed in this research. Recent studies have focused on the global sustainability of the agri-food supply chain, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), while also considering natural epidemic outbreaks ( Yadav et al., 2021 ). This holistic approach emphasizes the crucial need to ensure food availability during crisis situations, highlighting the role of technology as an essential element in achieving food security. In 2022, supply chain management was a prominent topic in the food industry due to its critical role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Siddh et al. (2021) analyzed quality practices in the fresh food supply chain and their impact on organizational sustainability, highlighting the potential of efficient and transparent supply chain management to reduce food waste and improve overall sustainability. In 2023, the central concept that emerged was the circular economy. Research focused on exploring the challenges of implementing the circular economy in the food supply chain, highlighting its potential to drive sustainable development ( M. Kumar, 2023a ). This approach emphasizes the importance of rethinking the food production and consumption system, incorporating principles of reuse and waste reduction to achieve greater sustainability. In summary, the concepts discussed above are fundamental in the search for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing food production and distribution. These concepts are interrelated and have been crucial in recent years. 4.4 Analysis of food sustainability thematic clusters In the context of a bibliometric analysis on sustainability in the food industry, the following thematic clusters were identified (see Figure 7 ). The clusters show a high affinity between keywords, with the most prominent being the one identified with the color purple. This cluster focuses on the creation of sustainable fresh food supply chains through waste reduction. The cluster includes keywords such as ‘sustainability,’ ‘waste management,’ and ‘short food supply chain.’ These topics have been analyzed, including research on how waste reduction can contribute to sustainability in food supply chains ( Kaipia et al., 2013 ). Efficient waste management can have a positive impact on the overall sustainability of the supply chain. Figure 7. Keyword co-occurrence network. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. The color blue was identified as the second most important cluster, encompassing critical issues such as food security, food production, climate change, biodiversity, and agriculture. This cluster demonstrates a broad concern for the interrelated sustainability challenges facing the food industry. A study exploring the use of geothermal energy to promote sustainable food production in remote communities in Canada demonstrates how sustainability can be addressed in multiple dimensions, both in food production and distribution, contributing to greater resilience and food security. 4.5 Analysis of the frequency and conceptual validity of food sustainability Regarding this bibliometric analysis of sustainability in the food industry, it is observed that the keywords ‘agriculture’ and ‘food’ have decreased in frequency of use in recent years (refer to Figure 8 ). Although these terms are traditionally pillars of the discussion on food sustainability, they seem to have lost prominence in contemporary research. The term ‘agriculture’ has been a central topic in discussions on food sustainability. However, recent studies show a significant decrease in its presence. It now appears mainly in research exploring direct links between sustainable agriculture, food production, and poverty reduction ( Omodero, 2021 ). This decrease in frequency may reflect a shift in research focus towards more specific or emerging aspects of sustainability in the food industry. Figure 8. Validity and frequency of keywords. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. There has been a decline in the use of the term ‘food’ in contemporary research, despite its historical importance in scientific literature regarding sustainability in food production and distribution. Despite sustainability in the production and distribution of food being a major topic in scientific literature, addressing issues related to food safety, food waste, and supply chain management, there is still a lack of attention given to it. For instance, a study by A. ( A. Kumar, 2020 ) examined the challenges in perishable food supply chains from an economic development perspective. The decrease in the usage frequency of this term indicates a change in terminology and a transition towards more precise concepts. Concerning Quadrant 2, this section compiles emerging concepts in the scientific field, emphasizing three crucial terms of present and future significance: Covid-19, circular economy, and blockchain. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a transformative impact on various fields, including sustainable supply chains. A study on the impact of Covid-19 on sustainable food supply chains highlights the need to adapt and strengthen these systems in the search for resilience and sustainability ( V. Kumar, 2023b ). The circular economy is a crucial paradigm for addressing environmental challenges. It promotes the efficient use of resources, as evidenced by studies such as the analysis of the reconfiguration of a food supply chain in the interest of environmental sustainability, for which resource use and recovery practices are explored ( Krishnan, 2020 ). This approach promotes waste minimization and resource optimization in a continuous cycle of production and consumption. Blockchain is a decentralized and disruptive technology that has the potential to greatly improve transparency and reliability in sustainable supply chains. Studies have shown that blockchain technology can improve traceability and authenticity in sustainable food supply chains by enabling transparent verification of each stage of the chain ( Joo & Han, 2021 ). In Quadrant 1, the research consolidates several concepts, with ‘food security’ standing out as a vital concept in the current and near-future scenario. It is a fundamental pillar for the stability and well-being of populations globally. Today, in a world marked by rapid population growth, urbanization, and resulting climate challenges, ensuring a constant and accessible food supply is critical. This term encompasses not only food availability but also access, utilization, and adequate consumption to guarantee a balanced nutritional diet. Various studies have been conducted to examine the role of agriculture in achieving food security in developing countries ( Pawlak & Kołodziejczak, 2020 ). Additionally, food security is facing new challenges, such as natural epidemics. Therefore, research has been conducted to consider food security from a global and sustainable perspective in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agri-food chains ( Yadav et al., 2021 ). This study utilizes an IoT model to address the issue of food security in an environment prone to epidemic outbreaks. The study highlights technology as an essential component to ensure long-term food security. Food security is a critical global issue, and efforts to address it range from sustainable agricultural production to the application of innovative technologies. The goal is to ensure that populations have access to sufficient and nutritious food in the present and near future. 4.6 Classification of keywords related to food sustainability based on their function Table 1 presents a comprehensive classification of emerging and growing keywords related to sustainability in the food industry. The keywords were analyzed based on their behavior, evolution, thematic clustering, frequency, and validity, and are organized according to their predominant function. This classification identifies the primary trends in the field, which are then analyzed based on their fundamental characteristics and their applications. Table 1. Classification of keywords according to their function. Own elaboration based on scopus and web of science. Keyword Associated tools Applications Characteristics Covid-19 Contact Tracing, Data Analytics Pandemic Response Real-time Monitoring Circular Economy Life Cycle Assessment, Eco-design Resource Optimization Closed-loop Systems Blockchain Decentralization, Smart Contracts Supply Chain Transparency Immutable Ledger Agri-Food Sector Precision Agriculture, Farm Management Sustainable Production Traceability Climate Change Carbon Footprint, Adaptation Strategies Mitigation and Resilience Climate Models Food Security Nutritional Assessment, Food Access Food Availability Vulnerability Assessment This categorization aims to identify and categorize emerging and growing keywords based on their function. It provides a comprehensive view of focus areas and future opportunities in the search for sustainable solutions to current and future challenges in the food sector. Additionally, this overview provides a strong foundation for analyzing emerging trends and priority areas in the sustainability of the food industry. These areas include Covid-19, circular economy, blockchain, agri-food sector, climate change, and food security, among others. 4.7 Other related studies and literature review Compared to the findings of our study, the results of the literature review highlight a landscape in which sustainability in the food industry is seen as an ever-evolving field, with an increasing focus on the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and precision agriculture ( Galanakis, 2020 ; Şimşek et al., 2024 ). However, our results reveal an even more recent trend, with a significant increase in scientific production between 2021 and 2023, reflecting a surge in interest in this topic. The key difference lies in the fact that while the technologies mentioned in the literature are recognised as key factors for improving sustainability, our research identifies a concentration of terms such as ‘circular economy’ and ‘food security’, which stand out as consolidated and growing concepts in current research. This finding supports the idea that as emerging technologies gain traction, traditional concepts such as food security remain central to academic discussions. Furthermore, when looking at authorship patterns and key contributions, figures such as Mangla and Luthra emerge as key references in terms of productivity and impact, which is consistent with the identification of countries such as the UK, the US and Italy as the most productive and influential in the field of food sustainability. However, our research goes further by identifying three groups of countries with different dynamics of productivity and impact. The case studies mentioned in the literature, such as those by Rueda et al. (2017) and Otles et al. (2015) , address critical aspects of sustainability in different regions, while our findings show a growing interest in global issues such as climate change and the circular economy. This suggests that while regional research remains relevant, there is an increasing global interconnectedness around food sustainability, with a particular focus on resilience and adaptation to global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to the present research, which focuses on the bibliometric evolution of sustainability in the food industry, ( Herrero, 2010 ) emphasize the importance of mixed cropping and livestock systems as significant contributors to global food production. They highlight the need for policies aimed at intensifying agricultural production through efficient input management to reduce waste and environmental impact. Rana, Tricase, and De Cesare, Rana et al. (2021) discuss the potential of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain and its contribution to sustainability. Although the author’s research highlights the relevance of key terms such as ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Blockchain’, Herrero et al. and Rana et al. offer specific approaches related to sustainable agricultural production and the application of technology in the supply chain, respectively. However, Nicholls et al. (2020) emphasize the role of small-scale food production in urban areas in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They examine how urban and peri-urban agriculture, with its small scale and diverse crops, can provide a sustainable alternative by addressing multiple SDGs, including biodiversity and local food production. This study focuses on the evolution of key terms and approaches in the literature on food sustainability. Compared to Garcia et al.(2020) research, which emphasizes the need for a ‘One Health’ approach to ensure food safety and sustainable production, this study offers a more focused view of emerging trends and themes in academic research on sustainability in the food industry. Nicholls et al. demonstrate the significance of sustainable local production. Garcia et al. propose a broader ‘One Health’ framework that addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in food production. It is important to consider both perspectives when evaluating sustainable food production. Finally, when comparing the present research to the studies of Režek Jambrak et al. (2021) and Desiderio et al. (2022) , additional perspectives on sustainability in the food industry are presented. Režek Jambrak et al. (2021) highlighted the convergence of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and non-thermal food processing, in the creation of ‘Internet of nonthermal food processing technologies’ (IoNTP). The study emphasizes the need to evaluate the feasibility of integrating smart sensors, artificial intelligence, and additive technologies with non-thermal approaches. This approach, focused on digitalization and sustainability, highlights the importance of life cycle assessment and points out potential benefits such as energy savings and optimized environmental performance. On the other hand, the work of Desiderio et al. (2022) examines the social dimension of sustainability in the food supply chain, evidencing the lack of consensus and tools to measure social aspects. The article discusses social sustainability tools and measures at different stages of the supply chain, emphasizing the importance of maintaining attention to social sustainability throughout the chain. The studies cited in this article provide additional perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in pursuing sustainability in the food industry, including both technological and social aspects. 4.8 Practical implications The use of bibliometrics in this study has revealed important shifts in the thematic focus of sustainability in the food sector, highlighting the transition from earlier concerns such as soil erosion to more contemporary issues such as circular economy, supply chain management, food security and wastewater treatment. This shift highlights a wider reorientation of research priorities, indicating an increased recognition of the complex challenges facing the food sector, including agricultural practices, environmental concerns and the need for more systematic and integrated solutions. The dominant themes emerging from the analysis, in particular sustainability, waste management and short supply chains, underline the growing convergence between environmental efficiency and local, sustainable approaches to food production and distribution. This conceptual shift calls for the promotion of local, sustainable production strategies that minimise environmental impacts and increase the resilience of food systems. The frequency and validity analysis of keywords revealed an interesting trend: terms such as agriculture and food are becoming less relevant, while emerging concepts such as circular economy, blockchain and climate change are gaining prominence. These evolving terms reflect the increasing focus on technological innovation and the broader environmental challenges that the food industry needs to address. In addition, food security remains a key issue, highlighting the critical need to ensure equitable access to safe and nutritious food amidst ongoing environmental and health transformations. Exploring these research trends is crucial for shaping future policies and industry practices. By understanding the emerging directions in sustainability research, policymakers and industry leaders can design strategies that address the pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges in the food system. This analysis lays a foundation for the development of effective policies and practices that foster sustainability while encouraging innovation. It also highlights the importance of connecting research findings with practical applications in order to drive the adoption of more sustainable approaches and technologies, ultimately advancing toward a more sustainable and equitable global food system. 4.9 Limitations The bibliometric analysis was conducted using the PRISMA-2020 methodology and the Scopus and Web of Science databases to gain a deeper understanding of research trends. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the methodology and data sources currently employed. The selection of databases may introduce biases due to the limited coverage of publications. Potentially relevant contributions from other platforms not included in this study may have been excluded. One limitation of the current methodology is that the search is limited to the title field in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. This may result in missing relevant articles that do not explicitly mention the keywords in the title, but include them in the abstract or keywords. In order to obtain more comprehensive and representative results, it would be useful to extend the search to include not only “title” but also “abstract” and “keywords” in Scopus and “subject” in Web of Science, which could improve the coverage and precision of the results obtained. Similarly, while tools like Microsoft Excel ® and VOSviewer ® can effectively restructure bibliometric indicators, this approach may overlook certain semantic nuances present in articles, potentially limiting a holistic understanding of thematic evolution as a keyword co-occurrence network. Despite these limitations, the current bibliometrics offer a valuable insight into the latest trends in sustainability research within the food industry. Therefore, the presented results serve as a useful starting point for future research seeking to expand or develop a more comprehensive contextual understanding. With regard to the limitations of the research, it should be noted that the query used was too restrictive, which could have led to relevant articles being missed. In particular, the use of the term ‘sustainab*’ in lines 230 and 231 was a search strategy designed to cover variants of terms such as sustainable, sustainability and other related terms. However, this approach may have also limited the inclusion of some important studies that did not contain these exact variants, thus limiting the breadth of thematic coverage of the review. 4.10 Research gaps Refer to underlying data Table 2 presents research and conceptual gaps in sustainability within the food industry that require further attention in future studies. The corresponding justifications and future questions to address these issues are also detailed. These gaps indicate areas where the current literature is deficient and require further exploration on a larger scale to enhance the comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sustainability and the food industry. Refer to underlying data Table 2 includes gaps in various categories, including those related to the circular economy in the food supply chain, waste management, loss minimization, the incorporation of new technologies such as blockchain, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. These categories aim to improve traceability, transparency, and the industry’s adaptation to unforeseen events. Similarly, this resource emphasizes important topics such as food security within the context of sustainability. It promotes the use of short and localized food systems. This guide is useful for researchers seeking to explore current knowledge gaps in the field. By addressing these gaps, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this critical area can be achieved. 4.11 Research agenda Sustainability in the food industry is a critical area of research due to global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change. These issues are interrelated and require comprehensive consideration of economic, environmental, and social aspects of food production and consumption. In this context, the Multidisciplinary Research Agenda is presented to contribute to the development of future research in sustainability in the food industry. The agenda consists of a series of keywords, each reflecting a critical area of study addressing current challenges and emerging opportunities. This agenda serves as a tool to identify knowledge gaps and guide researchers towards areas that require greater attention. Its aim is to inform and promote the transformation of the food industry towards a more sustainable production and equitable access to resources. Regarding food security, it is a crucial aspect of the sustainability of the food industry. It is widely acknowledged as necessary to guarantee equal access to nutritious and adequate food in a constantly evolving world. Therefore, future research should further analyze innovative strategies that address the challenges of food security in terms of sustainability. This analysis should take into account the impact of climate change, price instability, equitable distribution of resources, and the adaptive capacity of food systems in times of crisis. Agriculture plays a central role in this issue as the primary source of food. Future research could focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the use of agrochemicals, exploring cropping systems related to agroecology, and assessing the impact of precision agriculture technology. These research areas contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in this regard. Regarding supply chain management, optimizing traceability and transparency is essential for achieving comprehensive sustainability. Future research should focus on waste reduction, logistics efficiency, and cooperation among supply chain actors. Similarly, exploring circular supply chain approaches is necessary to gain insights on closing material cycles and minimizing environmental impacts from production to consumption. Environmental impact assessment is a crucial topic that can be approached from various angles. Future research could focus on quantifying environmental impacts through tools like life cycle assessment and the environmental footprint approach. Additionally, studying the adoption of cleaner production practices that use environmentally friendly technologies is relevant to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reduce environmental degradation. Finally, sustainable marketing is a topic that has gained great relevance and is growing. Therefore, future research should analyze marketing strategies that influence the adoption of responsible consumption habits and explore narratives that influence consumer purchases. It is important to communicate effectively, highlighting the environmental and social benefits for the advancement of sustainability in the industry. Regarding Figure 9 , it displays the research agenda for the sustainability of the food industry. The figure includes key terms that have been studied since 1995, such as environment, biodiversity, food systems, and aquaculture. Some of these terms have lost validity over time. The lack of current relevance is a potential issue that could be addressed in future research. This could involve analyzing the environmental and social factors that may contribute to the decline in participation in current studies. Figure 9. Research agenda. Prepared by the authors based on scopus and web of science. 5. Conclusion The detailed bibliometric analysis of sustainability in the food industry has provided deeper and more nuanced insights into the research questions posed. In terms of years of interest, a growing focus can be observed in recent years, particularly in 2021, 2022 and 2023, highlighting a notable increase in attention to sustainability in a short period of time. This increase reflects a growing awareness and concern about the environmental and social challenges facing the industry, which is supported by the exponential growth in the number of academic articles, highlighting the constant relevance and evolution of the topic. Key authors such as Mangla and Luthra and prestigious journals such as the Journal of Production Economics, Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability have set the standard in the field. Furthermore, the prominence of countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy in research highlights the global and transnational nature of sustainability challenges in the food industry. The thematic evolution, from an initial focus on soil erosion to current concepts such as circular economy and supply chain management, reflects the ability of scientific research to adapt and address emerging and relevant issues in response to the changing demands of society and industry. The thematic clusters focusing on sustainability, waste management and short supply chains demonstrate the coherence and interconnectedness of concepts in the area of sustainability in the food industry. These clusters show that researchers approach sustainability from different perspectives and recognise the importance of responsible and comprehensive management in the food value chain. Emerging keywords such as Covid-19, circular economy and blockchain reflect how food sustainability research is responding to current developments and integrating disruptive technologies to address current challenges and harness innovation in sustainable solutions. In addition, research gaps are highlighted in topics such as the psychosocial impact of sustainability, comprehensive assessment of sustainability in the food supply chain, the role of technology and innovation, and the need to integrate socio-cultural approaches in food sustainability research. Geographical gaps include the need to study food sustainability in developing countries in Africa, to compare sustainability strategies across regions, and to assess urban food systems globally. The importance of integrating socio-cultural approaches, linking food sustainability to human health, analysing the economic impact of sustainable practices and evaluating the long-term effectiveness of sustainability initiatives is also highlighted. Finally, in terms of the future research agenda, the need to deepen key concepts is emphasised, highlighting the importance of establishing a solid foundation for the development of future studies in an ever-expanding field. This conclusion suggests that the academic community needs to continue to explore and define fundamental concepts in order to advance the understanding and application of sustainability in the food industry. Data availability statement The data availability statement for this study has been duly registered and archived in the Zenodo open data repository, which is recognized for its commitment to the accessibility and preservation of scientific data. The data and materials supported by this study are publicly available under a Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal (CC BY 1.0) license and can be accessed at the following DOI link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17075157 ( Valencia-Arias et al., 2025 ). Underlying data Zenodo: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17075157 ( Valencia-Arias et al., 2025 ). The project contains the following data: • Database • Flowchart diagram • PRISMA checklist • Table 2 Acknowledgments Not applicable. References Abderahman R, Karim R, Kevin D: Halal food supply chains: A literature review of sustainable measures and future research directions. Foods and Raw Materials. 2021; 9 (1): 106–116. Publisher Full Text Beck-O’Brien M, Bringezu S: Biodiversity monitoring in long-distance food supply chains: Tools, gaps and needs to meet business requirements and sustainability goals. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (15): 8536. 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Publisher Full Text Comments on this article Comments (0) Version 3 VERSION 3 PUBLISHED 29 Sep 2025 ADD YOUR COMMENT Comment Author details Author details 1 Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14000, Peru 2 Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14013, Peru 3 Ciencias de la Salud, Institucion Universitaria Colegio Mayor de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, 51052, Colombia 4 Vicerrectoría de Investigación y postgrado, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Los Lagos Region, 5290000, Chile 5 Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Administrativas, Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano, Medellín, Antioquia, 50010, Colombia 6 Escuela de Posgrado USS, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, Lambayeque, 14001, Peru 7 Coordinación de Investigación, Institucion Universitaria Marco Fidel Suarez, Medellín, Antioquia, 55413, Colombia Alejandro Valencia-Arias Roles: Conceptualization, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Manuel Humberto Vásquez Coronado Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Diana Carolina Velasco Cardona Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Jackeline Valencia Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Martha Luz Benjumea-Arias Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Edgar Roland Tuesta Torres Roles: Conceptualization, Formal Analysis, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Sebastián Cardona-Acevedo Roles: Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing – Original Draft Preparation, Writing – Review & Editing Competing interests No competing interests were disclosed. Grant information The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work. Article Versions (3) version 3 Revised Published: 12 May 2026, 14:1004 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.3 version 2 Revised Published: 23 Jan 2026, 14:1004 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.2 version 1 Published: 29 Sep 2025, 14:1004 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.1 Copyright © 2025 Valencia-Arias A et al . This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Download Export To Sciwheel Bibtex EndNote ProCite Ref. Manager (RIS) Sente metrics Views Downloads F1000Research - - PubMed Central info_outline Data from PMC are received and updated monthly. - - Citations open_in_new 0 open_in_new 0 open_in_new SEE MORE DETAILS CITE how to cite this article Valencia-Arias A, Vásquez Coronado MH, Velasco Cardona DC et al. Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.165434.1 ) NOTE: If applicable, it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article. COPY CITATION DETAILS track receive updates on this article Track an article to receive email alerts on any updates to this article. TRACK THIS ARTICLE Share Open Peer Review Current Reviewer Status: ? Key to Reviewer Statuses VIEW HIDE Approved The paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit. Not approved Fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions Version 1 VERSION 1 PUBLISHED 29 Sep 2025 Views 0 Cite How to cite this report: Michel S. Reviewer Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r422412 ) The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1#referee-response-422412 NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation. Close Copy Citation Details Reviewer Report 10 Dec 2025 Sophie Michel , University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France Approved with Reservations VIEWS 0 https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r422412 Dear Authors, Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript “Sustainability in the food system: trends key themes and emerging topics”, which presents a bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping key topics and emerging themes in sustainable ... Continue reading READ ALL Dear Authors, Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript “Sustainability in the food system: trends key themes and emerging topics”, which presents a bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping key topics and emerging themes in sustainable food research. Your ambition to provide an overview of this broad and evolving field from a multidisciplinary perspective is relevant. It can support researchers, and perhaps policy makers, in developing new projects to address key challenges in achieving sustainable food systems and industries. That said, in its current form, the manuscript does not fully deliver on this promise. In my opinion, there are too many ambiguities regarding the central concepts and too many research gaps stated, which leads to multiple directions and weakens the analysis and contributions. First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. I hope these comments will be helpful and supportive as you move forward with the revision process. Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated? Partly Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others? Partly Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate? I cannot comment. A qualified statistician is required. Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review? Partly If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.) Not applicable References 1. Şimşek E, Kara M, Kalıpçı M, Eren R: Sustainability and the Food Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis. Sustainability . 2024; 16 (7). Publisher Full Text Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Reviewer Expertise: Sustainable food, Alternative food system, Organizations, Cooperation I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. Close READ LESS CITE CITE HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT Michel S. Reviewer Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r422412 ) The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1#referee-response-422412 NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article. COPY CITATION DETAILS Report a concern Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS , Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru 23 Jan 2026 Author Response We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the ... Continue reading We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Response : Clear operational definitions for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system were incorporated, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the temporal scope of the study, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes, allowing for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broad categories. ________________ Comment : The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the study's time frame, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes. This allows for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broader categories. ________________ Comment : Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. Response : Sections were shortened and synthesized for greater robustness. ________________ Comment : If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Response : The methodology was adjusted to make explicit the inductive origin of the themes and the use of a set of operational questions as a joint analytical guide—a common practice in bibliometric studies to structure the analysis without reducing it to a single question. ________________ Comment : Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Response : While most articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are in English, the analysis of country influence in this study is based exclusively on the authors' institutional affiliation metadata and not on the language of publication. This reduces the direct impact of linguistic bias on identifying countries with higher output. ________________ Comment : Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Response : The correction is made. ________________ Comment : Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? Response : The title was adjusted to more accurately reflect that the study focuses on sustainability in the food industry, defining its analytical scope and avoiding conceptual ambiguity. ________________ Comment : The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. Response : The wording was reviewed. ________________ We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Response : Clear operational definitions for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system were incorporated, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the temporal scope of the study, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes, allowing for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broad categories. ________________ Comment : The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the study's time frame, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes. This allows for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broader categories. ________________ Comment : Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. Response : Sections were shortened and synthesized for greater robustness. ________________ Comment : If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Response : The methodology was adjusted to make explicit the inductive origin of the themes and the use of a set of operational questions as a joint analytical guide—a common practice in bibliometric studies to structure the analysis without reducing it to a single question. ________________ Comment : Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Response : While most articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are in English, the analysis of country influence in this study is based exclusively on the authors' institutional affiliation metadata and not on the language of publication. This reduces the direct impact of linguistic bias on identifying countries with higher output. ________________ Comment : Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Response : The correction is made. ________________ Comment : Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? Response : The title was adjusted to more accurately reflect that the study focuses on sustainability in the food industry, defining its analytical scope and avoiding conceptual ambiguity. ________________ Comment : The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. Response : The wording was reviewed. ________________ Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close Report a concern Respond or Comment COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS , Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru 23 Jan 2026 Author Response We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the ... Continue reading We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Response : Clear operational definitions for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system were incorporated, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the temporal scope of the study, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes, allowing for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broad categories. ________________ Comment : The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the study's time frame, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes. This allows for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broader categories. ________________ Comment : Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. Response : Sections were shortened and synthesized for greater robustness. ________________ Comment : If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Response : The methodology was adjusted to make explicit the inductive origin of the themes and the use of a set of operational questions as a joint analytical guide—a common practice in bibliometric studies to structure the analysis without reducing it to a single question. ________________ Comment : Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Response : While most articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are in English, the analysis of country influence in this study is based exclusively on the authors' institutional affiliation metadata and not on the language of publication. This reduces the direct impact of linguistic bias on identifying countries with higher output. ________________ Comment : Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Response : The correction is made. ________________ Comment : Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? Response : The title was adjusted to more accurately reflect that the study focuses on sustainability in the food industry, defining its analytical scope and avoiding conceptual ambiguity. ________________ Comment : The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. Response : The wording was reviewed. ________________ We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Response : Clear operational definitions for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system were incorporated, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the temporal scope of the study, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes, allowing for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broad categories. ________________ Comment : The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the study's time frame, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes. This allows for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broader categories. ________________ Comment : Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. Response : Sections were shortened and synthesized for greater robustness. ________________ Comment : If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Response : The methodology was adjusted to make explicit the inductive origin of the themes and the use of a set of operational questions as a joint analytical guide—a common practice in bibliometric studies to structure the analysis without reducing it to a single question. ________________ Comment : Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Response : While most articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are in English, the analysis of country influence in this study is based exclusively on the authors' institutional affiliation metadata and not on the language of publication. This reduces the direct impact of linguistic bias on identifying countries with higher output. ________________ Comment : Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Response : The correction is made. ________________ Comment : Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? Response : The title was adjusted to more accurately reflect that the study focuses on sustainability in the food industry, defining its analytical scope and avoiding conceptual ambiguity. ________________ Comment : The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. Response : The wording was reviewed. ________________ Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close Report a concern COMMENT ON THIS REPORT Views 0 Cite How to cite this report: Rabbi MF. Reviewer Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r426515 ) The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1#referee-response-426515 NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation. Close Copy Citation Details Reviewer Report 10 Nov 2025 Mohammad Fazle Rabbi , University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Approved with Reservations VIEWS 0 https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r426515 This systematic review examines sustainability trends in the food system through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1989 to 2023. The study aims to identify research trends, key themes, emerging topics, and ... Continue reading READ ALL This systematic review examines sustainability trends in the food system through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1989 to 2023. The study aims to identify research trends, key themes, emerging topics, and thematic evolution in sustainability research within the food industry. The authors employ bibliometric methods including keyword co-occurrence analysis, country and author productivity evaluation, and thematic evolution analysis using tools such as VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. The manuscript addresses a relevant and timely topic, given the increasing global attention to environmental and social impacts of food production and distribution systems. The research identifies an exponential growth in scientific output with 99.65% statistical significance, particularly during 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The study reveals a thematic shift from early research on "soil erosion" to contemporary concepts such as "circular economy," "supply chain management," "food safety," and "wastewater treatment". Seven thematic clusters were identified, with sustainability, waste management, and short supply chain being the most prominent. While the manuscript presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview and adheres to PRISMA-2020 guidelines, several major methodological and interpretive issues limit its scientific rigor and contribution. The overly restrictive search strategy, limited database field coverage, superficial statistical analysis, and insufficient critical engagement with the literature represent significant weaknesses that must be addressed to meet indexing standards for high-impact journals. Major Issues:- 1. Overly Restrictive Search Strategy and Potential Selection Bias The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. 2. Insufficient Justification for Database Selection and Coverage Gaps While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. 3. Lack of Rigorous Statistical Analysis for Trend Assessment The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. 4. Superficial Treatment of Thematic Evolution The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? 5. Inconsistent and Unclear Classification Framework The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. 6. Limited Critical Analysis of Research Gaps Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. 7. Weak Integration of Findings with Existing Literature The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Minor Issues:- 1. Terminology and Conceptual Clarity The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. 2. Figure Quality and Presentation Figure 7 (keyword co-occurrence network) presents seven color-coded thematic clusters, but the network visualization is difficult to interpret due to overlapping labels and unclear visual hierarchy. Higher resolution figures with improved layout and selective labeling of key nodes would enhance readability. Additionally, the color-coding scheme should be explained more clearly in the figure legend. 3. Inconsistent Citation Format The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. 4. Grammatical and Stylistic Issues While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, "The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain" could be simplified without loss of meaning. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. 5. Redundancy in Literature Review The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. 6. Missing Details on Data Management and Quality Control While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. Given that all authors served as reviewers and worked toward "absolute convergence", more detail is needed on the consensus process and how disagreements were resolved. 7. Incomplete Treatment of Automation Tools The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential sources of automated classification errors. This lack of transparency limits reproducibility and assessment of methodological rigor. Methodological Evaluation The methodological approach combines elements of systematic review methodology (PRISMA-2020) with bibliometric analysis techniques. While this integration is appropriate for the research questions, several methodological concerns warrant attention: Search Strategy Limitations: As noted above, the title-only search strategy represents a significant methodological limitation that likely affects the comprehensiveness and representativeness of the corpus analyzed. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: The manuscript describes a three-stage exclusion process but provides limited detail on how "incomplete indexing" was defined and assessed, how relevance determinations were made, and what constitutes "non-relevant texts." Greater specificity and examples would enhance methodological transparency. Bibliometric Indicator Selection: The choice of bibliometric indicators (publication counts, citations, keyword co-occurrence) is standard but not thoroughly justified in relation to the research questions. The manuscript would benefit from explicit discussion of why these particular indicators were selected and how they address the seven research questions posed. Software Tool Appropriateness: The use of VOSviewer for network analysis and Microsoft Excel for data management is appropriate, but the manuscript provides insufficient detail on parameter settings (e.g., minimum cluster size, resolution parameter for modularity optimization) that significantly influence results. These methodological details are essential for reproducibility. Temporal Analysis: The thematic evolution analysis tracks keyword usage over time but does not employ sophisticated temporal bibliometric methods such as historiography or dynamic topic modeling that might reveal more nuanced patterns of conceptual development and paradigm shifts. Interpretation and Discussion Quality The Discussion section addresses the main findings systematically but exhibits several weaknesses: Descriptive Emphasis: Much of the discussion remains at a descriptive level, summarizing what was found rather than deeply interrogating why these patterns exist and what they reveal about the structure and dynamics of sustainability research in the food domain. Limited Critical Perspective: The manuscript does not critically examine potential problematic trends revealed by the analysis. For example, the declining relevance of "agriculture" as a keyword might indicate a concerning disconnection between food sustainability discourse and agricultural production systems. Such patterns deserve critical commentary. Practical Implications: The practical implications section makes broad statements about policy and industry applications but lacks specificity about how the findings should concretely inform decision-making. More detailed, actionable recommendations would strengthen this section. Research Agenda Development: The proposed research agenda (Figure 9) identifies numerous topics but provides limited prioritization or strategic direction. A more selective, theoretically informed agenda highlighting the most critical gaps and high-impact research opportunities would be more valuable to the research community. Contextualization: The findings are not adequately situated within broader discussions of sustainability science maturation, interdisciplinarity trends, or the relationship between academic research priorities and real-world sustainability challenges. This contextualization would enhance the manuscript's scholarly contribution. Organization and Presentation The manuscript follows a conventional systematic review structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) which is appropriate. However, several organizational issues affect clarity and coherence: Introduction Length and Focus: The Introduction is quite lengthy and includes extensive review of specific studies that might be better positioned in a separate Literature Review section or condensed to focus more sharply on research gaps and objectives. Research Questions Presentation: The seven research questions are clearly stated but could be better organized into thematic groups (e.g., temporal trends, intellectual structure, thematic content) to provide clearer conceptual organization. Results Organization: The Results section effectively addresses each research question sequentially, but the transitions between subsections could be smoother. Additionally, some results (particularly the country-level findings) include interpretive discussion that might be better reserved for the Discussion section. Figure-Text Integration: Several figures are referenced but not adequately integrated into the narrative. For example, Figure 1 (PRISMA flowchart) is presented but the specific numbers of excluded records at each stage are not discussed in detail in the text. Table 2 Placement: The decision to place Table 2 (research gaps) in the underlying data rather than the main manuscript is questionable given its centrality to the study's contribution. Key elements of this table should be integrated into the main text. Supplementary Materials: The underlying data availability is commendable, but the manuscript would benefit from additional supplementary materials including the complete list of articles analyzed, detailed search strings for both databases, and parameter settings for VOSviewer analyses. Recommendation Major Revision This manuscript addresses an important topic and employs appropriate bibliometric methods, but significant methodological and analytical weaknesses limit its current contribution. The overly restrictive search strategy, lack of statistical rigor in trend analysis, superficial treatment of thematic evolution, and limited critical engagement with findings represent major concerns that must be addressed before the manuscript can be considered for indexing in a high-impact journal. The authors should undertake substantial revisions including: (1) expanding the search strategy to include abstracts and keywords or providing robust validation of the title-only approach; (2) providing complete statistical methodology for the growth trend analysis; (3) deepening the analytical treatment of thematic evolution with attention to contextual drivers; (4) reconceptualizing the "validity" dimension in the keyword classification framework; (5) integrating the research gaps analysis into the main manuscript with more critical discussion; (6) strengthening theoretical framing and integration with existing literature; and (7) enhancing methodological transparency throughout. With these revisions, the manuscript has the potential to make a valuable contribution to understanding the intellectual structure and evolution of sustainability research in food systems. The comprehensive scope, adherence to systematic review protocols, and identification of emerging themes provide a solid foundation that, if strengthened through more rigorous analysis and critical interpretation, could inform future research directions and policy priorities in this critical domain. Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated? Partly Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others? No Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate? Partly Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review? Partly If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.) Not applicable Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Reviewer Expertise: Sustainability science, food systems research, environmental economics, agricultural sustainability, bibliometric analysis, and systematic review methodology. I am qualified to assess the methodological rigor of the systematic review approach, bibliometric analytical techniques, sustainability frameworks in food systems, and the interpretation of trends in agricultural and environmental research. I can evaluate all aspects of this article including search strategy design, data extraction procedures, statistical analysis of publication trends, thematic clustering methods, and the contextualization of findings within sustainability science and food systems literature. I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. Close READ LESS CITE CITE HOW TO CITE THIS REPORT Rabbi MF. Reviewer Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r426515 ) The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1#referee-response-426515 NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in all citations of this article. COPY CITATION DETAILS Report a concern Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS , Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru 23 Jan 2026 Author Response We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the ... Continue reading We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. Response : The exclusive use of the title field was methodologically justified as a strategy aimed at maximizing thematic precision and internal validity of the bibliometric analysis. ________________ Comment : While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. Response : The justification for selecting Scopus and Web of Science was reinforced by highlighting their scientific impact and the standardization of metadata, which are fundamental for bibliometric organization and interpretation. Furthermore, it was clarified that regional gaps, such as in Africa, reflect lower visibility in high-impact journals and not the absence of relevant research. ________________ Comment : The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. Response : The results clarified that exponential growth was estimated using a descriptive regression analysis, and that the reported value corresponds to the model's coefficient of determination. ________________ Comment : The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? Response : The interpretation of thematic evolution was expanded by linking the observed changes to scientific transformations and global sustainability contexts. ________________ Comment : The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. Response : The descriptive nature of the metric was clarified, and “validity” was renamed as an indicator of temporal validity or recency of use, thus avoiding conceptual interpretations. ________________ Comment : Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. Response : The main gaps identified in Table 2 were integrated into the main text, linking them to the results and discussion. ________________ Comment : The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Response : The results of the bibliometric analysis were integrated into theoretical frameworks of transitions toward sustainability and transformation of food systems, supported by recent literature. ________________ Comment : The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. Response : Clear operational definitions were incorporated for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. Response : The reference format was standardized. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, “The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain” could be simplified. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. Response : The writing was reviewed. ________________ Comment : The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. Response : The introduction and literature review were rewritten to eliminate redundancies. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. More detalle is needed. Response : A section on Quality Control Procedures and Reviewer Consistency was added. ________________ Comment : The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential errors. This limits reproducibility. Response : A paragraph was added to the Methods section that provides more in-depth information on using the tool. ________________ We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. Response : The exclusive use of the title field was methodologically justified as a strategy aimed at maximizing thematic precision and internal validity of the bibliometric analysis. ________________ Comment : While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. Response : The justification for selecting Scopus and Web of Science was reinforced by highlighting their scientific impact and the standardization of metadata, which are fundamental for bibliometric organization and interpretation. Furthermore, it was clarified that regional gaps, such as in Africa, reflect lower visibility in high-impact journals and not the absence of relevant research. ________________ Comment : The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. Response : The results clarified that exponential growth was estimated using a descriptive regression analysis, and that the reported value corresponds to the model's coefficient of determination. ________________ Comment : The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? Response : The interpretation of thematic evolution was expanded by linking the observed changes to scientific transformations and global sustainability contexts. ________________ Comment : The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. Response : The descriptive nature of the metric was clarified, and “validity” was renamed as an indicator of temporal validity or recency of use, thus avoiding conceptual interpretations. ________________ Comment : Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. Response : The main gaps identified in Table 2 were integrated into the main text, linking them to the results and discussion. ________________ Comment : The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Response : The results of the bibliometric analysis were integrated into theoretical frameworks of transitions toward sustainability and transformation of food systems, supported by recent literature. ________________ Comment : The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. Response : Clear operational definitions were incorporated for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. Response : The reference format was standardized. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, “The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain” could be simplified. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. Response : The writing was reviewed. ________________ Comment : The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. Response : The introduction and literature review were rewritten to eliminate redundancies. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. More detalle is needed. Response : A section on Quality Control Procedures and Reviewer Consistency was added. ________________ Comment : The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential errors. This limits reproducibility. Response : A paragraph was added to the Methods section that provides more in-depth information on using the tool. ________________ Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close Report a concern Respond or Comment COMMENTS ON THIS REPORT Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS , Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru 23 Jan 2026 Author Response We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the ... Continue reading We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. Response : The exclusive use of the title field was methodologically justified as a strategy aimed at maximizing thematic precision and internal validity of the bibliometric analysis. ________________ Comment : While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. Response : The justification for selecting Scopus and Web of Science was reinforced by highlighting their scientific impact and the standardization of metadata, which are fundamental for bibliometric organization and interpretation. Furthermore, it was clarified that regional gaps, such as in Africa, reflect lower visibility in high-impact journals and not the absence of relevant research. ________________ Comment : The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. Response : The results clarified that exponential growth was estimated using a descriptive regression analysis, and that the reported value corresponds to the model's coefficient of determination. ________________ Comment : The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? Response : The interpretation of thematic evolution was expanded by linking the observed changes to scientific transformations and global sustainability contexts. ________________ Comment : The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. Response : The descriptive nature of the metric was clarified, and “validity” was renamed as an indicator of temporal validity or recency of use, thus avoiding conceptual interpretations. ________________ Comment : Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. Response : The main gaps identified in Table 2 were integrated into the main text, linking them to the results and discussion. ________________ Comment : The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Response : The results of the bibliometric analysis were integrated into theoretical frameworks of transitions toward sustainability and transformation of food systems, supported by recent literature. ________________ Comment : The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. Response : Clear operational definitions were incorporated for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. Response : The reference format was standardized. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, “The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain” could be simplified. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. Response : The writing was reviewed. ________________ Comment : The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. Response : The introduction and literature review were rewritten to eliminate redundancies. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. More detalle is needed. Response : A section on Quality Control Procedures and Reviewer Consistency was added. ________________ Comment : The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential errors. This limits reproducibility. Response : A paragraph was added to the Methods section that provides more in-depth information on using the tool. ________________ We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. Response : The exclusive use of the title field was methodologically justified as a strategy aimed at maximizing thematic precision and internal validity of the bibliometric analysis. ________________ Comment : While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. Response : The justification for selecting Scopus and Web of Science was reinforced by highlighting their scientific impact and the standardization of metadata, which are fundamental for bibliometric organization and interpretation. Furthermore, it was clarified that regional gaps, such as in Africa, reflect lower visibility in high-impact journals and not the absence of relevant research. ________________ Comment : The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. Response : The results clarified that exponential growth was estimated using a descriptive regression analysis, and that the reported value corresponds to the model's coefficient of determination. ________________ Comment : The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? Response : The interpretation of thematic evolution was expanded by linking the observed changes to scientific transformations and global sustainability contexts. ________________ Comment : The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. Response : The descriptive nature of the metric was clarified, and “validity” was renamed as an indicator of temporal validity or recency of use, thus avoiding conceptual interpretations. ________________ Comment : Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. Response : The main gaps identified in Table 2 were integrated into the main text, linking them to the results and discussion. ________________ Comment : The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Response : The results of the bibliometric analysis were integrated into theoretical frameworks of transitions toward sustainability and transformation of food systems, supported by recent literature. ________________ Comment : The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. Response : Clear operational definitions were incorporated for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. Response : The reference format was standardized. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, “The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain” could be simplified. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. Response : The writing was reviewed. ________________ Comment : The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. Response : The introduction and literature review were rewritten to eliminate redundancies. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. More detalle is needed. Response : A section on Quality Control Procedures and Reviewer Consistency was added. ________________ Comment : The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential errors. This limits reproducibility. Response : A paragraph was added to the Methods section that provides more in-depth information on using the tool. ________________ Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed. Close Report a concern COMMENT ON THIS REPORT Comments on this article Comments (0) Version 3 VERSION 3 PUBLISHED 29 Sep 2025 ADD YOUR COMMENT Comment keyboard_arrow_left keyboard_arrow_right Open Peer Review Reviewer Status info_outline Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article: Approved The paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit. Not approved Fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions Reviewer Reports Invited Reviewers 1 2 3 Version 3 (revision) 12 May 26 Version 2 (revision) 23 Jan 26 read Version 1 29 Sep 25 read read Mohammad Fazle Rabbi , University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary Sophie Michel , University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France Konanani Thwala , University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, South Africa Comments on this article All Comments (0) Add a comment Sign up for content alerts Sign Up You are now signed up to receive this alert Browse by related subjects keyboard_arrow_left Back to all reports Reviewer Report 0 Views copyright © 2026 Thwala K. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 15 Apr 2026 | for Version 2 Konanani Thwala , University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, South Africa 0 Views copyright © 2026 Thwala K. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. format_quote Cite this report speaker_notes Responses (1) Approved With Reservations info_outline Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article: Approved The paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit. Not approved Fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions Peer Review Report Article Title: Sustainability in the Food Industry: Trends, Thematic Axes, and Emerging Topics from a Bibliometric Analysis (v2) Final Verdict Approved with Reservations The article has clear academic merit and a solid foundation, but requires methodological clarification, improved transparency, and alignment with open science standards before being considered fully robust and reproducible. Reviewer Summary This article presents a bibliometric analysis of sustainability research in the food industry using data from Scopus and Web of Science, applying co-occurrence analysis, thematic mapping, and trend evaluation. The study aims to identify publication trends, thematic evolution, and emerging research directions, with a particular emphasis on technology and sustainability integration. The manuscript demonstrates clear improvements from Version 1, particularly in conceptual clarity, methodological transparency, and thematic consolidation. However, several methodological and reporting limitations remain, affecting reproducibility, analytical robustness, and interpretative depth. 1. Major Comments (Scientific Validity & Methodological Rigour) 1.1 Search Strategy Limitations The restriction of the search to the title field only introduces a systematic selection bias: It excludes relevant studies where sustainability is central but not explicitly in the title. This may significantly underestimate the knowledge base and distort thematic mapping. Recommendation: Justify this decision more rigorously with methodological references. Consider including title–abstract–keywords (TAK) search or provide a sensitivity analysis comparing approaches. 1.2 Ambiguity in Search Equation Construction The Boolean logic in the search equations appears structurally ambiguous, particularly regarding: The placement of AND/OR operators Potential unintended retrieval of irrelevant records Recommendation: Provide fully structured and reproducible search strings Include: Parentheses clarification Exact query syntax used in each database 1.3 PRISMA Application Concerns Although the study claims adherence to PRISMA 2020, this is conceptually inconsistent: PRISMA is designed for systematic reviews, not purely bibliometric studies. Some PRISMA elements (e.g., risk of bias) are inadequately adapted. Recommendation: Clarify whether this is: A systematic review with bibliometric analysis, or A pure bibliometric study If bibliometric, consider referencing bibliometric-specific frameworks instead. 1.4 Reproducibility of Data Processing The use of Microsoft Excel® automated tools is insufficiently detailed: No clear explanation of: Algorithms Coding rules Data cleaning procedures Recommendation: Provide: A workflow diagram Sample formulas or logic rules Ideally, open data or scripts This is critical given F1000Research’s Open Data policy. 1.5 Statistical Interpretation Issues The claim of “99.65% statistical significance” for publication growth is problematic: Bibliometric trend analysis is typically descriptive, not inferential. The statistical method used is not explained. Recommendation: Clarify: Statistical model used (e.g., regression, R²) Meaning of “significance” in this context Avoid inferential language unless properly justified. 1.6 Thematic Analysis Transparency The study states that themes were inductively derived, but: No clear explanation of: Clustering thresholds Keyword normalization Parameter settings in VOSviewer Recommendation: Provide: VOSviewer parameters (e.g., minimum occurrences) Preprocessing steps (stemming, synonym merging) 2. Minor Comments (Clarity, Structure, and Presentation) 2.1 Conceptual Framing The introduction is strong and well-articulated, particularly: Distinction between food system , food industry , and food production However: Some sections remain overly dense and repetitive Suggestion: Streamline for conciseness. 2.2 Language and Readability Overall readability is acceptable, but: Minor grammatical inconsistencies persist Some sentences are excessively long and complex 2.3 Literature Review Strengths: Comprehensive and up-to-date Good integration of technology and sustainability discourse Limitation: Still somewhat descriptive rather than critical Suggestion: Include more critical synthesis and debate positioning. 2.4 Figures and Visualizations Figures (e.g., PRISMA flow diagram) are appropriate However, bibliometric maps require: Better explanation in captions Clear interpretation in the text 2.5 Keywords Keywords are relevant but could be expanded: Consider adding: “bibliometric analysis” “food systems” “sustainable supply chains” 3. Data Availability & Open Science Compliance The manuscript does not clearly provide: Access to raw bibliometric dataset Search outputs Analysis files This is a critical issue under F1000Research policy. Recommendation: Deposit data in an open repository (e.g., Zenodo, Figshare) Provide: Raw dataset Cleaned dataset Analysis files (if possible) 4. Ethical Considerations No ethical concerns identified Appropriate for secondary data research 5. Strengths of the Study Clear research focus and justification Strong conceptual clarification of key terms Integration of technology within sustainability discourse Comprehensive bibliometric scope Improved structure compared to the previous version 6. Key Limitations Search strategy introduces selection bias Limited methodological transparency Weak statistical justification Incomplete open data compliance Insufficient detail on bibliometric procedures 7. Recommendations for Authors (Actionable) To reach full approval, the authors should: Revise and justify search strategy Clarify Boolean search strings Provide full methodological transparency Correct statistical interpretation Detail bibliometric parameters and tools Ensure open data availability Strengthen critical discussion Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated? Yes Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others? Yes Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate? Partly Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review? Yes If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.) Yes Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. Reviewer Expertise Sustainability, Digital Marketing, Accommodation management I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. reply Respond to this report Responses (1) Author Response 12 May 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS, Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru We thank the reviewer for their invaluable contribution to the quality and rigor of the article. Below, we respond point by point to their observations: Comment : The restriction of the search to the title field only introduces a systematic selection bias: It excludes relevant studies where sustainability is central but not explicitly in the title. This may significantly underestimate the knowledge base and distort thematic mapping. Response : The selection bias resulting from the exclusive use of the title field was recognized, its impact on the underestimation of knowledge and thematic mapping was explained, and it was corrected by expanding the strategy to include title, abstract, and keywords in both databases. ____________ Comment : Justify this decision more rigorously with methodological references. Consider including title–abstract–keywords (TAK) search or provide a sensitivity analysis comparing approaches. Response : The methodological justification of the search strategy was strengthened and a sensitivity analysis was incorporated comparing the search restricted to the title versus the expanded strategy, showing greater coverage without affecting the thematic structure. ____________ Comment : The Boolean logic in the search equations appears structurally ambiguous, particularly regarding: The placement of AND/OR operators Potential unintended retrieval of irrelevant records Response : Boolean logic was optimized through better operator structuring and use of parentheses, improving accuracy and reducing the retrieval of irrelevant records. ____________ Comment : Provide fully structured and reproducible search strings Include: Parentheses clarification Exact query syntax used in each database Response : Complete search strings with exact syntax were documented for Scopus and Web of Science, including the explicit structuring of parentheses and Boolean operators, in order to ensure transparency and replicability. ____________ Comment : Although the study claims adherence to PRISMA 2020, this is conceptually inconsistent: PRISMA is designed for systematic reviews, not purely bibliometric studies. Some PRISMA elements (e.g., risk of bias) are inadequately adapted. Response : It was clarified that the study is bibliometric and not a systematic review, adjusting the use of PRISMA as a reporting guide and not as a methodological framework, and eliminating its inappropriate application in elements such as risk of bias. ____________ Comment : Clarify whether this is: A systematic review with bibliometric analysis, or A pure bibliometric study If bibliometric, consider referencing bibliometric-specific frameworks instead. Response : The study was explicitly defined as bibliometric and the methodological approach was aligned with practices typical of this type of analysis. ____________ Comment : The use of Microsoft Excel® automated tools is insufficiently detailed: No clear explanation of: Algorithms Coding rules Data cleaning procedures Response : The methodological description was expanded, incorporating a more detailed explanation of the use of Microsoft Excel®, including data cleaning procedures, duplicate removal, variable standardization, coding rules, and automated functions used for analysis. ____________ Comment : Provide: A workflow diagram Sample formulas or logic rules Ideally, open data or scripts This is critical given F1000Research’s Open Data policy. Response : Currently, Figure 1 is the Flowchart recommended by the PRISMA-2020 international statement for literature reviews, with the specific inclusion and exclusion data for each step. ____________ Comment : The claim of “99.65% statistical significance” for publication growth is problematic: Bibliometric trend analysis is typically descriptive, not inferential. The statistical method used is not explained. Response : The statistical model used (trend regression) and the coefficient of determination (R²) to explain the growth in publications were specified. It was also clarified that the reported value corresponds to the model fit and not to inferential statistical significance. ____________ Comment : Clarify: Statistical model used (e.g., regression, R²) Meaning of “significance” in this context Avoid inferential language unless properly justified. Response : The statistical model used (trend regression) and the coefficient of determination (R²) to explain the growth in publications were specified. It was also clarified that the reported value corresponds to the model fit and not to inferential statistical significance. ____________ Comment : The study states that themes were inductively derived, but: No clear explanation of: Clustering thresholds Keyword normalization Parameter settings in VOSviewer Response : The description of the thematic analysis procedure was incorporated into VOSviewer, specifying keyword normalization, the minimum occurrence threshold, and the clustering algorithm based on association strength. ____________ Comment : Provide: VOSviewer parameters (e.g., minimum occurrences) Preprocessing steps (stemming, synonym merging) Response : The description of the thematic analysis procedure was incorporated into VOSviewer, specifying keyword normalization, the minimum occurrence threshold, and the clustering algorithm based on association strength. ____________ Comment : Some sections remain overly dense and repetitive Suggestion: Streamline for conciseness. Response : The manuscript writing was simplified, eliminating redundancies and reducing density in the methodological, discussion, and conclusion sections. ____________ Comment : Minor grammatical inconsistencies persist Some sentences are excessively long and complex Response : A complete review of grammar and style was carried out, shortening long sentences and improving the clarity and readability of the text. ____________ Comment : Still somewhat descriptive rather than critical Suggestion: Include more critical synthesis and debate positioning. Response : An additional paragraph was incorporated into the discussion with a comparative critical analysis between the reviewed studies and the bibliometric results obtained, highlighting convergences, differences, and gaps in the literature ____________ Comment : However, bibliometric maps require: Better explanation in captions Clear interpretation in the text Response : The captions for the bibliometric maps were improved by incorporating explanations of the meaning of nodes, links, clusters, axes, and quadrants. Furthermore, the in-text interpretation was expanded to more clearly explain the analytical implications of thematic evolution, the co-occurrence network, and keyword dynamics. ____________ Comment : Keywords are relevant but could be expanded: Consider adding: “bibliometric analysis” “food systems” “sustainable supply chains” Response : The keywords were expanded by incorporating strategic terms related to the methodological approach and field of study, improving the article's visibility and indexing. ____________ Comment : The manuscript does not clearly provide: Access to raw bibliometric dataset Search outputs Analysis files This is a critical issue under F1000Research policy. Response : All raw bibliometric data, search outputs, and analysis files have been made fully accessible in accordance with F1000Research open science policies. This information is available at the end of the manuscript through a dedicated Data Availability Statement, which includes a direct link to an open repository hosted on Zenodo. The repository contains the complete bibliometric database, search outputs, PRISMA flowchart, checklist, and supporting analytical materials, ensuring full transparency, reproducibility, and compliance with data accessibility requirements. ____________ Comment : Deposit data in an open repository (e.g., Zenodo, Figshare) Provide: Raw dataset Cleaned dataset Analysis files (if possible) Response : In response to this comment, all relevant data have been deposited in an open-access repository to ensure transparency and reproducibility. The information is available at the end of the manuscript via a Data Availability Statement, which provides a direct link to Zenodo. The repository includes the raw dataset, cleaned dataset, and analysis-related files (including database, PRISMA materials, and supporting documents), guaranteeing full access to the materials necessary to replicate and validate the study. Zenodo: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17075157 ( Valencia-Arias et al., 2025). ____________ Comment : Search strategy introduces selection bias Limited methodological transparency Weak statistical justification Incomplete open data compliance Insufficient detail on bibliometric procedures Response : The section on methodological limitations was expanded to explicitly include potential selection biases in the search strategy, limitations in database coverage, and restrictions on the bibliometric analysis. Furthermore, the descriptive nature of the statistical analysis was clarified, and the importance of transparency and data access to improve the study's reproducibility was emphasized. ____________ View more View less Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. reply Respond Report a concern Thwala K. Peer Review Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.194151.r465797) NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation. The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v2#referee-response-465797 keyboard_arrow_left Back to all reports Reviewer Report 0 Views copyright © 2025 Michel S. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 10 Dec 2025 | for Version 1 Sophie Michel , University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France 0 Views copyright © 2025 Michel S. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. format_quote Cite this report speaker_notes Responses (1) Approved With Reservations info_outline Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article: Approved The paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit. Not approved Fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions Dear Authors, Thank you for the opportunity to review your manuscript “Sustainability in the food system: trends key themes and emerging topics”, which presents a bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping key topics and emerging themes in sustainable food research. Your ambition to provide an overview of this broad and evolving field from a multidisciplinary perspective is relevant. It can support researchers, and perhaps policy makers, in developing new projects to address key challenges in achieving sustainable food systems and industries. That said, in its current form, the manuscript does not fully deliver on this promise. In my opinion, there are too many ambiguities regarding the central concepts and too many research gaps stated, which leads to multiple directions and weakens the analysis and contributions. First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. I hope these comments will be helpful and supportive as you move forward with the revision process. Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated? Partly Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others? Partly Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate? I cannot comment. A qualified statistician is required. Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review? Partly If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.) Not applicable References 1. Şimşek E, Kara M, Kalıpçı M, Eren R: Sustainability and the Food Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis. Sustainability . 2024; 16 (7). Publisher Full Text Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. Reviewer Expertise Sustainable food, Alternative food system, Organizations, Cooperation I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. reply Respond to this report Responses (1) Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS, Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : First, I would urge to rewrite the Introduction and most importantly, to refine and clarify the research gap and scope. For instance, key concepts such as food system, food production, food industry, and food security appear alongside one another without clear distinctions. In addition, the manuscript attempts to address multiple research gaps ranging from technology, resilience, and sustainable supply chain management. As a result, the reader may struggle to understand the precise purpose of the study. Could you clarify whether the paper aims to offer a broad overview or a focused analysis (e.g., of sustainability in the food industry in relation to specific themes like technology or circular economy). In my opinion, your research has strong potential if it concentrates on the key topic of sustainable food and technology, which seems to be your first motivation (if I understood correctly). Why not focusing on this angle? This would allow a deeper analysis and more distinctive contributions. Response : Clear operational definitions for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system were incorporated, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : Second, the literature review (1.1) could also be revised, in order to define the key concepts with greater precision. This would require you to clarify your actual focus. If you aim to focus on ‘sustainable food’, what is your conceptual and key components? A better definition of key concepts would also help justify your methodological choices regarding keywords. Moreover, the literature review should more explicitly engage with existing bibliometric analysis on sustainable food (ex. Şimşek et al. 2024) and explain why an additional one is needed. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the temporal scope of the study, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Third, while I am not an expert in bibliometric analysis, I noted several elements that could be clarified, starting with the key words selected. The rational for including certain terms “food industry” is not explained. For instance, “food production” is included but not “food wholesalers/intermediaries” “producers” “food distribution”, etc. Likewise, under the topic of sustainability and sustainable food, important dimensions such as “local food” “alternative food” “food democracy” are not included. I am not saying you must include all these terms, but you should explain their exclusion (based on a clearer conceptual framework). The current scope seems restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced in the first place. Moreover, more details on the selection criteria such as publication period, journal sources, and disciplinary boundaries can be expected. Finally, in the limitation section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include key words and abstracts? Web of Science, “topic” criteria would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes, allowing for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broad categories. ________________ Comment : The current scope appears restrictive in comparison to the broad research aim announced at the outset. More detail is also needed on selection criteria such as publication period, source journals, and disciplinary scope. Finally, in the limitations section, you mention that you searched titles only. Why not also include abstracts and keywords? Web of Science’s “Topic” field would allow for a broader search across these elements. Response : The manuscript was expanded to clarify the inclusion and exclusion criteria for terms, the study's time frame, and the search strategy employed. ________________ Comment : Fourth, given the broad scope of the research, the analysis lacks granularity. For example, themes such as “food” or “food supply chain” are identified, but the evolving debates or sub-questions within these themes are not unpacked. While it would be interesting to better comprehend what is missing or underexplored. Response : While thematic groups are described in the co-occurrence networks, the discussion has been strengthened by explicitly highlighting internal gaps and underexplored links within the main themes. This allows for the identification of subtopics and research gaps within broader categories. ________________ Comment : Then, while the results do highlight interesting trends, the discussion is too descriptive and spread across too many sub-sections. There is also considerable repetition between sections (e.g., circular economy, food security, supply chains), which dilutes the impact of the findings. I recommend to reduce the number of sub-sections in both the results and discussion, and develop a deeper analysis of a smaller set of key themes. For instance, I found the part on multidisciplinary approach (4.1, p. 16) interesting, but it is not developed enough to be insightful. You have started a cross analysis on emerging key topics that could become the core of your results. You might use Table 1 as a starting point and examine these topics in more details (ex. journals, authors, (multi)disciplinary aspect, but also sub-dimensions within each theme). This would help to refine the analysis and enrich the discussion, which could then be structured around key themes (and avoiding repetitions). I see more potential in this direction to achieve the initial purpose of “provid(ing) areas that require further development, promote effective practical result”. Response : Sections were shortened and synthesized for greater robustness. ________________ Comment : If you choose to focus on these themes, you might explain how this emerged – whether inductively or abductively- in the methodology section and in relation to your research question. The research question itself could be also simplified and narrowed down to better align with the focus of the study. Response : The methodology was adjusted to make explicit the inductive origin of the themes and the use of a set of operational questions as a joint analytical guide—a common practice in bibliometric studies to structure the analysis without reducing it to a single question. ________________ Comment : Minor comments: I would be cautious in the interpretation of findings regarding key countries, especially the UK and US. Since English is the primary language of most Web of Science/Scopus journals, there might be a natural overrepresentation of English-speaking countries. Response : While most articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science are in English, the analysis of country influence in this study is based exclusively on the authors' institutional affiliation metadata and not on the language of publication. This reduces the direct impact of linguistic bias on identifying countries with higher output. ________________ Comment : Mistake p. 5 “scope of Frontiers in Sustainability” Response : The correction is made. ________________ Comment : Ensure the title reflects the scope of the research: is it about sustainability in the “food system” or “food industry”? Response : The title was adjusted to more accurately reflect that the study focuses on sustainability in the food industry, defining its analytical scope and avoiding conceptual ambiguity. ________________ Comment : The manuscript (especially the introduction) would benefit from language editing to improve clarity, sentence structure, and logical transitions between arguments. Response : The wording was reviewed. ________________ View more View less Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. reply Respond Report a concern Michel S. Peer Review Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r422412) NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation. The direct URL for this report is: https://f1000research.com/articles/14-1004/v1#referee-response-422412 keyboard_arrow_left Back to all reports Reviewer Report 0 Views copyright © 2025 Rabbi M. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 10 Nov 2025 | for Version 1 Mohammad Fazle Rabbi , University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary 0 Views copyright © 2025 Rabbi M. This is an open access peer review report distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. format_quote Cite this report speaker_notes Responses (1) Approved With Reservations info_outline Alongside their report, reviewers assign a status to the article: Approved The paper is scientifically sound in its current form and only minor, if any, improvements are suggested Approved with reservations A number of small changes, sometimes more significant revisions are required to address specific details and improve the papers academic merit. Not approved Fundamental flaws in the paper seriously undermine the findings and conclusions This systematic review examines sustainability trends in the food system through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1989 to 2023. The study aims to identify research trends, key themes, emerging topics, and thematic evolution in sustainability research within the food industry. The authors employ bibliometric methods including keyword co-occurrence analysis, country and author productivity evaluation, and thematic evolution analysis using tools such as VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel. The manuscript addresses a relevant and timely topic, given the increasing global attention to environmental and social impacts of food production and distribution systems. The research identifies an exponential growth in scientific output with 99.65% statistical significance, particularly during 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The study reveals a thematic shift from early research on "soil erosion" to contemporary concepts such as "circular economy," "supply chain management," "food safety," and "wastewater treatment". Seven thematic clusters were identified, with sustainability, waste management, and short supply chain being the most prominent. While the manuscript presents a comprehensive bibliometric overview and adheres to PRISMA-2020 guidelines, several major methodological and interpretive issues limit its scientific rigor and contribution. The overly restrictive search strategy, limited database field coverage, superficial statistical analysis, and insufficient critical engagement with the literature represent significant weaknesses that must be addressed to meet indexing standards for high-impact journals. Major Issues:- 1. Overly Restrictive Search Strategy and Potential Selection Bias The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. 2. Insufficient Justification for Database Selection and Coverage Gaps While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. 3. Lack of Rigorous Statistical Analysis for Trend Assessment The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. 4. Superficial Treatment of Thematic Evolution The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? 5. Inconsistent and Unclear Classification Framework The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. 6. Limited Critical Analysis of Research Gaps Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. 7. Weak Integration of Findings with Existing Literature The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Minor Issues:- 1. Terminology and Conceptual Clarity The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. 2. Figure Quality and Presentation Figure 7 (keyword co-occurrence network) presents seven color-coded thematic clusters, but the network visualization is difficult to interpret due to overlapping labels and unclear visual hierarchy. Higher resolution figures with improved layout and selective labeling of key nodes would enhance readability. Additionally, the color-coding scheme should be explained more clearly in the figure legend. 3. Inconsistent Citation Format The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. 4. Grammatical and Stylistic Issues While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, "The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain" could be simplified without loss of meaning. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. 5. Redundancy in Literature Review The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. 6. Missing Details on Data Management and Quality Control While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. Given that all authors served as reviewers and worked toward "absolute convergence", more detail is needed on the consensus process and how disagreements were resolved. 7. Incomplete Treatment of Automation Tools The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential sources of automated classification errors. This lack of transparency limits reproducibility and assessment of methodological rigor. Methodological Evaluation The methodological approach combines elements of systematic review methodology (PRISMA-2020) with bibliometric analysis techniques. While this integration is appropriate for the research questions, several methodological concerns warrant attention: Search Strategy Limitations: As noted above, the title-only search strategy represents a significant methodological limitation that likely affects the comprehensiveness and representativeness of the corpus analyzed. Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: The manuscript describes a three-stage exclusion process but provides limited detail on how "incomplete indexing" was defined and assessed, how relevance determinations were made, and what constitutes "non-relevant texts." Greater specificity and examples would enhance methodological transparency. Bibliometric Indicator Selection: The choice of bibliometric indicators (publication counts, citations, keyword co-occurrence) is standard but not thoroughly justified in relation to the research questions. The manuscript would benefit from explicit discussion of why these particular indicators were selected and how they address the seven research questions posed. Software Tool Appropriateness: The use of VOSviewer for network analysis and Microsoft Excel for data management is appropriate, but the manuscript provides insufficient detail on parameter settings (e.g., minimum cluster size, resolution parameter for modularity optimization) that significantly influence results. These methodological details are essential for reproducibility. Temporal Analysis: The thematic evolution analysis tracks keyword usage over time but does not employ sophisticated temporal bibliometric methods such as historiography or dynamic topic modeling that might reveal more nuanced patterns of conceptual development and paradigm shifts. Interpretation and Discussion Quality The Discussion section addresses the main findings systematically but exhibits several weaknesses: Descriptive Emphasis: Much of the discussion remains at a descriptive level, summarizing what was found rather than deeply interrogating why these patterns exist and what they reveal about the structure and dynamics of sustainability research in the food domain. Limited Critical Perspective: The manuscript does not critically examine potential problematic trends revealed by the analysis. For example, the declining relevance of "agriculture" as a keyword might indicate a concerning disconnection between food sustainability discourse and agricultural production systems. Such patterns deserve critical commentary. Practical Implications: The practical implications section makes broad statements about policy and industry applications but lacks specificity about how the findings should concretely inform decision-making. More detailed, actionable recommendations would strengthen this section. Research Agenda Development: The proposed research agenda (Figure 9) identifies numerous topics but provides limited prioritization or strategic direction. A more selective, theoretically informed agenda highlighting the most critical gaps and high-impact research opportunities would be more valuable to the research community. Contextualization: The findings are not adequately situated within broader discussions of sustainability science maturation, interdisciplinarity trends, or the relationship between academic research priorities and real-world sustainability challenges. This contextualization would enhance the manuscript's scholarly contribution. Organization and Presentation The manuscript follows a conventional systematic review structure (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion) which is appropriate. However, several organizational issues affect clarity and coherence: Introduction Length and Focus: The Introduction is quite lengthy and includes extensive review of specific studies that might be better positioned in a separate Literature Review section or condensed to focus more sharply on research gaps and objectives. Research Questions Presentation: The seven research questions are clearly stated but could be better organized into thematic groups (e.g., temporal trends, intellectual structure, thematic content) to provide clearer conceptual organization. Results Organization: The Results section effectively addresses each research question sequentially, but the transitions between subsections could be smoother. Additionally, some results (particularly the country-level findings) include interpretive discussion that might be better reserved for the Discussion section. Figure-Text Integration: Several figures are referenced but not adequately integrated into the narrative. For example, Figure 1 (PRISMA flowchart) is presented but the specific numbers of excluded records at each stage are not discussed in detail in the text. Table 2 Placement: The decision to place Table 2 (research gaps) in the underlying data rather than the main manuscript is questionable given its centrality to the study's contribution. Key elements of this table should be integrated into the main text. Supplementary Materials: The underlying data availability is commendable, but the manuscript would benefit from additional supplementary materials including the complete list of articles analyzed, detailed search strings for both databases, and parameter settings for VOSviewer analyses. Recommendation Major Revision This manuscript addresses an important topic and employs appropriate bibliometric methods, but significant methodological and analytical weaknesses limit its current contribution. The overly restrictive search strategy, lack of statistical rigor in trend analysis, superficial treatment of thematic evolution, and limited critical engagement with findings represent major concerns that must be addressed before the manuscript can be considered for indexing in a high-impact journal. The authors should undertake substantial revisions including: (1) expanding the search strategy to include abstracts and keywords or providing robust validation of the title-only approach; (2) providing complete statistical methodology for the growth trend analysis; (3) deepening the analytical treatment of thematic evolution with attention to contextual drivers; (4) reconceptualizing the "validity" dimension in the keyword classification framework; (5) integrating the research gaps analysis into the main manuscript with more critical discussion; (6) strengthening theoretical framing and integration with existing literature; and (7) enhancing methodological transparency throughout. With these revisions, the manuscript has the potential to make a valuable contribution to understanding the intellectual structure and evolution of sustainability research in food systems. The comprehensive scope, adherence to systematic review protocols, and identification of emerging themes provide a solid foundation that, if strengthened through more rigorous analysis and critical interpretation, could inform future research directions and policy priorities in this critical domain. Are the rationale for, and objectives of, the Systematic Review clearly stated? Partly Are sufficient details of the methods and analysis provided to allow replication by others? No Is the statistical analysis and its interpretation appropriate? Partly Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the results presented in the review? Partly If this is a Living Systematic Review, is the ‘living’ method appropriate and is the search schedule clearly defined and justified? (‘Living Systematic Review’ or a variation of this term should be included in the title.) Not applicable Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. Reviewer Expertise Sustainability science, food systems research, environmental economics, agricultural sustainability, bibliometric analysis, and systematic review methodology. I am qualified to assess the methodological rigor of the systematic review approach, bibliometric analytical techniques, sustainability frameworks in food systems, and the interpretation of trends in agricultural and environmental research. I can evaluate all aspects of this article including search strategy design, data extraction procedures, statistical analysis of publication trends, thematic clustering methods, and the contextualization of findings within sustainability science and food systems literature. I confirm that I have read this submission and believe that I have an appropriate level of expertise to confirm that it is of an acceptable scientific standard, however I have significant reservations, as outlined above. reply Respond to this report Responses (1) Author Response 23 Jan 2026 JHOANY ALEJANDRO VALENCIA ARIAS, Escuela de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Senor de Sipan, Chiclayo, 14000, Peru We thank the reviewer for their valuable contributions to the quality of the manuscript. Below, we respond to each point individually: Comment : The search equation is limited to the title field only, requiring both "sustainab*" AND specific food-related terms ("Food production" OR "Food industry" OR "Food supply chain" OR "Gastronomic industry") to appear in the title. This approach creates substantial risk of excluding highly relevant publications where these terms appear in abstracts, keywords, or subject fields but not explicitly in titles. The authors acknowledge this limitation but do not adequately address its impact on the comprehensiveness and representativeness of their findings. This restrictive approach may have systematically excluded important contributions, particularly interdisciplinary research that uses varied terminology or frames sustainability concepts differently. The authors should either expand the search to include abstracts and keywords or provide empirical validation demonstrating that the title-only approach captures a representative sample of the relevant literature. Response : The exclusive use of the title field was methodologically justified as a strategy aimed at maximizing thematic precision and internal validity of the bibliometric analysis. ________________ Comment : While Scopus and Web of Science are recognized comprehensive databases, the manuscript lacks discussion of potential coverage gaps, particularly for non-English publications, regional journals, and grey literature that may be relevant to food sustainability research in developing countries. Given that the study identifies geographical gaps in developing regions, particularly Africa, the database selection may perpetuate these biases rather than reveal them objectively. The authors should discuss how their database choices may have influenced geographical and thematic findings and consider supplementing with regional databases or targeted searches for underrepresented regions. Response : The justification for selecting Scopus and Web of Science was reinforced by highlighting their scientific impact and the standardization of metadata, which are fundamental for bibliometric organization and interpretation. Furthermore, it was clarified that regional gaps, such as in Africa, reflect lower visibility in high-impact journals and not the absence of relevant research. ________________ Comment : The manuscript reports an "exponential growth pattern with a statistical significance of 99.65%" but provides no details on the statistical methods, model specifications, tests performed, or interpretation of this significance value. This level of precision (99.65%) without methodological transparency raises concerns about the validity and reproducibility of this central finding. The authors must provide complete statistical methodology including the regression model used, goodness-of-fit measures, confidence intervals, and discussion of alternative growth models tested. Without this information, readers cannot assess whether the observed growth pattern is genuinely exponential or might be better described by alternative functional forms. Response : The results clarified that exponential growth was estimated using a descriptive regression analysis, and that the reported value corresponds to the model's coefficient of determination. ________________ Comment : The thematic evolution analysis (Figure 6) shows progression from "soil erosion" in 1989 to contemporary themes like "circular economy" and "supply chain management", but the analytical approach appears primarily descriptive rather than explanatory. The manuscript does not adequately explore the drivers of these shifts, the contextual factors influencing changing research priorities, or the theoretical implications of these transitions. The authors should provide more substantive analysis of why these shifts occurred, linking them to broader scientific, policy, and societal developments. Additionally, the methodology for determining thematic dominance across time periods needs clarification—are these based on simple frequency counts, weighted measures, or more sophisticated temporal analysis techniques? Response : The interpretation of thematic evolution was expanded by linking the observed changes to scientific transformations and global sustainability contexts. ________________ Comment : The Cartesian system approach for classifying keywords by frequency and validity (Figure 8) introduces a novel analytical framework without adequate justification or validation. The validity metric (defined as "average year of use") conflates recency with conceptual validity in a manner that may be misleading. A term's recent emergence does not necessarily indicate greater validity; it may simply reflect temporal trends, funding priorities, or methodological fashions. The authors should either provide theoretical justification for this operationalization of "validity" or rename this dimension more appropriately (e.g., "recency" or "temporal trend"). Additionally, the thresholds separating the four quadrants appear arbitrary and lack statistical or theoretical justification. Response : The descriptive nature of the metric was clarified, and “validity” was renamed as an indicator of temporal validity or recency of use, thus avoiding conceptual interpretations. ________________ Comment : Table 2 (in underlying data) reportedly presents research gaps with justifications and future questions, but this critical component is relegated to underlying data rather than integrated into the main text. For a systematic review intended to guide future research, the identification and substantive discussion of research gaps should constitute a central analytical contribution. The authors should integrate the most significant gaps into the main manuscript with deeper analysis of why these gaps exist, their implications for theory and practice, and specific methodological approaches needed to address them. The current treatment appears more as a checklist than a critical analysis. Response : The main gaps identified in Table 2 were integrated into the main text, linking them to the results and discussion. ________________ Comment : The discussion section compares findings with selected previous studies but lacks systematic integration with the broader theoretical frameworks in sustainability science, food systems research, and bibliometric methodology. The authors do not adequately position their findings within existing debates about sustainability transitions, food system transformations, or the sociology of scientific knowledge production. A more sophisticated theoretical framework would strengthen the manuscript's contribution beyond descriptive bibliometrics. Response : The results of the bibliometric analysis were integrated into theoretical frameworks of transitions toward sustainability and transformation of food systems, supported by recent literature. ________________ Comment : The manuscript inconsistently uses "food industry," "food system," "food production," and "agri-food sector" without clearly defining these terms or explaining their relationships. These are not synonymous concepts, and the lack of definitional precision creates ambiguity about the scope and boundaries of the review. Response : Clear operational definitions were incorporated for food production, food industry, agri-food sector, and food system, delimiting their conceptual scope. ________________ Comment : The references section shows some inconsistencies in formatting, particularly regarding journal name abbreviations, volume/issue presentation, and DOI formatting. The manuscript should conform strictly to the journal's citation style guidelines. Response : The reference format was standardized. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript is generally well-written, several sections contain awkward phrasing and unnecessarily complex sentence structures that impede readability. For example, “The diversity of approaches adopted by scientists responds to the increasing pressure on resources and the global environment, aiming to comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted challenges related to sustainability throughout the food value chain” could be simplified. A careful language edit would improve clarity throughout. Response : The writing was reviewed. ________________ Comment : The Introduction and Literature Review sections contain considerable overlap in coverage of key topics and cited studies. These sections should be streamlined to eliminate redundancy and create a clearer logical progression from general context to specific research gaps. Response : The introduction and literature review were rewritten to eliminate redundancies. ________________ Comment : While the manuscript mentions using Microsoft Excel for data extraction and manipulation, it provides limited information about quality control procedures, inter-rater reliability assessment, or handling of discrepancies in data extraction. More detalle is needed. Response : A section on Quality Control Procedures and Reviewer Consistency was added. ________________ Comment : The manuscript mentions "automation tools developed in Microsoft Excel®" for record selection but provides no details on these tools, their validation, or potential errors. This limits reproducibility. Response : A paragraph was added to the Methods section that provides more in-depth information on using the tool. ________________ View more View less Competing Interests No competing interests were disclosed. reply Respond Report a concern Rabbi MF. Peer Review Report For: Sustainability in the Food System: trends, key themes, and emerging topics [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations] . F1000Research 2025, 14 :1004 ( https://doi.org/10.5256/f1000research.182071.r426515) NOTE: it is important to ensure the information in square brackets after the title is included in this citation. 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