Exploring the food chain

Food production and food processing in Western Europe, 1850-1990

Edited by Y Segers Edited by J Bieleman Edited by E Buyst

Book cover: Exploring the food chain

Extent: 289 pages

Publisher: Brepols Publishers

Subjects: Twentieth- & Twenty-First- Century History

Series: Comparative Rural History of the North Sea Area

Series volume number: 11

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2009)

ISBN: 9782503517797

Price: $70.00

In stock

Until the late 19th century the food industry was restricted to a few activities, usually based on small scale industries. The links between agriculture and food processing were very tight. Due to increased purchasing power, population growth and urbanisation, the demand for food grew substantially. This was not only the case for basis products as corn and potatoes, but also and especially for more expensive, quality products as meat, fish and dairy produce. These developments generated, together with the essential technological innovations, the creation and development of modern food processing in specialized shops and factories. In only a few decades these industries transformed from an important complement to the primary agricultural production on the farms to a much comprising industrial business. At the end of the 20th century food processing has evolved into a modern, high-tech industry, dominated by a few large enterprises, offering a wide range of products. This volume aims to turn the spotlight on this often neglected but important link in the food chain.


Until the late 19th century the food industry was restricted to a few activities, usually based on small scale industries. The links between agriculture and food processing were very tight. Due to increased purchasing power, population growth and urbanisation, the demand for food grew substantially. This was not only the case for basis products as corn and potatoes, but also and especially for more expensive, quality products as meat, fish and dairy produce. These developments generated, together with the essential technological innovations, the creation and development of modern food processing in specialized shops and factories. In only a few decades these industries transformed from an important complement to the primary agricultural production on the farms to a much comprising industrial business. At the end of the 20th century food processing has evolved into a modern, high-tech industry, dominated by a few large enterprises, offering a wide range of products. This volume aims to turn the spotlight on this often neglected but important link in the food chain.

  • Edited by Y Segers
  • Edited by J Bieleman
  • Edited by E Buyst