BEYOND THE GROCERY STORE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BUSINESS MODELS

Topic: Risk, prevention and care in population studies

The subscription based business model has significantly expanded beyond digital services, deeply penetrating the e-grocery and food delivery sectors. While these ecosystems offer substantial financial predictability and operational efficiency, emerging threats such as subscription fatigue threaten long-term customer retention. This study investigates the tipping point between perceived consumer value and cognitive overload within food subscription ecosystems, emphasizing the distinction between authentic loyalty and artificial retention. Employing a bibliometric approach, the research analyses 977 documents extracted from the Web of Science database up to 2025. Data analysis was performed utilizing the Biblioshiny and RStudio softwares, which revealed a life-cycle saturation of academic interest, largely propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate a possible shift in the literature, moving from operational logistics toward consumer psychology, sustainability, and public health. Ultimately, the study concludes that sustainable food subscription models must transcend rigid contracts, leveraging indirect benefits and convenience to cultivate voluntary loyalty and minimize the financial burden perceived by consumers.

Key findings

• The subscription based business model has significantly expanded beyond digital services, deeply penetrating the e-grocery and food delivery sectors.
• Data analysis was performed utilizing the Biblioshiny and RStudio softwares, which revealed a life-cycle saturation of academic interest, largely propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ultimately, the study concludes that sustainable food subscription models must transcend rigid contracts, leveraging indirect benefits and convenience to cultivate voluntary loyalty and minimize the financial burden perceived by consumers.

Why it matters

This bibliometric analysis covers food subscription business models, not Alzheimer's disease, so it provides no information on treating, curing or preventing Alzheimer's. It concludes that sustainable subscription models should rely on convenience and indirect benefits.

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Study details

• Evidence strengthLow

Read the original

• DOI: 10.24818/beman/2026.16.2-06
• Original source →
• Free full text: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND MANAGEMENT →

Full text: free to read — OpenAlex lists this copy as free to read: the link above (checked 6 Feb 1020).

@article{alexandrucatalin2026-1d90c940,
  author  = {Alexandru-Cătălin, V. L. A. D. and PÎRVU, Alexandru-Mihai},
  title   = {{BEYOND THE GROCERY STORE: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF FOOD SUBSCRIPTION BUSINESS MODELS}},
  journal = {Business Excellence and Management},
  year    = {2026},
  doi     = {10.24818/beman/2026.16.2-06},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.24818/beman/2026.16.2-06}
}

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