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Abstract
The general subject of the relationship between agents in the food industry is tackled here from the particular angle of the action of consumer associations in France. After a brief outline of their history, showing that the phenomenon of « consumerism » has deep roots, the action of these associations is considered from three points of view : defence, information, representation of consumers. This action is then analysed from the point of view of its impact on earlier agents : the processing industries, professional circles and distributors. Although few studies have been carried out in this field, it is evident that modifications in the behaviour of firms are slight. The phenomenon principally affects the big firms which are able to adapt, and all the more so that marketing theorists work out new concepts that will enable the firms to take into account the consumers' long-term social aspirations.