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madmooney's review
2.0
I fear my expectations were too high upon picking this up; I had expected this book to focus on the science of eating and food preferences. What I got instead was the sociology of how we obtain food, as told by a corporate consultant from a market research standpoint. If you are interested in facts about how supermarkets are designed (inside and out) with a look of what we can expect/aspire to for the future, this would be the book for you.
That said, I felt that Mr Underhill used too many "We" statements when making vague generalizations about foodseeking behaviours - the entire book is rife with them. Also, this book could have been two chapters shorter, namely the chapter where he speaks to two influenceers, and the chapter where it is a round table on what people think their preferences are for the grocery store of the future. Both of these chapters were pure dunnage.
One topic that I did enjoy was the one with the Walmart quality expert, and how they discussed 'redesigning produce' in a manner without genetic modification (i.e. controling the growth conditions of cantelope to determine that they maximize the cantelope-like features).
All in all, if you want a book from people who derive their data by literlaly following and watching people while they shop, then [b:How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink|58438492|How We Eat The Brave New World of Food and Drink|Paco Underhill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641411430l/58438492._SY75_.jpg|91709120] would be the read for you!
That said, I felt that Mr Underhill used too many "We" statements when making vague generalizations about foodseeking behaviours - the entire book is rife with them. Also, this book could have been two chapters shorter, namely the chapter where he speaks to two influenceers, and the chapter where it is a round table on what people think their preferences are for the grocery store of the future. Both of these chapters were pure dunnage.
One topic that I did enjoy was the one with the Walmart quality expert, and how they discussed 'redesigning produce' in a manner without genetic modification (i.e. controling the growth conditions of cantelope to determine that they maximize the cantelope-like features).
All in all, if you want a book from people who derive their data by literlaly following and watching people while they shop, then [b:How We Eat: The Brave New World of Food and Drink|58438492|How We Eat The Brave New World of Food and Drink|Paco Underhill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641411430l/58438492._SY75_.jpg|91709120] would be the read for you!
dmturner's review
3.0
Rambling collection of musings in various forms on everything from supermarkets to hydroponics to bars. Readable and thought provoking if at times a bit utopian despite the author’s many years spent analyzing how we sell food.
apatrick's review
3.0
Good stuff by Paco Underhill, whose Why We Buy is a classic. The blurb here on Goodreads makes this book sound way more depressing than it actually is. Underhill does a great job of being informative without being alarmist, and shows that real-world solutions are not only possible but already in motion.
This is a book that ought to be interesting to just about everyone. If you shop at supermarkets, you'll be interested. It's a quick read, very informal in style, and, rare for a state-of-the-world-today book, it won't leave you feeling depressed.
This is a book that ought to be interesting to just about everyone. If you shop at supermarkets, you'll be interested. It's a quick read, very informal in style, and, rare for a state-of-the-world-today book, it won't leave you feeling depressed.
officialgrittynhl's review
informative
slow-paced
2.0
Most boring book I read in 2023 probably. Weirdly defensive of Walmart. Definitely could have been half the length. Explains why grocery shopping sucks as an experience, most of which has to do with brands renting shelf space at adult eye level.
indiarose8's review
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
1.0
This author relies wayyyy too heavily on gender stereotypes and is so out of touch. I guess that’s what happens when you only work with Fortune 100 companies. Instead of offering research, he just wonders what the future will be like. He assumes a lot about people in general. He’s also incredibly self-indulgent, egotistical, and condescending.
bonkersbeekus's review
5.0
Phenomenal introspective on how we shape what we eat and how what we eat shapes us.
A work, clearly written by a passionate grocery store enthusiast and foodie, that should be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys the culinary arts.
A work, clearly written by a passionate grocery store enthusiast and foodie, that should be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys the culinary arts.