Kerry's Consumer Research Shows Sustainability Demand For Food and Beverages

Sustainability is top-of-mind for consumers around the globe, with 84% believing in personal sustainability.
Sustainability is top-of-mind for consumers around the globe, with 84% believing in personal sustainability.

Kerry has released new research which reveals that consumers’ expectations around sustainability are evolving as they look for increased sustainability benefits from their food and beverage products.

Related: Kerry to Acquire Niacet

The survey of more than 14,000 consumers across 18 countries shows that 49% of consumers are now considering sustainability when buying food and drink and that their understanding of the issue is evolving from environmental and social responsibility to including sustainable wellbeing and sustainable nutrition.

The research reveals that 84% of consumers believe it is important for each person to contribute to sustainability. However, three in four relegate the primary responsibility to the industry

The largest barrier to adopting sustainability remains consumers’ lack of understanding of their personal impact on the planet.

Soumya Nair, insights director, from Kerry, said, “This research has unveiled some really surprising results that have positioned sustainability as a must-have rather than a differentiator among consumers. It’s interesting to see the rise of intrinsic associations of sustainability in not only mature sustainability markets like the United Kingdom, Benelux and France, but across all countries. These sustainability-minded consumers are actively seeking out food and beverage products that have a significantly positive impact on the planet as well as on their personal health and wellbeing, seeking products with clean label claims and locally sourced ingredients. In addition, the different expectations between consumer demographics shows how consumers expect companies to do more outside of issues such as sustainable packaging, carbon emissions and water conservation."

Nair added, “These findings have major implications for the food and drinks industry as we are clearly at a significant and critical moment regarding sustainable nutrition. By helping consumers access more sustainable products, we can help them eat healthier, with less waste and improve local communities as a result.”

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