Consumers want to act on food waste, willing to switch to brands with longer shelf life 98% of those surveyed were actively trying to minimise food waste 12 September 2024 12 September 2024 3 minute read 3 minute read By: By: Kerry Europe A recent study conducted by Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, reveals that on- third of consumers are willing to switch to brands or products that offer better shelf life. This openness to change is being driven by consumers’ strong desire to act on food waste – a massive 98% of those surveyed were actively trying to minimise food waste, driven by various factors such as financial concerns, environmental considerations, and mindfulness of world hunger.
** 69% of consumers expressed an inclination to purchase products formulated to reduce food waste. This represents a significant opportunity for the food industry to innovate and create products that meet evolving consumer expectations. **Detailed Text:**
The burgeoning trend of food waste reduction has not gone unnoticed by consumers, and a recent survey has revealed a significant willingness to embrace products that address this pressing issue.
* Consumers are increasingly aware of food waste and its environmental impact. * Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. * Consumers are open to trying new products designed to reduce food waste.
As the market leader in preservation, Kerry’s portfolio includes unique sodium-free buffered vinegars, potassium acetates, multifunctional systems to solve complex preservation challenges in meat products, and a range of fermented wheat products for mould control in bread applications. Kerry also sits on the Consumer Goods Forum’s Food Waste Coalition of Action and uses insights to help customers and consumers demystify on-pack labels and date information. Methodology In early 2023, Kerry embarked on a comprehensive research initiative in collaboration with C+R Research, Qualtrics, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) to gain a deeper understanding of consumers’ opinions and behaviours regarding food waste. The study involved week-long, in-depth interviews and journalling sessions with 60 consumers in the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, France, and Thailand, as well as an extensive quantitative exploration with 5,154 consumers across the aforementioned countries plus Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Australia and Canada. Access the report here.