Environmental and ethical consideration has grown among UK food consumers

31% of consumers surveyed in the UK in 2018 claim to be often or always influenced by how ethical, environmentally friendly, or social responsible a product is when choosing what food to buyCredit: Courtesy of United Soybean Board

With food waste and plastic packaging waste hot topics of debate in recent months, it is perhaps unsurprising that they are having a key influence on consumer’s purchasing choices.

GlobalData’s latest Q3 2018 consumer survey has revealed the influence of ethical and environmental factors on food purchase decisions has increased in the UK over the last two years. Almost a third (31%) of consumers surveyed in the UK in 2018 claim to be often or always influenced by how ethical, environmentally friendly, or social responsible a product is when choosing what food to buy; an increase of 4% compared to 2016.

As food choices are increasingly scrutinised by ethically-minded consumers the challenge for manufacturers will be to balance the need for less – and more eco-friendly – packaging, with the necessity to also minimise food waste. The latter of which, packaging can play a vital role in helping to achieve.

Source: GlobalData’s Q3 2018 and Q3 2016 global consumer surveys

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