Kerry Study Reveals Growing Consumer Interest in Shelf Life and Food Waste Reduction
Source: DairyNews.today
A recent study conducted by Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, has uncovered a significant shift in consumer behavior, with one-third of respondents expressing a willingness to switch to brands or products that offer better shelf life.
This trend is largely driven by a strong desire to minimize food waste, with 98% of surveyed consumers actively trying to reduce waste due to financial concerns, environmental awareness, and considerations of world hunger.
The study, which surveyed 5,154 consumers across 10 countries, revealed that 69% of consumers are inclined to purchase products designed to reduce food waste. This highlights a substantial opportunity for the food industry to innovate and develop solutions that meet evolving consumer expectations for longer-lasting, sustainable products.
Key Findings on Consumer Preferences
Shelf Life and Waste Reduction: 72% of respondents indicated that extending a product's shelf life would help them reduce waste. This demonstrates the growing importance of food preservation as consumers become more conscious of waste management in their households.
Importance of Preservatives: The study found that 74% of consumers consider preservatives an important factor in their purchasing decisions. Notably, 82% of respondents are comfortable with the use of natural preservatives, while 50% are open to products with artificial preservatives, though consumer buying patterns suggest higher overall acceptance.
Industry Implications and Opportunities
Bert de Vegt, VP of Food Preservation and Protection at Kerry, commented on the findings, stating: “Consumers have a strong desire to reduce food waste in their homes, and they increasingly recognize the role of preservation in achieving this goal. As inflationary pressures remain, preventing products from going to waste has become more crucial than ever.”
De Vegt further noted that with 29 September marking the UN International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, these findings underscore the urgency for the food industry to take action. By extending product shelf life, companies can align with consumer demands and address broader societal and environmental concerns.
As a market leader in food preservation, Kerry offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions aimed at solving complex preservation challenges. This includes sodium-free buffered vinegars, potassium acetates, multifunctional systems for meat products, and fermented wheat products for mould control in bread. Kerry is also actively involved in the Consumer Goods Forum's Food Waste Coalition of Action, using insights to help consumers better understand on-pack labels and date information.
The study, which surveyed 5,154 consumers across 10 countries, revealed that 69% of consumers are inclined to purchase products designed to reduce food waste. This highlights a substantial opportunity for the food industry to innovate and develop solutions that meet evolving consumer expectations for longer-lasting, sustainable products.
Key Findings on Consumer Preferences
Shelf Life and Waste Reduction: 72% of respondents indicated that extending a product's shelf life would help them reduce waste. This demonstrates the growing importance of food preservation as consumers become more conscious of waste management in their households.
Importance of Preservatives: The study found that 74% of consumers consider preservatives an important factor in their purchasing decisions. Notably, 82% of respondents are comfortable with the use of natural preservatives, while 50% are open to products with artificial preservatives, though consumer buying patterns suggest higher overall acceptance.
Industry Implications and Opportunities
Bert de Vegt, VP of Food Preservation and Protection at Kerry, commented on the findings, stating: “Consumers have a strong desire to reduce food waste in their homes, and they increasingly recognize the role of preservation in achieving this goal. As inflationary pressures remain, preventing products from going to waste has become more crucial than ever.”
De Vegt further noted that with 29 September marking the UN International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, these findings underscore the urgency for the food industry to take action. By extending product shelf life, companies can align with consumer demands and address broader societal and environmental concerns.
As a market leader in food preservation, Kerry offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions aimed at solving complex preservation challenges. This includes sodium-free buffered vinegars, potassium acetates, multifunctional systems for meat products, and fermented wheat products for mould control in bread. Kerry is also actively involved in the Consumer Goods Forum's Food Waste Coalition of Action, using insights to help consumers better understand on-pack labels and date information.
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