Our latest global consumer research study highlights and analyses a food safety-environment dilemma in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explores what it means for manufacturers going forward.
Welcome to the 13th issue of the Tetra Pak Index, which, in the wake of COVID-19, explores a very different world to the one we looked at just a year ago. The pandemic, an unprecedented event affecting communities worldwide, has created a new landscape of consumer concerns and needs, redefining the ground rules for the industry and creating new paradigms.
The changing interplay between food safety and the environment
COVID-19 has significantly focused attention on hygiene and food safety. Two-thirds of consumers now believe that food safety is a major concern for society.
Transparency and trust are more important than ever
Manufacturers are seen as responsible for food safety – but trust in them is low. Transparency is key, with almost three in five saying they want to know all they can about product production.
The impact of COVID-19 on supply chains has accelerated awareness of food waste. More than three-quarters of consumers now see it as a concern – and a top priority for manufacturers.
Consumers see preventing food waste as the number one environmental issue that they can influence. But confusing labelling is a barrier, creating an opportunity for communication.
The environment still rates ahead of every concern except COVID-19. Two thirds of consumers believe we’re heading for disaster unless we change our habits quickly.
Consumers see sustainable packaging as a top priority for manufacturers, and four in five say companies should be obliged to help with the recycling/reuse of their packaging.
The convergence of health and environment we observed in last year’s Index has grown to encompass other concerns, as “people” and “planet” issues increasingly overlap.
A spotlight on what consumers want from food and beverage packaging going forward, with protecting food for longer to avoid waste and maintain nutritional value top of the list.
Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor at Yale University, comments: "This year’s Tetra Pak Index highlights emerging consumer and social concerns that we see increasingly mirrored by academic research. With a growing global population set to require up to 70% more food by 2050, at a time when biodiversity, climate change and food security are becoming ever more pressing, there is an urgent need for change. Bold initiatives such as those taken by Tetra Pak to rethink future food packaging are therefore the need of the hour.”
Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor at Yale University
Dan Esty, Hillhouse Professor at Yale University, comments: "This year’s Tetra Pak Index highlights emerging consumer and social concerns that we see increasingly mirrored by academic research. With a growing global population set to require up to 70% more food by 2050, at a time when biodiversity, climate change and food security are becoming ever more pressing, there is an urgent need for change. Bold initiatives such as those taken by Tetra Pak to rethink future food packaging are therefore the need of the hour.”
Summary and conclusions
The top 10 takeaways from Tetra Pak Index 2020, summarised in a handy list – also available as a downloadable, smartphone-friendly infographic.
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