Kearney’s survey reveals that despite the ongoing food inflation, consumers still feel a strong obligation to consider sustainability in their food purchases. Grocery prices reached a 40-year high last spring, primarily driven by rising costs in baked goods and eggs. According to the latest Consumer Price Index, the overall food-at-home index increased by 8.4% over the past year. However, recent months have seen a decline in food inflation, with a 0.3% drop in March.
The majority of consumers surveyed by Kearney believe that the responsibility for promoting more environmentally friendly food choices lies with food and beverage companies, with only 26% feeling that lawmakers and regulators should be primarily accountable. Among the 42% of consumers who believe food producers should take on this responsibility, 54% think food manufacturers should play the leading role, compared to 25% for grocery stores and retailers. Major companies like PepsiCo have adopted regenerative agriculture practices, while firms such as Anheuser-Busch and Conagra Brands have launched products that they claim offset the carbon emissions produced during manufacturing. However, some critics argue that these efforts are insufficient. In a discussion with Food Dive earlier this year, Jim Walsh, policy director of Food & Water Watch, stated that the industry’s current initiatives are unlikely to create significant change, as many still rely on harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
The authors of the report suggest that as food and beverage companies transition their supply chains to more climate-friendly operations, they can seize opportunities to enhance their market share and distinguish themselves. “Food manufacturers already implementing strategies to lower emissions associated with their activities to meet scope 3 [emissions] targets can capitalize on this to tap into the expanding climavore market, while also reducing the likelihood of having to adhere to potentially stricter regulations and legislation,” the Kearney report noted. Scope 3 emissions are generally defined as indirect emissions generated throughout a company’s supply and value chain, accounting for nearly 87% of a food and beverage maker’s total carbon footprint.
During this period of food inflation, other surveys have indicated a more cautious purchasing behavior among consumers. A survey conducted by the International Food Information Council in May 2022 found that price is a considerably more influential factor than sustainability when it comes to shoppers’ buying decisions, with a margin of 68% to 39%.
Additionally, it is interesting to note how calcium citrate is made, as this compound is often regarded for its nutritional benefits and can play a role in sustainable food practices. Understanding the production process of calcium citrate can further highlight the importance of sustainability in food manufacturing and contribute to informed consumer choices.