Insight of the Day: Less than half of consumers trust food manufacturers

Key Statistics

• Trust Level: Less than half (46%) of European consumers trust food manufacturers, down from 48% in 2021​ 

• Sustainability Concerns: Only 36% of consumers believe that the food they eat is sustainable​ 

• Health Concerns: Less than half (44%) think the food they consume is healthy​

• Transparency: Only 37% of consumers think food manufacturers are sufficiently transparent​ 

• Government Trust: Only 45% of consumers trust government food authorities​ 

Reasons for Distrust

1. Lack of Transparency: Consumers feel that food manufacturers are not open about their production processes and ingredients, leading to mistrust​

2. Sustainability Issues: Many consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of the food industry, believing that current practices are not sustainable​

3. Food Safety Scandals: Past incidents involving food safety have left lasting negative impressions on consumers​ 

4. Misleading Labeling: Consumers have experienced or heard of misleading labeling, which undermines confidence in the honesty of food manufacturers​

5. Poor Engagement: There is a perceived lack of engagement and responsiveness from food manufacturers regarding consumer concerns​ 

How to Restore Trust

1. Increase Transparency: Provide detailed information about sourcing, production processes, and ingredients. Clear labeling and accessible product information are crucial​

2. Commit to Sustainability: Demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices through eco-friendly sourcing, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging. Highlight and certify these efforts to align with consumer values​

3. Enhance Food Safety: Strengthen food safety protocols, be transparent about these measures, and promptly address any safety concerns or recalls​

4. Engage with Consumers: Establish regular and meaningful engagement through feedback channels, social media, and community outreach. Listening and responding to consumer concerns can enhance openness and trust​ 

5. Promote Health and Nutrition: Offer healthier product options and provide transparent nutritional information. Reformulate products to reduce harmful ingredients and promote the benefits of healthy eating​

6. Adopt Innovative Practices: Embrace and communicate food innovations that improve safety, sustainability, and nutrition. Engage consumers in the development process of new products​ 

7. Collaborate with Trusted Entities: Partner with reputable third-party organizations for certification and validation of sustainability, safety, and health claims​

8. Educate the Public: Provide educational resources about food production, sustainability, and healthy eating. Educational campaigns can improve understanding and foster a more positive relationship with consumers​ 

By focusing on these strategies, the food industry can work towards rebuilding consumer trust and creating a more transparent and positive relationship with the public.

Source: https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2024/05/22/less-than-half-of-consumers-trust-food-manufacturers