• A percentage of 54% of those interviewed take into account when choosing food and the future of the planet, and 70% say that products should not harm the environment.
Tetra pak, world leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has made in partnership with Ipsos, multinational market research company, a study on consumer behaviors. The Tetra Pak Index 2023 was based on 5.000 online interviews conducted in the following 10 countries: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, UK and USA.
According to the analyzed data, consumers are willing to change their eating habits to protect the planet. This segment of consumers aware of environmental issues are called "Climatarians".
The health food market is already expanding and consumers are actively looking for products beneficial to their health. But more recently, a significant number of them take a holistic view: 70% of consumers surveyed say that healthy products should not harm the environment, while another 54% are willing to take responsibility for the planet and change their diet to contribute to a better world.
Good for the planet, good for me
This simultaneous concern for one's own health and that of the planet is increasingly reflected in the consumer category "flexitarians" (those who choose to eat less meat). Almost half of the respondents said that they limit meat consumption or completely exclude meat from their diet.
The Tetra Pak Index 2023 found that this trend to reduce meat consumption is a global phenomenon. More than half (56%) of those interviewed cite health reasons for adopting a flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan diet, but more than a third (36%) specifically mention caring for the environment as the main reason for this choice.
According to the study, comfort is no longer a priority. Almost three out of four consumers (70%) would give up convenience in favor of healthier products, which marks a significant change in attitude. At the same time, the attention given to maintaining health is not affected by the increase in the cost of living, only 17% of the respondents being willing to give up food and drinks beneficial for health in the current economic climate.
A growing trend
The climate approach is expected to grow in popularity as the effects of climate change are felt more widely. Consumers expect food producers to offer products that are both healthy and sustainable.
"The conclusions of this year's Tetra Pak Index study reflect the direction we have decided to follow since a few years ago, to decarbonize the food industry and make food systems more durable and sustainable. In many parts of the world, people rely on products such as milk and juices for their daily diet, so it is essential to optimizeăm value chain with innovations in sourcing, packaging, processing and distribution, and here Tetra Pak plays an active role alongside our customers and suppliers.
Moreover, given that the world will need to produce 2050% more food by 60, we complement these efforts with technologies that can help explore new sources of nutrition – from new plant-based sources to alternative proteins precision fermentation biomass products. Both areas are essential for the sustainability of the food system.", stands up Adolfo Orive, President and CEO of Tetra Pak.
Innovations in food
Breakthrough food innovations can play a significant role in providing products that are not only tasty but also resource efficient. And consumers are ready to embrace innovations that improve the way we live and eat.
Almost two-thirds (62%) of consumers believe that technology will play an important role in building a more sustainable future. At the same time, some consumers are concerned that such innovative foods may not be as natural as fresh, unprocessed foods – so finding a balance is essential.
"This field is developing quite rapidly and it is difficult to predict when and to what extent it will be successful. But only through continuous effort and cooperation to explore any potential opportunities will we find solutions to the current challenges facing the food system”, adds Adolfo Orive, President and CEO of Tetra Pak.
Source: Tetra Pak Press Release
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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