UK grocery shopping habits changing dramatically to combat food waste
- Proagrica research also reveals ethical credentials of retailers and producers influence purchase decisions for a third of consumers
LONDON, March 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New research has shown the lifestyle changes UK consumers are making to reduce food waste since the start of the pandemic: almost two-thirds (63%) say they are more likely to shop more often and in smaller quantities, to avoid having to throw away unwanted or spoiled food.
A similar number (67%) are now likely to buy more frozen food for the same reason, and three-quarters (76%) suggest they are prepared to buy the "ugly" fruit and vegetables that so often sit unwanted on the supermarket shelf.
When asked where the responsibility for food waste primarily lies, UK shoppers felt it was a matter for them personally: 42% said it was down to consumers to do the right thing, twice as many (21%) as those who thought the responsibility lies with grocers and supermarkets.
The survey of more than 1,000 UK adults was commissioned by Proagrica, a global provider of technology solutions for the agriculture and animal health industries.
It also highlighted the growing number of UK consumers who take ethical considerations into account when buying their food. Almost a third (32%) say the ethical credentials of the retailers and producers (e.g., certification, where food is sourced, field to fork tracking) influence their purchase choices whenever possible.
In addition, 71% say they're more likely to try and reduce "food miles" by buying more locally-sourced produce.
Graeme McCracken, managing director at Proagrica, says: "The UK, like many countries, faces a serious food waste challenge and this research shows that consumers are changing their shopping habits accordingly. They're shopping more often, in smaller amounts, and buying more frozen food that will stay edible for longer.
"Even though many consumers feel it's down to them to throw away less food, businesses in the food and agriculture industries need to do their part. They need to actively show they are working together to make their operational processes more transparent and more efficient. That can also help them demonstrate their ethical credentials, which is another factor that heavily influences what people buy and from where."
About Proagrica
Proagrica, part of RELX Group, is a global provider of independent connectivity and data-driven support solutions for the agriculture and animal health industries.
It delivers actionable intelligence to drive business growth across the value chain. Proagrica's superior products and services connect and empower industry participants to address their key needs around trading, productivity and compliance.
Proagrica's solutions are built around the key competences of data connectivity and data analytics delivering seamless supply chain management, customer insight and engagement, essential for businesses looking to improve their value offering and expand in the modern marketplace.
About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 33,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalization is approximately £34.6bn, €39.5bn, $47.9bn.
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