When it comes to selecting a food brand, the back story of the company has become a much larger part of the decision-making process for shoppers than it would have been in the past. Consumers want to know how their food was produced and support brands that demonstrate care for the environment. From plant-based meat alternatives to waste initiatives, to new packaging technologies, brands are investing in innovative ways to give eco-conscious consumers what they want.
Millennials and Generation Z consumers tend to rank sustainability as a higher priority compared to older generations — even during the coronavirus pandemic. Plant-based foods are surging in popularity and over one-fifth of plant-based, meat alternative shoppers cited environmental or ethical issues as a reason for purchasing the brand they chose. Though taste and health are always top drivers for food, sustainability is becoming a more prominent driver in brand selection.
