In a new global study from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), food manufacturers identified product safety as a top business priority, but the majority of consumers believe food manufacturers can do even better to earn their confidence.
February 13, 2012
In a new global study from UL (Underwriters Laboratories), food manufacturers identified product safety as a top business priority, but the majority of consumers believe food manufacturers can do even better to earn their confidence. The new study, “Navigating the Product Mindset,” explores the connections and contradictions between perceptions of consumers and food manufacturers on issues of safety, innovation, performance, and sustainability. Global perceptions were collected from consumers and manufacturers in China, India, Germany, and the United States across industries in high tech, food, building materials, and household chemicals. In addition to the study, UL has created industry-specific reports for High Tech, Household Chemicals, Food, and Building Materials.
“Food manufacturers understand that product safety is imperative to the success of their business, but a significant opportunity remains to better demonstrate and communicate their commitment to boost consumer confidence,” said Hank Lambert, General Manager of UL’s Global Food and Water Businesses. “This research demonstrates the importance of moving existing food safety management to the next level.”
Another finding from the study shows that food manufacturers are confident in their performance related to product safety, innovation, sustainability, and reliability, but consumers feel food manufacturers can do a better job testing food products and fresh foods especially. Consumers’ primary safety concerns for food products relate to contracting foodborne illness, exposure to unsafe chemical additives, and unsanitary conditions. Interestingly, more than three-quarters of consumers surveyed feel that processed food manufacturers are not making better products today than five years ago.
Food manufacturers agree that consumers are becoming more empowered. They value positive consumer claims on product quality and safety more than government endorsements. While manufacturers say it is their job to communicate product safety information to consumers, the majority of consumers (76%) find it difficult to locate that information.
Study