Page 30 - Conveniece World Magazine Nov/Dec 2020

INDUSTRY INSIGHT SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS SHIFT TO ENCOMPASS HUMAN WELFARE Complementing environmental efforts with ethical programs dedicated to human welfare is a critical issue brought forth by the pandemic. By Mintel Associate Director Food & Drink Jenny Zegler. C ovid-19 and economic recession have refocused consumer interest on the health and welfare of people. The pandemic has illuminated the connections between the health of humans and that of the natural environment, with renewed understanding of these links making consumers more interested in efforts to be more ethical and environmentally responsible. This shift was already taking place before the pandemic. The use of sustainable claims in new food and drink launches in Australia and New Zealand has grown 54 per cent in the past three years. Interestingly, the focus has been shifting from packaging and recyclability to ‘ethical – human’ and animal welfare claims, and this is likely to be given a boost as the pandemic continues. In the past few years, consumers have become more interested in how companies go beyond profits and contribute to the greater good, or corporate social responsibility. In recent months, the pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn have directed consumers’ focus away from broader environmental or ethical claims to concerns for human welfare. The human-centric outlook includes employees, people throughout the supply chain, members of the local community and the human population as a whole. The situation calls for more focus on corporate commitments that benefit people. In many markets, grocery store staff, food plant employees and agricultural workers have been deemed to be essential during stay-at-home orders. The classification alongside healthcare and emergency personnel indicates the importance of food and drink jobs. Fair pay focus for shoppers Many food workers have had to fight for hazard pay, fair market wages and benefits. Post-Covid, consumers will want to know that the people who grow, make, package, deliver and sell food are fairly compensated. In a noteworthy investment, Woolworths offered up to $750 in company shares 28 CONVENIENCE WORLD NOV/DEC, 2020