8 February 2024

3 minute learn

NSF, a number one international public well being organisation, introduced this week its compelling analysis findings on UK customers’ attitudes in the direction of animal wellness and its impression on their buying choices.

The latest research performed by NSF confirms that British customers are extremely aware of animal wellness in meals manufacturing, with a major majority inserting significance on firms demonstrating transparency and compliance in animal wellness all through their international provide chains. Whereas knowledge from the UK authorities exhibits the demand for meat is at an all-time low, British shopper’s demand for moral consumerism is rising.

“Animal wellness shouldn’t be a marginal concern for manufacturers anymore; it’s a defining function of moral consumerism that’s more and more impacting buying choices,” stated Elaine Vanier, a veterinarian and the animal wellness program lead for NSF. “Animal wellness is about doing the correct factor for the animal and refers back to the high quality of life skilled by animals within the meals provide chain. Together with bodily and psychological well being, dwelling situations, and the way animals are dealt with and handled. It considerably impacts sustainability, product meals security, and the accountable use of antibiotics and medicine.” 

“Our analysis reiterates the load customers place on this matter,” she added. “We’re more and more known as upon to assist manufacturers dedicated to placing these values into observe throughout their complete protein provide chain.”

Key findings from the research embrace:

• 68% of UK customers say animal wellness is both very or extraordinarily necessary to buying choices.
• 72% of UK shopper stated it was crucial or extraordinarily necessary that firms display consistency and compliance with animal wellness all through their provide chain.
• 73% declared they’re extra prone to buy a product that has been licensed for animal wellness by a 3rd get together, particularly these between the 30-44 age group, who have been 87% extra doubtless.
• Solely 13% stated they might be unwilling to pay a better value for merchandise licensed for animal wellness.
• 84% anticipate animal merchandise bought by worldwide manufacturers to adjust to animal wellness requirements, which rises to over 90% for Brits aged 30-44.
• Solely 3 in 10 stated they have been very or extraordinarily knowledgeable of UK animal wellness requirements.

The revelation that animal welfare labels are sometimes misinterpreted underscores a vital want for shopper schooling.

“Our findings spotlight a disconnect between shopper perceptions and the actual requirements behind labels,” stated Vanier. “Clear, licensed labelling is important to bridge this hole, granting customers the peace of mind they search when making moral meals decisions.”

For meals manufacturing and agricultural firms, NSF’s analysis signifies that investing in animal wellness just isn’t merely an ethical obligation or advertising and marketing development. It’s a strategic crucial that resonates with numerous customers, signalling the arrival of a vital juncture for the trade to align with progressive moral practices.

“It’s clear {that a} important majority of British customers perceive that animal wellness comes at a value, with solely 13% reluctant to pay extra for animal wellness-certified merchandise,” stated Dale Newitt, Director of Provide Chain Meals Security, NSF. “This speaks volumes in regards to the UK’s shopper conscience and their readiness to spend money on moral and sustainable decisions.” 

“British customers are sending a strong message throughout borders: 84% anticipate worldwide manufacturers to not simply meet however uphold animal wellness requirements,” he added. “It is a clarion name for international gamers to align with UK requirements of animal care or threat shedding relevance on this key market.”