As consumers grow ever more environmentally conscious, they have ramped up the pressure on producers to engage in sustainable business practices.
“Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they buy,” confirms Minos Athanassiadis, partner and consultant with Fresh Link Group, LLC BB #:191833 in Bakersfield, CA.
“In turn, a significant percentage of retailers believe their sustainability efforts pay off in increased customer loyalty,” he says.
Nikki Cossio, CEO of Measure to Improve, LLC in Salinas, CA, and a founding member of the International Fresh Produce Association’s recently minted sustainability committee, agrees.
“Right now, one of the primary drivers of sustainability is the consumer,” she contends. “Consumers are looking to support companies that align with their values and are transparent. Buyers are seeing this demand and seeking it in their suppliers.”
The consumer desire for more environmentally responsible practices has grown steadily over the last decade, says Garland Perkins, senior manager of innovation and sustainability for David Oppenheimer & Associates, or Oppy, BB #:116424 headquartered in Vancouver, BC.
“The heightened importance of sustainability in the last five to ten years is largely a result of consumer demand,” she agrees, as well as recognition by business leaders of the impact a changing climate has had on fresh produce, from growers to retailers.
“Consumers are more interested in purchasing products produced in an environmentally friendly manner, which drives growers and retailers to ensure their products meet those standards,” Perkins continues.
“And from a business perspective, there is now more data to show that decreasing environmental impact often results in lower production costs.”
Retail is where the rubber of sustainability meets the road of commerce, creating new opportunities.
“Grocery retail perishables departments are particularly well suited to making an impact regarding sustainability,” Athanassiadis says.
As examples, he cites sourcing from companies that use eco-friendly packaging materials, implementing more sustainable sourcing practices and encouraging suppliers to do likewise, and working with third-party logistics and transportation partners who are looking into electric trucks and other strategies.
This is an excerpt from the cover story in the May/June 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole issue.
