The beef industry is one of the slowest and most reluctant to change in response to changes in consumer tastes and preferences. Lifestyle, heritage and tradition are important to most all of us. However, it takes a sustainable business to produce a sustainable lifestyle and preserve the heritage. But in all fairness, I must say that we have been doing somewhat better at listening to what the consumer is trying to tell us in recent years. – jtl
By Nevil Speer via Industry at a Glance
Antibiotic use, hormones, GMOs and humane handling are growing concerns of U.S. grocery shoppers.
Where Food Comes From, Inc. recently commissioned the Service Management Group to conduct an independent survey to better understand grocery consumer perceptions and preferences with respective to a variety of issues. Survey respondents consisted of nearly 2,000 consumers shopping across a broad representation of grocery chains – half of whom had recently shopped at either Kroger or Walmart. Additionally, survey demographics closely matched U.S. Census data in terms of age, gender and household income.
The graph below represents one of the key questions included in the survey: “How has your attitude about the following issues changed during the past few years?” Specific reference within that question was made relative to antibiotics, hormones/growth promotants, genetically modified foods, humane treatment of animals, and farm or producer values. The illustration details the percentage of respondents who indicated they were either much more or more concerned about the respective issues.
As with any survey, there’s always room for interpretation of the results – no survey is ever perfect. However, given the broad representation of the respondents and their subsequent responses, it’s evident consumers appear to be more aware of the various issues and thinking about them more.
What’s your assessment of survey results like this? What does it mean for our industry in terms of communicating with consumers about these sorts of important topics? What opportunities might be out there for producers to take advantage of this type of response? Leave your thoughts below.
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Books by Dr. Jimmy T. (Gunny) LaBaume
Planned Grazing: A Study Guide and Reference Manual by Jimmy T (Gunny) LaBaume.
This guide is a detailed book review of sorts, but perhaps it would be more accurately described as an abstract that condenses 864 pages of detail into 189 pages of concentrated information. No more excuses for failing to properly plan your grazing. The booklet is available from Amazon.com in both soft cover and Kendall versions. Click here.
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The Betrayed: On Warriors, Cowboys and Other Misfits. Click here to buy the paperback version from Land & Livestock International’s Rancher Supply aStore.
Digital media products such as Kindle can only be purchased on Amazon.com. Click Here to buy the Kendall Version on Amazon.com
To purchase an autographed copy of the book Click Here
A Handbook for Ranch Managers
Combat Shooter's Handbook
Planned Grazing: A Study Guide and Reference Manual
The Betrayed: On Warriors, Cowboys and Other Misfits