Who is leading on sustainability?

Make no mistake, sustainability is a value that is embraced by growers, retailers and consumers.

That much is clear from The Packer’s sustainability survey, executed by Aimpoint Research with support from Apeel Sciences and Emerald Packaging.

The survey showed nearly 90% of growers believe sustainability is very or extremely important.

About 50% of growers say sustainability is extremely important and 36% rate it as very important.

In the same way, most consumers think sustainability is at least somewhat important and a little over a third say it is extremely important. The Packer’s research revealed that 36% of consumers rated sustainability as extremely important, 40% very important and 20% as somewhat important.

Retailers, occupying the middle space between growers and retailers, also are paying close attention to the issue. In general, The

Packer’s survey of retail buyers said a common approach is looking at sustainability with a primary focus on packaging (biodegradable, compostable, recyclable), with additional sustainability e orts toward carbon footprint, LED lightning, alternative fuels and more.

There is great striving toward sustainability, but researchers suggest that messages about sustainability must go beyond data. For investments in sustainability to be profi tably rewarded by the market, growers and marketers must tell the stories of their abiding commitment to the health of all people and the planet.

It is a challenging road, but it is a path that growers, buyers and consumers will not abandon.

Read all the insights gained from this indepth survey here. 

There is a difference of opinion among those surveyed about who should get the credit for sustainability.

The Packer’s research shows that consumers think they are most responsible for promoting sustainable practices, while growers feel it is they who are most responsible.

Stay up to date on The Packer's Sustainability Insights here. 

Here are a few ways to ensure you never miss The Packer's sustainability content:

Catch up on what you missed at our first Sustainable Produce Summit, including full videos of the keynotes and presentations. Watch here.

Lettuce Learn More is a podcast focused on produce industry education, brought to you by The Packer. Season one of the podcast features educational sessions from the Sustainable Produce Summit. Listen here,