An industry expert has emphasised the importance of economic and environmental sustainability in the food industry in the face of global upheaval during a speech to the British government. According to to the CEO of market insight group IGD, Joanne Denney-Finch, the food industry needs to be flexible and responsive in order to overcome the challenges of the next decade: environmental degradation, economic recession, shifting markets, climate change and a 25% increase in food requirements. “Most... ...Read more »

Three quarters of shoppers who have made changes to their food and grocery shopping due to the economic climate say that they will stick with their new habits even when the economy recovers, according to new research from the UK. “As shoppers increasingly scrutinise every penny they spend they are shopping around more, wasting less, seeking out promotions, planning meals better and taking their time to find the best deals,” Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive of IGD, advised. “In... ...Read more »

Joanne Denney-Finch, the CEO of food and grocery expert IGD, yesterday informed attendees of AFGC’s Highlands 2009 Conference of seven steps to a more sustainable food system. Step One The first move is to ensure everyone within your company understands the need for sustainable growth. “Every member of every food business has a role to play,” Ms Denney-Finch said. “For instance, everyone at Sainsbury’s, from the shop floor to the board, has personal objectives on sustainability.... ...Read more »

The world’s largest retailers are set to get much bigger over the coming five years as developing markets like Brazil and China spur growth. IGD’s latest report, Global Retailing: Preparing for Change, also predicts that the world’s third largest retailer, Tesco, will grow at a faster pace than French retailer Carrefour to see it claim second spot by 2012, with forecasts suggesting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% and 7% for Tesco and Carrefour respectively between 2007... ...Read more »

The winners of the prestigious 2008 IGD Food Industry Awards were recently announced, highlighting achievements in a wide range of areas from sustainability, health and wellness, supply chain excellence, and outstanding performance of small businesses. “All of the finalists show that, even in challenging times, innovation and best practice are at the forefront of the food and grocery industry. These awards recognise the best in class, and demonstrate some of the most exciting new thinking... ...Read more »

The UK’s leading food and consumer goods companies reported last week that an initiative to reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries has removed the equivalent of 53 million journey miles from UK roads. Over the course of the last year, many household brands have been working together through IGD’s Efficient Consumer Response (ECR UK) initiative on the Sustainable Distribution project. ECR UK announced that, through measures such as sharing vehicles and more... ...Read more »

Rising demand in Eastern Europe will fuel growth in the discount sector over the next four years, as shoppers respond to less buoyant economic conditions and retailers better tailor their offer, according to international grocery experts IGD. Rapid growth in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, will see the discounters’ share of the total European grocery market grow from 17.6% to 19.5% by 2012, IGD’s Evolution of Discount Retailing report forecasts. A figure well beyond that of the discount... ...Read more »

New research from international food and grocery expert IGD has revealed that ethical food shopping is now mainstream in Europe as consumers base their purchase decisions on a growing number of factors. Tens of millions of shoppers across Europe regularly consider factors such as organic, Fairtrade or local sourcing when making food purchasing decisions. “Until recently, ethical food shoppers were seen as niche,” Chief Executive Joanne Denney-Finch told IGD’s Global Retailing conference.... ...Read more »