New Food Safety Technologies Rising in Importance for Consumers
As consumers continue to adjust their shopping and eating habits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey from global software and engineering leader Emerson, headquartered in the US, finds that food quality – and the technologies that keep food safe – have become increasingly important to consumers.
After surveying nearly 1,000 U.S. consumers on their perception and expectation of food safety practices, Emerson found customers consider the guaranteed quality and freshness of their foods; proper storage of refrigerated and frozen foods; and whether stores use the latest technology to keep food safe during transportation as some of the most important factors driving their food shopping decisions.
- Nearly 2 out of 3 consumers (62%) agree better technology has a role to play in keeping their food safe to eat.
- More than half (56%) of consumers say better data is needed to track proper food safety practices from farm to table.
- Over 5 out of 10 (51%) consumers said they’d be less likely to shop from stores that aren’t using – and having suppliers use – the latest technologies available to keep their food safe.
- Half of the consumers (51%) worry about the safety of fresh, perishable and frozen foods during their transportation to stores.
Emerson’s survey also revealed safety concerns amid COVID-19 have led to a shift in purchasing habits and shopping frequency for many consumers. In addition, over half of consumers (52%) say that they are now more concerned about the safety of their food.
- Nearly 6 out of 10 (59%) consumers say COVID-19 has made them want to support local businesses when they shop.
- Almost half (45%) of consumers say they now shop in person much less frequently.
- 4 out of 10 (40%) consumers say the way they shop has changed permanently.
To help ensure food safety and quality, Emerson has a comprehensive portfolio of smart wireless devices and cloud-based systems that improve visibility across the global cold chain.