Acosta Research Shows 65% of Shoppers Want Retailers to Invest More in Sustainability

Shopper survey shows concern for environment and sustainability drive consumer purchase decisions

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Nov 22, 2021, 11:52 ET

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Acosta, a global integrated sales and marketing services provider in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, today released its latest research report, Sustainability Impact on Purchase Behavior. With 59% of shoppers making it a priority to live a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle, the findings demonstrate how consumers plan to take more actions with sustainability in mind.

A new report from Acosta shows shoppers want retailers to invest more in sustainability.

"Consumers are continuing to place an emphasis on sustainability when making purchasing decisions, showing that eco-friendly lifestyles are here to stay," said Colin Stewart, Executive Vice President, Business Intelligence at Acosta. "Retailers have an opportunity and responsibility to think through their environmental footprint and deliver value in ways that matter increasingly more to their customers."

Acosta's recent research demonstrates consumer preferences for sustainability initiatives among retailers and highlights a shift in purchase behaviors to support these efforts.

Environmental Concerns

More than half of shoppers (56%) are very concerned about the future of the environment. This sentiment often drives what products they purchase.
Seventy-five percent of millennials say sustainability is very/somewhat important when buying consumer packaged goods.
Four in 10 shoppers are more concerned about sustainability now than they were pre-COVID-19.

Lifestyle Changes

Shoppers are making the effort to live eco-friendlier lifestyles.

Eighty percent have made it a priority to reduce, reuse and recycle products and packaging.
Sixty-three percent are more likely to seek out food and beverage products that are minimally processed.
Sixty percent are paying more attention to product packaging and its impact on the environment.
Older shoppers (Boomers+) are more likely to recycle, while younger shoppers (Gen Z and Millennials) are more likely to modify their buying habits.

Product Purchase Behaviors

Eighty-five percent of those who buy green products will always or most likely buy them in the future.
The top sustainable products purchased in the last year include fresh produce (60%), cleaning products (44%), and eggs (43%).
Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, such as plant-based meat alternatives (81%), beauty and personal care items (80%), dairy and dairy alternatives (78%), and meat/poultry (74%).

Retailer Responsibility

Consumers agree retailers have a responsibility to the environment and communities in which they serve.

Only about 1-in-3 shoppers are noticing sustainability efforts by retailers and manufacturers on a regular basis.
Sixty-five percent would like to see companies putting more investment into sustainability.

Acosta's Sustainability Impact on Purchase Behavior report was gathered via online surveys using the company's proprietary shopper community, conducted in October 2021.

About Acosta
Acosta is an integrated sales and marketing services provider that enables consumer packaged goods brands and retailers to win in the modern marketplace by delivering progressive solutions and exceptional service. With more than 90 years of experience, Acosta understands evolving consumer needs and helps its clients and customers stay a step ahead, fueling their accelerated performance. For more information, please visit https://www.acosta.com/.

SOURCE Acosta