Ethical Behavior By Food Companies Is Important To U.K. Consumers

The main factor that separates ethical food companies from unethical ones in the eyes of British consumers is humane care of animals, according to research from Mintel. Humane husbandry is more important – 74 percent of 1,500 surveyed cited the factor -- than environmental or tax avoidance issues. Other top ethical issues cited by U.K. consumers were responsible sourcing (60 percent) and employee welfare (57 percent). Fifty-two percent said they wouldn’t buy products from companies if it was found that they acted unethically. Mintel said food and drink companies need to ensure that operating standards are not just legal, but also ethical, or they “risk boycotts and reputational damage.”