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India Strives For Planet-Friendly Food More Than Developed Countries, Says New Survey

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Mumbai, Dec 13, 2024: Indians are increasingly eager to adopt healthy eating habits with a minimal environmental impact, showing greater enthusiasm than their counterparts in developed countries, according to a new survey.
     
The Sustainable Food Barometer study, conducted by food and facilities management services provider Sodexo in collaboration with Toluna Harris Interactive, aims to identify the key drivers of change and the barriers to adopting sustainable eating habits. The study surveyed over 7,000 participants from five key countries. India’s inclusion in this study for the first time highlights its growing prominence and growth as a major market for sustainable and plant-based food.
     
The report, that also includes insights from over 2,000 Indian consumers, reveals that Indians are increasingly eager to adopt healthy eating habits with a minimal environmental impact, showing greater enthusiasm than their counterparts in developed countries. This shift is expected to drive the demand for sustainable food in the country and has the potential to reshape India’s food consumption trends.

According to the study, Indians are enthusiastic about sustainable eating habits, despite inflationary context. Over two-thirds of Indians express a strong favourability towards sustainable food consumption, outpacing their counterparts in developed countries. However, price remains the number one factor in choosing food products, far ahead of environmental concerns. Taste ranks just behind price as a key factor in making food choices.

Millennials are leading the charge for sustainable food choices in India. As many as 60% in India, specifically millennials (aged 25 to 44), remain committed to sustainable food choices with a majority of them already adopting many sustainable practices in their daily lives. GenZs (aged less than 25) remain indecisive towards sustainable food choices. 

Health and a balanced diet are among the top three factors influencing food choices for Indians, the study said. Nutritional value and product composition are the third and fourth most important factors in the decision-making process. The report highlights the food services industry as a key driver of sustainable trends and a catalyst for inspiring change.

Stressing the role of the food services industry, Sambit Sahu, Managing Director of Sodexo India, said, “We serve over a million consumers every day, and we believe we can influence food choices by adopting and embracing the right planet-friendly practices. Our strong value proposition, combined with a commitment to safety, empowers us to set the standard and drive sustainable change in the food services industry. With brands like Aarogyum, which focus on health and sustainability with balanced, flavourful recipes crafted by specialized nutritionists and chefs, we are well-positioned to inspire positive change and encourage mindful and conscious eating habits.”

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