More than half of French consumers have a “positive” view of the grocery market
About 56% of French consumers have a “positive” view of the food sector, a new study by L’IFOP and France Commerce have found.
This means that positive perceptions of the sector are roughly on a par with those of the luxury goods industry (57%) and energy (56%) and slightly higher than those of the food industry (53%).
Tourism, catering and agriculture are the sectors with the most positive perceptions, with about four-fifths of consumers having a positive view of these industries.
About 83% of respondents to the survey said that the food sector “played an important role” during the covid-19 pandemic, while a similar number (84%) believe that the sector is of strategic benefit to the French economy.
“Optimistic about the future”
About two-thirds (64%) say they are “optimistic” about the future of the sector and are positive about most of the developments that are currently taking place, although just over half (56%) believe that the grocery industry is engaged in digital transformation.
Fewer still say that the food sector is committed to sustainable development and CSR (37%), the study found, although those under the age of 35 are more positive about this substance (42%).
Retailers must make employment in the sector more attractive, support environmental measures and strengthen the in-store experience, respondents said.
An overwhelming majority (93%) said that they believe that the sector should do more to employ young people through apprenticeships and work programs, while 86% believe that it should make a concerted effort to employ people with more diverse backgrounds.
In addition, 80% of respondents said retailers should do more to facilitate an environmentally friendly transition, while improving the store experience was cited by more than 60% of respondents.
Read more: E.Leclerc The big winner in France in March, says Kantar
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