The economy and consumer demand have become the biggest priorities for the food industry this year, according to a new survey.
Food safety is the second biggest concern for the second year in a row but last year’s main priority – corporate responsibility – drops down to third place, said the food business network CIES.
And the forth priority this year for food retailers is to maintain the competitive landscape, the network said, as there is increased discounting during the recession, which results in increased competition.
Some retailers are also looking to limit costs in the current climate via store closures and more emphasis on own label items, it said.
Yet the report added: “While some premium players such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose are suffering during the downturn, the big four supermarket groups made bullish announcements of job creation during 2009.
“Only last week, the Wal-Mart owned UK store chain Asda announced it would be creating 7,000 new jobs this year. Grocery retail can therefore be a serious community employer and consumer advocate, even when the chips are down.”
