U.S. shopping habits changing as Americans try to reduce food waste

In a survey of more than 1,000 adults in the U.S. commissioned by Proagrica, the research shows Americans to reduce food waste by lifestyle changes. For instance, 76% say they are now more likely to shop more often and in smaller quantities to avoid having to throw away unwanted or spoiled food. A similar number of 74% are now likely to buy more frozen food for the same reason, and half suggest they are now prepared to buy the “ugly” fruit and vegetables that so often sit unwanted on the supermarket shelf. Male shoppers (56%) are more likely than women (46%) to accept those less attractive foodstuffs.

When asked where the responsibility for food waste primarily lies, U.S. shoppers pointed the finger at food producers: 41% said it was down to farmers, and 42% said the responsibility lies with manufacturers such as grain firms and pesticide makers. The focus is on the food sector to demonstrate it is doing all it can to reduce the amount of discarded food.

By comparison, less than a quarter (22%) said it was consumers’ responsibility to reduce food waste by changing their own behaviors and shopping habits.

“Food waste has become a major issue on the national agenda and this research shows that Americans are changing their shopping habits accordingly. They’re shopping more often, in smaller amounts and buying more frozen food that will stay edible for longer,” says Graeme McCracken, managing director at Proagrica.

“However, U.S. consumers still feel it is primarily the responsibility of farmers and food producers to do more to alleviate the problem. Businesses in the food and agriculture industries need to actively show they are working together to make their operational processes more transparent and more efficient.”

SOURCE: Survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by Proagrica, a global provider of technology solutions for the agriculture and animal health industries

Alternative protein market projected to reach $290B by 2035

The market for alternative meat, eggs, dairy and seafood products is set to reach at least $290 billion by 2035, as consumers drive unparalleled growth in plant-, microorganism- and animal-cell-based alternatives, according to a new report titled "Food for Thought: The Protein Transformation," by Boston Consulting Group and Blue Horizon Corporation.

The report indicates that the market for alternative proteins will grow from the current 13 million metric tons per year to 97 million metric tons by 2035, when it will make up 11% of the overall protein market in our base case scenario. Faster technological innovation and full regulatory support could speed growth to 22% of the market by 2035. At that rate, Europe and North America would reach “peak meat” by 2025, and the consumption of animal protein there would actually begin to decline.

According to the report, the adoption of alternative proteins will have a measurable positive impact on the environment, supporting a number of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including responsible consumption and production, and zero hunger. The shift to plant-based meat and eggs alone reportedly will save more than 1 gigaton of CO2 equivalent by 2035—the equivalent of Japan becoming carbon-neutral for an entire year. It will also save 39 billion cubic meters of water, enough to supply the city of London for 40 years, according to the report.