Nearly one-third of UK consumers consider environmental impact when buying food

27 Apr 2021 --- More than three-quarters of UK consumers are concerned about climate change, according to a recent YouGov consumer omnibus survey conducted on behalf of First Milk. Furthermore, almost one-third (29 percent) take environmental factors into account when choosing food.

The survey, conducted in March, has revealed that 76 percent of UK adults are concerned about climate change in general, 29 percent take the overall impact on the environment into consideration when buying food. It also revealed that 33 percent think that farming and the production of dairy foods significantly contributes to climate change.

Meanwhile, 46 percent of consumers think rearing animals for meat consumption contributes to climate change, while 37 percent think food waste substantially contributes to climate change.

Animal welfare and dairy
When it comes to dairy consumption, 94 percent of respondents said they purchased dairy products for themselves or others, although this figure declined to 78 percent in 18-24-year-olds. 

The purchase of dairy products was highest in Northern Ireland (98 percent) and lowest in London (86 percent).

More than three-quarters of UK consumers would most prefer to buy milk and dairy products guaranteed to come from cows with access to pasture/the outdoors (78 percent), with almost two-thirds (63 percent) saying they are concerned about the welfare of dairy cows in the UK.

Sustainable dairy farming 
According to Mark Brooking, sustainability director at First Milk, the survey reinforces that UK consumers are concerned about climate change, with many considering environmental factors when choosing food. 

“It also highlights the level of interest UK consumers have in animal welfare and dairy production systems,” he explains. 

“We know that the UK farming sector takes its responsibilities seriously and has a good track record in terms of animal welfare, with a growing focus on environmental responsibility, especially around climate change. But we all share the responsibility for communicating to consumers about the great work going on across the farming sector and highlighting the importance of the many initiatives that underline the positive benefits of UK farming and food.”

At First Milk, these findings simply strengthen the company’s commitment to its First4Milk program, which guarantees cows have access to grazing and commits it to achieving net-zero by 2040 at the latest. 

“Making these commitments helps us safeguard the future for our dairy farmer-owners, ensuring that consumers can continue to enjoy the great taste, nutrition and health benefits available from a balanced diet, including dairy consumption, with none of the associated climate or animal welfare guilt,” Brooking underscores.

Edited by Gaynor Selby