By Tina Caputo, guest columnist, The Packer: Adopting sustainable practices isn’t only good for the planet; it also can be a boon for business.
The Packer’s 2023 Sustainability Insights Survey found that over three-quarters of consumers consider sustainability a priority when making produce-purchasing decisions. Though that number is down slightly from the previous year, the decline is likely a short-term response to rising food costs rather than a permanent shift.
While most produce industry players recognize the benefits of operating sustainably, they also face numerous challenges in their related efforts — from complying with government regulations to choosing the right packaging to communicating clear sustainability messages to consumers. The Packer asked growers and allied businesses about sustainability issues they think will most impact the produce industry in 2024.