Increase in sustainable food expenditure

According to the Sustainable Food Monitor 2022, compiled by Wageningen Economic Research, expenditures on sustainable food increased by 13% in 2022, reaching €10.8 billion. This is notable given the shift in consumer purchases from retail to foodservice following the pandemic.

Some highlights from the report include:

• In 2021, the share of sustainable food stood at 19%. However, due to a shift in consumer spending from retail to foodservice and rising food prices, this percentage declined.
• In individual product groups, like eggs and fish, the proportion of sustainable food slightly decreased. However, overall expenditures on sustainable food in each category increased.
• The foodservice sector saw a strong revival in 2022 post-COVID-19. Expenditures on sustainable food in this sector surged by an impressive 52% compared to the previous year.
• Regarding certifications, the Beter Leven label led with expenditures of €3.8 billion, followed by Rainforest Alliance (€2.6 billion) and Organic (€1.8 billion).
• Meat and meat products witnessed the most significant growth in the share with certifications, moving from 43% in 2021 to 47% in 2022. This was primarily driven by an increase in poultry meat bearing the Beter Leven label.

This study underscores the resilience and growing significance of sustainable consumption among Dutch consumers, even in times of economic and health crises. 

Agrimatie.nl