Since February 2001, when Mintel's previous analysis of consumer attitudes to ethical foods was published, consumers have enjoyed a period of continued prosperity. With most ethical products carrying a premium compared to non-ethical products, the capacity to afford to adopt ethical principles in purchasing and consumption behaviour is a key pre-requisite for continued expansion of markets as most.

As such, this report uses exclusive consumer research to quantify the extent to which consumers have translated high levels of media exposure and public debate in ethical issues into increased expenditure on ethical products. It explores the concept that, while economic conditions enjoyed by UK consumers, (coupled with better choice), provide ideal conditions for continued strong growth in the market, conflicting messages in the media arising from the huge amount of information available could well prove to be an inhibiting factor.

Indispensable to marketers seeking to build up a profile of key target groups for ethical foods, Mintel’s research offers analysis of all the key industry issues, including

The high consumer profile of ethnical issues

Can consumers be educated to act more ethically?

Purchasing trends of foods produced to prescribed standards increasing

Is growth seen in the market reflective of increased consumer responsiveness to ethical issues?

How can marketers better tap into consumer consciousness and steer their choice towards ethical foods