The average consumer does not have a clue what GMOs are, but ask people what they think - and they're worried...
So what do consumers think about GMOs?
The average consumer "does not have a clue" what GMOs are, Natural Marketing Institute managing partner Steve French (left) told delegates during the Global ID-hosted session. But if you ask people what they think, growing numbers claim to be concerned. Here are some highlights from his presentation.
- 78% of LOHAS consumers (Lifestyles Of Health And Sustainability - 16% of population) have heard of GMOs and 63% are concerned.
- 61% of 'CONVENTIONALS' (23% of population) have heard of GMOs and 48% are concerned.
- One third of CONVENTIONALS and 60% of LOHAS consumers agree with the statement: 'I'm more likely to buy products with the Non-GMO Project Verified seal.'
- 48% of consumers agreed with the statement: 'If I found out that a favorite brand was made with GMOs it would make me less likely to purchase a product.'
Meanwhile, here are some other consumer research snippets on GMOs:
- According to trendwatcher Hartman Group, which polled 2,551 US adults last September about GMOs, among people who claim to be avoiding GMOs, 70% say it is because they are concerned about the impact on their health and well-being. Half say they want to know what goes into their food; 36% are concerned about possible environmental impacts; and 30% do not want to support companies that use GMOs.
- According to a consumer survey by market researcher NPD Group, 67% of primary grocery shoppers are not willing to pay more for non-GMO foods.
- There is, however, a subset of shoppers who are willing to pay more, which amounts to about 11% of all primary shoppers, it claims.