Even though the Trump administration is cutting corporate America slack on climate change commitments made before its current tenure, many consumers are not, which means stakeholders across the food industry could face a backlash – including boycotts – if they miss their targets or are perceived as back peddling previous pledges.
Alternatively, consumers are likely to reward food companies and retailers that support environmental sustainability – even if they do not achieve their goals as long as they are transparent about their progress, and any challenges they face.
According to research by consumer insights company The Hartman Group, more than three in four consumers believe companies should address environmental issues, and many believe the larger the company the larger their obligation to address sustainability challenges.
Likewise, the International Food Information Council’s most recent Food & Health Survey reveals 40% of consumers said knowing food and beverages are produced in a way that minimizes its carbon footprint or climate impact is a “very” or “somewhat important” factor in their purchase decision. In addition, 47% of Americans are “somewhat” or “highly” likely to pay more for socially sustainable products, according to IFIC.
In this month’s special edition – Reaching net zero – FoodNavigator-USA explores how consumers, brands, regulators and legislators are thinking about climate change in the food system and how this is creating challenges and opportunities for businesses.
Senior Correspondent Ryan Daily helps set the stage for this conversation in a piece examining consumer response to the Trump administration tabling dozens of climate change initiatives and the extent to which they still expect food companies to follow through with previous promises.
Senior editor Elizabeth Crawford picks up this thread in a story examining how climate change strategies could safeguard food businesses and retailers from widespread geopolitical fallout from the ongoing trade war, including threats to the supply chain, funding, agricultural labor forces and consumer confidence.
Profiles examining sustainability initiatives by Luker Chocolate, Applegate Farms and Foodiq Global serve as case studies for the potential positive impact of sticking to sustainability goals despite short term geo-political and economic pressure to pull back.
For companies to get credit with consumers for their sustainability efforts and potentially benefit from a boost in sales, they first must effectively communicate to consumers their actions. Deputy Editor Deniz Ataman explores how digital packaging could play a crucial role in delivering sustainability insights without crowding precious real estate on physical packaging.
Check out all the details of these stories and more by clicking through on the headlines below, or if you are a FoodNavigator-USA subscriber by checking your inbox for the special edition on reaching net zero.
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Reaching net zero: A roadmap to reduce emissions and increase nutrition security through strategic sourcing, manufacturing and packaging
Consumers take charge of climate change with green products amid government inaction – Gen Z and Millennials demand the government and CPG companies address climate change proactively and boost transparency, while older generations gravitate to tried-and-true sustainable messages around reducing, reusing and recycling
Could climate change strategies protect against geopolitical turmoil and tariff fallout? – Climate-forward strategies can protect more than the environment – they can safeguard businesses against widespread geopolitical fallout, including tariff-related threats to supply chains, funding freezes, reduced agricultural labor forces and deteriorating consumer confidence
Cocoa complicated: Luker Chocolate addresses volatility with sustainability – Cocoa volatility was driven by disease and climate change in 2024, as trade tensions and tariffs complicate the commodity’s price in 2025
Applegate Farms doubles down on regenerative agriculture as ‘the right thing to do’ – All of the natural and organic meat brand’s beef hotdogs are now sourced from farms that practice regenerative agriculture – a move it says simplifies the shopping experience and generates positive impact at scale
How connected packaging can improve brands’ sustainability goals – Digital packaging bridges the gap between limited physical space and the growing demand for transparency, playing a crucial role in delivering sustainability insights that benefit brands and consumers
How mushrooms in orbit are reframing the future of sustainable food – Mushrooms grown in space shed light on sustainable farming