The Importance of Natural and Organic Products for Shoppers
A recent report by Acosta Group has shed light on the importance of natural and organic products for shoppers, as well as the confusion surrounding these terms. The report, released on Thursday, revealed that a majority of shoppers believe it is important for their groceries and household goods to be natural or organic. However, a significant share of consumers are unsure of what these terms actually mean when it comes to the products they encounter.
This confusion has led many consumers to avoid purchasing natural or organic products, despite an increasing prioritization of health among the general population. According to the report, three-quarters of the approximately 1,500 shoppers surveyed had bought at least one natural or organic product in the six months leading up to the study. Additionally, nearly 60% of respondents believed that the products they buy should fall into the natural or organic categories, with over a fifth reporting an increase in purchases of these goods during the same period.
The survey also revealed that a significant proportion of participants buy natural or organic products because they believe these goods are better for their health and contain fewer synthetic chemicals and additives. However, confusion around the meaning of these labels persists, with 40% of shoppers thinking that natural and organic are interchangeable terms. This uncertainty has deterred almost a fifth of consumers who typically purchase conventional goods from buying natural or organic products.
Cost is another significant factor influencing consumer behavior when it comes to natural and organic products. Over 70% of consumers who prefer conventional products cited affordability as the top reason for not purchasing natural or organic goods in the six months prior to the survey.
Overall, the report highlights the growing interest in natural and organic products among shoppers, as well as the need for clearer education and communication around these terms. As consumer preferences continue to shift towards healthier and more sustainable options, retailers and brands have an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by addressing consumer confusion and offering more affordable options in the natural and organic space.
