Almost 1 in 4 consumers eat more local products since the corona pandemic | Consumer

In 2020, the FASFC already established that consumers are increasingly turning to the short chain for purchases. And that trend has continued in the past year. For example, one fifth of consumers will again shop more in local shops, such as grocers, bakeries and butchers. On the other hand, it appears that 14.2 percent of consumers indicate that they buy less food in supermarkets or hypermarkets than in the past.

In addition to a shift to the short chain, it also appears that more consumers are becoming more aware of the food that ends up on their plate. For example, 19.1 percent indicate that they have paid more attention to the origin and composition of the food since the corona pandemic. In addition, 20.9 percent try to eat healthier and more often opt for fresh and/or organic products.

The FASFC emphasizes that these figures show the importance of food labeling and traceability through the food chain. The most recent figures show that approximately 10,000 checks have been carried out on labeling, with 86.1 percent found to be compliant. More than 24,000 checks were carried out for traceability, of which 87.8 percent passed.

Finally, nine out of ten consumers indicate that the FASFC is a necessary body for consumer safety in Belgium. More than eight in ten consumers have confidence in the controls carried out by the food agency, an increase of five percent compared to the last measurement.