Ethical trading is consumers’ number one concern, according to a new survey of issues surrounding food shopping.

The poll of 100,000 Co-Operative Group members asked shoppers to name their ethical food priorities. Ethical trading topped the list with a 27% vote, animal welfare came second with 25% and the environment third with 22%. However, packaging scored just 8%, while climate change came bottom with 4%.
The Co-Op has now announced that it will convert its entire own-brand hot beverage range to Fairtrade, and will ban battery eggs. It will also significantly reduce the glass content used in its wine packaging.
The group admitted it was shocked by the low score for climate change.
Image: The Fairtrade Foundation