ASSESSING THE END CONSUMER’S AWARENESS OF SUSTAINABILITY IN FOOD RETAIL SUPPLY CHAINS AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING PURCHASING INTENTION IN THE UK

This project analyses the implementation of sustainability policy and procedure across the food retail industry. Initially, sustainability literature is reviewed and a consideration is given to supply chain theory in context. Next, primary quantitative research is undertaken using an online questionnaire to identify if incorporation of sustainable practices into the supply chain and in the overall production of consumer goods is acknowledged by the end consumer and therefore leads to a competitive advantage for the business. This data is then contrasted with a socio-economic variable for the consumer to determine if a consumer’s socio-economic status is a significant driver or barrier to purchase intention of sustainable foods. The data shows a correlation between sustainability awareness, eco-labelling awareness and purchase intention, suggesting that increasing sustainability awareness for the UK consumer could lead to growth in the market. However, the data did not show any links between socio-economic status and sustainability awareness