Technology-Driven Accountability
In the past, brands could get away with misleading customers with erroneous labels and clever copywriting, but in today's connected world, that is becoming harder and harder for companies to do. Social media and smartphones have connected consumers to information about the harmful effects of certain ingredients, the source of products, and how things are made. This interconnectedness is demanding accountability from the food giants like they have never seen before.
Naha explained, "Campbell's Soup recently made headlines when they removed 13 ingredients from their traditional soup recipe. This was a decision made because of outcry from consumers, outcry that was becoming louder and damaging their brand." As this trend continues, brands will have no choice but to listen to the demands of their customers or they risk losing their standing in the market.