Consumers don’t trust the Big 10 brands

More than 50% of Australians don’t trust the 10 biggest food and drink companies, according to a survey conducted by Oxfam. The Behind the Brands report assessed the ten largest food and beverage companies - the ‘Big 10’ - on their sourcing of agricultural commodities from developing countries.

The report revealed that 84% of Australian consumers want more information included on packaging about how their food and drink is made and where it comes from.

Oxfam Australia’s Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said the report findings demonstrate that major brands are failing the millions of workers who produce our food and drink.

“Our report connects what we eat and drink every day with the experiences of the farmers and workers in poorer countries who produce our food, with the bitter irony being the majority of the world’s hungriest people are those directly involved in making our food and drink,” Dr Szoke said.

“The findings revealed the world’s 10 most powerful food and drink companies that produce our most iconic brands like Kellogg’s and Vegemite are overly secretive about where products come from and how they’re made. These companies need a major shake-up because across the board, they all fall short, with none emerging with an overall good score.”

Almost half of all respondents said they would stop buying their favourite brands if a company’s policies and practices weren’t up to scratch. 60% believe their shopping habits can make a difference to the lives of farmers and workers in poorer countries.

“This tells us that shoppers are recognising major brands have a vital role in tackling hunger and poverty by supporting the poor people with which they do business,” Dr Szoke said.

Of the companies surveyed, Nestlé was the highest performing, followed by Unilever, Coca-Cola, Pepsico, Mars, Danone, Mondelez (formerly Kraft) and General Mills.

While Kellogg’s was perceived as the most ethical company, it was scored second-last in the rankings and was one of the worst-performing companies in terms of ethical policies, land rights and support for farmers and workers. Associated British Foods was the worst-performing company.