Involving a poll of 1,004 adults, the survey found that the highest concerns when choosing where to shop were value for money, convenience and availability of health food ranges.

Tesco was perceived as offering the best value for money and as the most convenient place to shop, however even after a high-profile campaign committing itself to reducing waste and energy use Tesco still scored behind M&S and Sainsbury’s on green issues. Waitrose, M&S and Sainsbury’s were high up on the score board on treatment of employees, use of local suppliers and the availability of healthy and organic foods.

Underlining the success of Marks & Spencer’s Look Behind the Label advertising campaign, 62 per cent of people asked considerd M&S to have responded most effectively to social, environmental and ethical concerns of consumers. On the whole M&S was considered to be the most green supermarket and one that looked after its employees the best.

Looking at topical issues, the survey revealed that only 62 per cent were aware of Tesco’s false advertisement involving half-price fruit and vegetables at the beginning of the year, but 74 per cent of those admitted it did make a difference to their buying behaviour.

In answer to the question: What would make you actively shop at a particular supermarket? A total of 74 per cent said the removal of all chemical from foods would make a difference, 73 per cent wanted fair trade standards to apply to suppliers and 60% insisted that all packaging for fruit and vegetables should be removed.

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