Consumer science: key enabler of healthy and sustainable dietary changes

It’s no secret that today’s world faces a large range of critical health and sustainability challenges. It is also known that what people consume, how, when, where and why is of great influence.

Luckily, food manufacturers, food service organisations, retailers, policymakers and consumers are more aware of the importance of healthier and more sustainable diets. But further change in food consumption patterns is needed to relieve the burden on the health of both consumers and the planet. Effective strategies to engage consumers so they adopt and maintain a healthy and sustainable diet are therefore key enablers for tackling these challenges. But which strategies are going to help consumers change their habits? That’s where Wageningen University & Research comes in.

We will help to change consumer behaviour and your products for the better

Manufacturers, food service organisations and retailers previously had to satisfy “traditional” consumer needs like safe food that’s tasty, convenient and offers good value for money. But these days, there is a growing need to provide healthier and more sustainable options too that consumers are willing to buy. Of course, this need is also actively endorsed and driven by policymakers.
This shift is crucial to remain relevant for tomorrow’s world, with an enduring business model. Our consumer researchers at WUR can help you take a robust deep-dive into your products and their end-users. We will support you in enhancing products and designing interventions that result in healthy and sustainable dietary changes.

About the Wageningen consumer research group

We believe that a change in food consumption behaviour will contribute to better human and planetary health. We partner with the Dutch government and all actors in the agrifood chain around the world and deliver sound and impactful insights into why consumers behave as they do, and what interventions are effective. Together, we can strengthen your positioning as an engaged player or an informed policymaker. This will enable you to take a strong stand for consumers and the planet.

Learn more about our team and our expertise

Why choose the Wageningen consumer research group as your knowledge partner?

Because we deliver:

  • Access to our food research facilities
  • Robust results in eating behaviour change, product properties and product acceptance
  • Profound expertise in successful, long-term eating behaviour change backed by science
  • Forward thinking about upcoming trends, challenges and interventions relating to consumer behaviour
  • Forward thinking about upcoming trends, challenges and interventions relating to consumer behaviour