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New research indicates that a significant majority of consumers believe food and beverage manufacturers should declare if a product is made with AI assistance. This survey by Ingredient Communications and SurveyGoo reveals various viewpoints and concerns regarding the use of AI in the industry.

Unveiling Consumer Sentiments on AI in Food and Beverage

Consumer Demand for Transparency

In a survey conducted among consumers, 83 per cent agreed that companies should declare on a product's label if it has been designed or manufactured with the help of AI technology. This shows the importance consumers place on knowing whether a product has been influenced by AI. More than half, 55 per cent, strongly agreed with this assertion, highlighting the widespread desire for transparency. Only 4 per cent disagreed altogether, indicating a clear trend towards openness.

Regulation and Government Intervention

There was strong support for regulation, with 78 per cent of respondents agreeing that the Government should introduce laws controlling the ways food and drink companies can use AI technology. This shows that consumers expect the government to play a role in ensuring the proper use of AI in the food and beverage sector. Just 6 per cent disagreed with this, suggesting that the majority believes regulation is necessary.

AI and the Perception of 'Natural'

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64 per cent) said they believed that food and beverage products made with the help of AI technology should not be described as 'natural'. This indicates that consumers have a specific perception of what constitutes a natural product and are wary of products made with AI. Only 12 per cent disagreed with this, further emphasizing the significance of this issue.

Generational Differences

A distinct generational split was revealed in the survey. A majority of Generation Z and Millennial respondents felt positively about the use of AI in the food industry, with 65 per cent and 57 per cent respectively expressing a positive attitude. However, among Generation X and Boomers, the corresponding figure was markedly lower, at 44 per cent and 25 per cent. This shows that different generations have different attitudes towards AI in food and beverage manufacturing.

Safety Concerns

Just under half of respondents (44 per cent) said they believed that a food or beverage product made with the help of AI might be less safe to consume. This highlights the concern that consumers have about the safety of products made with AI. However, they were split on whether they would be more or less likely to buy such a product. Just over a quarter (26 per cent) said they would be more likely to do so, while 29 per cent stated they would be less likely.

Benefits and Employment

While 79 per cent of respondents agreed that savings made by food and beverage companies through the use of AI should be passed on to shoppers in the form of lower retail prices, sentiment shifted if this came at the expense of employment. 40 per cent considered it unacceptable if the use of AI technology meant somebody lost their job, even if products were cheaper. A third of respondents (33 per cent) considered this an acceptable outcome, showing the complex nature of the issue and the trade-offs consumers are willing to make.