You’ve heard it. Many times. The consumer is always right. And you dare not question it. Ever. If you do, you will be scolded and/or mocked. I know, because I have walked those shoes.
Marketers live and die by that statement.
But what if, just what if, the consumer isn’t always right? What if they are right based on the information they have? What if they don’t have all the information and are making important food decisions based on lack of information or just plain wrong information? Especially when it comes to their food. Does it matter?
Yes, it matters
Because sometimes . . . information consumers don’t have about how their food is raised or grown affects our entire food system. Let’s take a look at the recent initiatives by the state of Massachusetts to outlaw the use of gestation stalls (gestation stalls are individual pens where sows are housed) as well as other animal welfare issues.
The new law in effect in Massachusetts
The new law will prohibit Massachusetts farmers from confining egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and calves raised for veal in spaces that prevent the animals from “lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely” — and the sale of products from animals confined in that way.
And it was passed overwhelmingly. 77.7% in favor, 22.3% against.Continue Reading