strom” ir starptautisks tekstila nomas servisa uzņēmums, kas darbojas vairāk nekā 25 valstīs visā pasaulē. Uzņēmums ir specializējies darba drošības un higiēnas risinājumu nodrošināšanā dažādām nozarēm, tostarp pārtikas ražošanai un tirdzniecībai.
Par “Norstat Latvija”
“Norstat Latvija” ir viena no vadošajām pētījumu kompānijām Latvijā, kas specializējas sabiedrības aptauju veikšanā un datu analīzē. Uzņēmums sniedz plašu aptauju un pētījumu pakalpojumu klāstu, kas palīdz uzņēmumiem un organizācijām iegūt svarīgu informāciju par patērētāju uzskatiem, paradumiem un vēlmēm.
72% of Latvian residents trust food retailers and producers, but just as many – 73% – admit that if they had concerns about a retailer’s hygiene compliance, they would stop shopping with that specific retailer, according to a survey conducted by textile rental service company “Lindstrom” and research company “Norstat Latvia”.
The survey results show that only 4% of respondents have a high level of trust in food retailers and producers, 68% have a moderate level of trust, while 24% have a low level of trust and 3% have no trust at all in retailers. “The survey data reflects the attention and growing understanding of the population that occupational safety and hygiene issues play a crucial role in ensuring public health and safety. Although the results also indicate a high level of trust in the work ethics of retailers and producers, they also reveal that 27% of the population does not trust retailers. This should be seen as a call to entrepreneurs to continue investing in hygiene and occupational safety standards, as well as reliable management systems. It should be acknowledged that the survey data also reflects the regular inspection results conducted by the Food and Veterinary Service, where violations are detected, thus not ensuring 100% satisfaction of the population,” explains Ivars Šmits, CEO of “Lindstrom”.
According to the Food and Veterinary Service data, only one in four of the 40,425 companies inspected last year, or 26.2%, fully comply with the requirements, while 73.6% comply with the requirements but have identified non-compliance issues that affect food safety, and 0.17% were found to be non-compliant with the requirements. As indicated by the Food and Veterinary Service, the most common non-compliance issues are found in companies’ self-control (HACCP) procedures, equipment and facility hygiene, premises and personnel hygiene, personnel training, and food labeling.
Meanwhile, 73% of survey respondents admit that if they had concerns about a retailer’s hygiene compliance, they would not shop with that specific retailer, 12% would shop but express a complaint, and only 13% would shop regardless of the circumstances. “Lindstrom” experts emphasize that the data is a strong signal to market participants that investments in high-quality and safe production processes are not only due to the correct standards, but also promote business growth and profitability.
“The data shows that consumer loyalty is closely related to the trust in retailers’ ability to comply with hygiene and occupational safety standards. Consumers want to be completely sure that food is produced and sold in accordance with all norms and requirements. Retailers need to remember that consumers are cautious and make decisions by evaluating their own health and safety risks. Food safety is undoubtedly important to the population, and retailers need to be aware of every safety requirement – not forgetting about clothing, proper footwear, and the hygiene level of production facilities. It is a complete cycle that provides the best results,” says Ivars Šmits, CEO of “Lindstrom”.
*The survey of residents was conducted in May 2023, surveying 1001 Latvian residents.
About ”Lindstrom”:
“Lindstrom” has been operating in Latvia since 1994 and offers its customers rental and daily maintenance of workwear, mats, floor cleaning mops, and industrial towels. “Lindstrom” Latvia is part of one of the leading textile service providers in Europe and Asia with over 175 years of experience in this field – “Lindström Group”. Over the years, accumulated knowledge and technical support provide “Lindstrom” with the opportunity to adapt services to the specific requirements of companies of any size and industry. The goal of “Lindstrom” is long-term development, which goes hand in hand with responsibility towards the environment and society.
How can food retailers and producers address the lack of consumer trust and loyalty in the industry?
Continue shopping with that specific retailer. This highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in the food industry to retain consumer trust and loyalty.
The survey conducted by Lindstrom, a global textile rental service company, and Norstat Latvia, a leading research company, also revealed that only 4% of respondents have a high level of trust in food retailers and producers. The majority, 68%, have a moderate level of trust, while 24% have a low level of trust and 3% have no trust at all in retailers.
Ivars Šmits, the CEO of Lindstrom, emphasized the significance of occupational safety and hygiene in ensuring public health and safety. He urged entrepreneurs to invest in hygiene and occupational safety standards, as well as reliable management systems, to address the lack of trust from a significant portion of the population.
The survey findings align with the regular inspection results conducted by the Food and Veterinary Service. According to their data, only 26.2% of the 40,425 companies inspected last year fully comply with the requirements. The remaining companies were found to have identified non-compliance issues affecting food safety. The most common non-compliance issues include self-control (HACCP) procedures, equipment and facility hygiene, premises and personnel hygiene, personnel training, and food labeling.
Overall, the survey results emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety in the food industry. It serves as a call for food retailers and producers to prioritize these areas to retain customer trust and ensure public health and safety.
