CHICAGO — In a recent study of consumer attitudes in the United States toward corporate social responsibility in foodservice, Technomic found that restaurant users rated health insurance coverage, living wages and animal welfare as their top three concerns. Consumers were asled to select among 14 different issues
In general, consumers believe restaurant chains could do more to address their high priority social issues. The chains that consumers view as being most socially responsible are McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Starbucks and Applebee's.
"Corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly important for consumers in general and restaurant users specifically," says Bob Goldin, executive vice president of Technomic. "The foodservice industry should identify and proactively address those social issues most important to their customer base. There is big payback for companies that are able to connect with consumers in this way and major downside risk for those fail to do so."
