Samenvatting

This research was conducted to gain knowledge on the consumers’ value perception of the Nutri-Score in Germany. A particular focus is on the influence of socioeconomic status and demographic factors on consumers’ perception of the Nutri-Score. The study gathered insights on the general understanding of the Nutri-Score and its practical implications among consumers. A questionnaire-based approach was employed to assess the socioeconomic status and demographic factors in the value perceptions of individuals residing in Germany. The main findings revealed statistical significance for foods and beverages labelled with the Nutri-Score and an even higher importance for the consumption of healthy foods, which were related to each other in the determination of the demographic groups. This allowed statistical significance to be analysed across all three demographic groups in age, gender, and marital status. Further analysis revealed that Baby Boomers and Generation Z, identifying as female and male, and marital status (married or single) were statistically significant among foods and beverages labelled with the Nutri-Score. The importance of unhealthy foods labelled with Nutri-Score E was ranked even higher by respondents within socioeconomic groups than healthy foods labelled with Nutri-Score A, which was nevertheless also considered important by consumers. Opinions expressed about the Nutri-Score show that ultra-processed foods are given higher importance compared to all processed foods. In particular, the newly introduced Nutri-Score algorithm for breakfast cereals received positive ratings, with respondents generally expressing agreement. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how the Nutri-Score is perceived by German consumers, taking into account their socioeconomic status and demographic factors. The results of the study are of great importance for policy makers, especially in view of the ongoing development of an updated Nutri-Score algorithm, which will include stricter criteria, especially for breakfast cereals. As a result of these findings, specific recommendations were made, directed in particular to the Commission's Joint Research Centre. The study suggests that these findings should be considered during deliberations on the adoption of the Nutri-Score as a potential standardized and mandatory Front-of-Pack nutrition labelling system.