Independent auditing of food promotions, and recruitment services for consumer r

Tender description

Recent attention has been appropriately focused on the cost of living, particularly the relative cost of food in these economic times. One-sixth of Irish citizens are living in poverty and, due to a combination of high levels of debt, rising costs of living and lower levels of income, the majority (82%) of Irish consumers are spending their money more carefully now than in the past (TGI, 2011), emphasising the need for bargains and special discounts on the groceries they buy. Recent Mintel research confirmed how almost two in five (39%) Irish consumers report having little money left after basics and essentials are financed. While food prices have decreased by 2.6% in 2013/14, ROI shoppers continue to pay higher prices for groceries than their NI counterparts. Against this background, Irish consumers are demonstrating downward mobility in their shopping behaviours and have come to expect reduced prices, increasingly reliant on the discounters, taking discounting a step further with promotions that are most relevant to their needs, tastes and interests; and highlighting the need to keep consumers interested by offering daily deals while simultaneously being conscious of consumer fatigue towards this type of retail activity. Indeed, over half of Irish consumers see themselves as bargain hunters, suggesting consumers are receptive to promotional offers and discounts (Mintel, 2012). It is also recognised that in ROI, two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese (Growing up in Ireland, 2012; Childhood obesity surveillance initiative, 2012; Healthy Ireland survey, 2012), equating to a cost to Irish health services of €1.13 billion. There is clearly an urgent need to understand the implications of consumer purchases based on promotion and their impact on dietary needs. Ulster University has been awarded a safefood-funded contract with the principal aim to provide an evidence base on the balance of ‘healthy’ versus ‘less healthy’ food sold on promotion across a r