A study by Ketchum called Food 2020: The consumer as CEO, revealed that consumers around the world expect food companies to be responsible for their health and well-being and that this expectation will continue into the year 2020. 

Five countries participated in the study: Argentina, China, Germany, the UK and US. Other key findings included: 

• Taste, quality and price are the top consideration in choosing foods, except in China, where health benefits are most important. 
• When asked what factors, besides cost, prevent them from buying healthier foods, 44% of consumers cited "knowing what's truly healthy".
• In all countries surveyed, 63% of consumers want to be able to recognize all of the ingredients on a food label.
• Brands are losing their relevance, except in Argentina and China. Only one-third of consumers cited "brand name" as among the factors they consider when buying food. 
• Consumers want local food, but they're not willing to pay for it in terms of either cost or taste. 
• Consumers want food companies to take away the temptations that lead to obesity ... but they don't want to eat less.
• 56% of consumers think companies should help reduce the risk of major health issues and disease by making foods with more nutrients per calorie.

[Click here for more details of the study.]