The food industry is facing a challenge in ensuring that they are sourcing quality products from sustainable and ethical sources. One such product, soy, has become increasingly popular as an ingredient in many foods. Therefore, businesses must ensure that the soy they are sourcing is from sustainable sources.
With the growth of sustainability initiatives and an increased focus on reducing our environmental footprint, businesses are increasingly turning to sustainable sources for their raw materials. One of the essential materials sourced by companies is soy, which is used in various industries, from food manufacturing to animal feed.
Let’s look at some of the business benefits of sourcing soy from sustainable sources;
The Benefits of Sourcing Soy from Sustainable Sources
1. Boost Your Brand and Charge a Premium
Sourcing international soy from sustainable sources is a great way to boost your brand’s reputation and differentiate yourself in the market. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of their purchase decisions and are likely to prefer brands associated with sustainability practices. You can gather more information from U.S. Soy articles.
In fact, according to a recent survey by Nielsen, 66% of global respondents said they would pay more for products from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact.
One of the most attractive benefits of sustainable sourcing is that it allows businesses to charge a premium price for their product or service—consumers are willing to pay extra for items they feel are produced with good intentions.
2. Increased Product Quality
Sustainably sourced soy increases the quality of your products because they’re higher in protein content than those grown using conventional methods. The higher protein content means better flavor and nutrition for your customers, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In most cases, quality soy products come from sustainable farming practices which increase crop yields while maintaining soil health and reducing chemical runoff into nearby water systems. That means that products made with sustainably-sourced soybeans can be better quality than those made with non-sustainable sources due to improved soil health and nutrient content in the beans.
3. More Ethical Production Practices
Sustainable production practices are much more ethical than traditional farming methods regarding animal welfare and labor rights.
For example, many farmers who use sustainable methods employ free-range systems, allowing animals more freedom while providing them with adequate care and protection from predators or harsh weather conditions.
Additionally, workers who work on farms using sustainable methods often receive better working hours, wages, benefits, and job security than their counterparts on traditional farms, where labor rights may be neglected or ignored altogether.
Finally, customers are willing to pay more for sustainably-produced products, which could also lead to increased sales for your business.
4. Reduced Costs and Better Profitability
One of the primary benefits of sourcing soy from sustainable sources is reduced costs. By purchasing sustainable soybeans, companies can save money since they don’t have to pay for additional processing such as washing, drying, or sorting. Additionally, buying directly from sustainable farmers can help companies receive a consistent supply of high-quality soybeans at competitive prices.
In addition to reducing expenses, increasing quality, and creating a more ethical production process, sourcing sustainable soy also leads to better profitability for your business. Sustainably produced crops offer higher yields due to better soil management practices that optimize nutrient uptake while conserving water resources.
Many sustainability initiatives have been found to reduce costs related to energy usage, water usage, and fertilizer inputs leading to increased profits for businesses making the switch.
5. Capture Market Share and Increased Brand Loyalty
In addition to boosting your brand’s reputation, sourcing sustainably can help you gain a competitive advantage over other companies in your industry who may be doing different things.
According to a survey conducted by Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study, 86% of global consumers said they would switch brands if another company were deemed responsible or environmentally friendly. By committing yourself to sustainable practices, you can position your business as one that takes sustainability seriously and attract new customers who value this commitment.
Finally, switching your business operations towards sustainability increases brand loyalty among your customers. Studies have shown that consumers today place a high value on brands that prioritize sustainability when it comes time for them to decide what products they should buy or which companies they should support with their money and loyalty.
Make a switch towards sustainability and show potential customers how serious you are about ensuring you’re doing right by them—this will go a long way towards establishing customer trust and loyalty over time.
Conclusion
Sourcing sustainable soy offers numerous benefits for businesses looking for ways to improve their products while promoting ethical production processes. From increased quality and profitability due to lower costs, greater customer satisfaction, capturing market share within your industry, and increased brand loyalty among potential customers—there are plenty of reasons why sourcing sustainable soy is beneficial for any food producer looking into making this shift. With so many advantages available, there’s no reason to wait any longer—go ahead and start sourcing sustainably today.
