Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to alert food producers to emerging market demands associated
with climate change.
Design/methodology/approach – The study draws on literature review and applied market
research.
Findings – Many food retailers are applying pressure to their value chains to measure and
manage carbon emissions. Although consumers play a role, consumers are not the main driver
compelling retailers to respond to climate change.
Research limitations/implications – This study only interviewed retailers in the United
Kingdom and Japan as these are markets that are of particular interest for Australian food exporters.
Originality/value – Consumers and retailers in export markets are responding to climate
change. The research suggests that food producers may need to consider market signals in addition
to regulatory pressure and/or environmental concern when assessing their response to
climate change