How can food manufacturing companies increase transparency in product labeling?

1 Define transparency goals

The first step to increase transparency in product labeling is to define what transparency means for your company and your customers. Transparency can have different dimensions, such as nutritional information, allergen warnings, environmental footprint, social responsibility, or traceability. You need to identify which aspects of transparency are most relevant and important for your target audience and your brand values. You also need to set clear and measurable goals for transparency, such as complying with regulations, increasing customer satisfaction, or reducing negative impacts.

2 Choose appropriate labels and certifications

The next step to increase transparency in product labeling is to choose the appropriate labels and certifications that communicate your transparency goals to your customers. Labels and certifications are visual cues that signal the quality, safety, and sustainability of your products. However, not all labels and certifications are equally credible, recognized, or meaningful. You need to select the ones that are relevant for your industry, your product category, and your customer expectations. You also need to ensure that you meet the standards and criteria of the labels and certifications you use and that you can verify them if needed.

3 Use clear and accurate language

The third step to increase transparency in product labeling is to use clear and accurate language that conveys your transparency goals and labels in a simple and understandable way. Language is a powerful tool to inform, educate, and persuade your customers, but it can also be a source of confusion, mistrust, or backlash if used incorrectly. You need to avoid vague, misleading, or exaggerated claims that may violate regulations or consumer rights. You also need to avoid technical jargon, abbreviations, or acronyms that may confuse or alienate your customers. Instead, you need to use plain, consistent, and honest language that explains your transparency goals and labels in a concise and accessible way.

4 Leverage digital technologies

The fourth step to increase transparency in product labeling is to leverage digital technologies that enable you to provide more information, interaction, and engagement with your customers. Digital technologies, such as QR codes, NFC tags, or blockchain, can link your physical labels to online platforms that offer more details, stories, or evidence about your transparency goals and labels. Digital technologies can also allow you to collect feedback, data, or insights from your customers that can help you improve your transparency efforts and performance. Additionally, digital technologies can help you create a distinctive and memorable customer experience that enhances your brand image and loyalty.

5 Collaborate with stakeholders

The fifth step to increase transparency in product labeling is to collaborate with stakeholders that can support, validate, or enhance your transparency efforts and outcomes. Stakeholders are the people or organizations that have an interest or influence in your food manufacturing business, such as suppliers, distributors, retailers, regulators, NGOs, or media. By collaborating with stakeholders, you can benefit from their expertise, resources, or networks that can help you achieve your transparency goals and labels. You can also benefit from their feedback, endorsement, or advocacy that can help you build credibility, trust, or reputation among your customers and the public.

6 Monitor and evaluate results

The final step to increase transparency in product labeling is to monitor and evaluate the results of your transparency efforts and actions. Monitoring and evaluating results can help you assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of your transparency goals and labels. It can also help you identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, or threats of your transparency strategy and practice. You need to use relevant and reliable indicators, methods, and tools to measure and analyze your transparency results, such as customer surveys, sales data, or third-party audits. You also need to use the results to communicate your transparency achievements, challenges, or learnings to your customers and stakeholders and to improve your transparency performance and value.