Trust in the food industry is at an all-time high as a result of continued supply during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest IGD Shopper Confidence Index.

The Index blends a range of measures that relate directly to the food and consumer goods sector to calculate an overall indication of shopper confidence.

The latest figures that trust in the food industry has increased to the highest level recorded, reflects a focus on the provision of healthy products, and support for local suppliers, farmers and local communities.

It also found that overall shopper confidence is at its highest since February 2020, an increase driven by restored confidence within the over-55s, which IGD attributes to the recent vaccine roll-out.

Simon Wainwright, director of global insight at IGD, said: “The increased trust in the food industry is testament to the responsiveness and agility delivered by suppliers and retailers throughout the pandemic and this will need to be maintained for shoppers as we are faced with continued uncertainty.

“The uncertainty surrounding the length of lockdown, the economic downturn and potential supply chain issues around the EU trade deal will mean that confidence will remain fragile for the foreseeable future, but it will be interesting to see the results in February, when the Government is on course to reach its target of vaccinating 15 million people.”