A package-free sustainable grocery store owner has won the 2018-19 Berlin Entrepreneur of The Year. 'Original Unverpackt', which launched in 2014, has been credited for helping regular Germans reduce their carbon footprint by buying food and drink that is totally package free.

The number of British shoppers purchasing healthy produce is growing, but a recent report has highlighted the flawed make up of the food system in the UK. With socio-economic inequalities apparent in the groceries market, consumers are looking to brands to curb the negative bias.

As more people grow aware of the fact that 12.7 million tons worth of plastic is thrown into the oceans each year, many are trying to limit their personal waste. And while it can be hard to know where to start, the grocery aisle is first port of call for those looking to do their bit. British supermarket chain Iceland has pledged to cut down on plastic in its food packaging, Dutch chain Ekoplaza has an entirely biodegradable branch, and specialist stores Charlotte’s Cupboard and Clean Kilo are packaging-free, selling refills of items such as rice, dried fruit, chocolate, and coffee by the gram.

With 66% of US Gen Yers saying that food and cooking are a big part of who they are, and 47% of American restaurant-goers considering themselves to be ‘foodies’, it’s clear that people have turned food from an enjoyable essential into a serious hobby. This passion, combined with the need to look like a connoisseur, means that many people go for foods that seem sophisticated, even if they don’t actually like the taste. Catering to those who like dark chocolate more in theory than in practice, Green & Black’s launched its 70% ‘velvet edition’ chocolate, which is much easier to consume than its regular, bitter bars.