Editor, NRN: Richard Berman’s tirade against respected nonprofit organizations, “Don’t let hypocritical activists define the company you’ve worked so hard to build,” May 14, is just another attempt to drum up donations for a shadowy group that alienates consumers by opposing efforts that would benefit public health and safety.
What the restaurant industry should realize is that consumers are more concerned than ever before about ethical business practices and wholesome products. A recent poll indicated that 60 percent of today’s restaurantgoers want vegetarian options to be available when they dine out, and a 2005 Mintel survey indicated that total U.S. sales of vegetarian food increased by 64 percent from 2000 to 2005. The increase in vegetarian food sales is due to concerns about animal welfare and personal health issues. Nonprofit advocacy organizations provide a useful resource to businesses to help bring about positive change.
This can be embraced as a mutually beneficial effort that makes good business sense.
Heather Mooresenior writer People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Norfolk, Va.