The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has announced that a new set of 'Consumer Engagement Principles' has been approved by the Board of Directors.
These Principles will give companies, retailers and manufacturers guidelines on how to engage with consumers as well as information on data protection, in order to build trust between both parties.
The aim of the Principles is to safeguard consumers' privacy, as ever-larger digital footprints are being left while doing business. The guidelines will help consumer goods companies be seen as responsible users and stewards of consumer data and insights.
The seven Principles, outlined by the CGF, include:
enabling consumers to easily choose whether and how their personal information is used and to have access to information on how their personal information is used, and the ability to correct it and/or have it removed; listening and responding to consumer feedback about the use of their personal data; preserving integrity in social media practices; and protecting the reliability and accuracy of consumers’ personal information and, should things go wrong, being open about the status of their personal information. Muhtar Kent, Chairman & CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, called it a "significant step" towards the prevention of data misuse in the industry.
"The Principles will involve consumers in how their personal information is used, and we encourage all consumer goods companies, large and small, to continue to strive for the highest standards of consumer protection,” added Kent.
The CGF is an industry network of some 400 members across 70 countries. Its aim is to "bring together consumer goods manufacturers and retailers in pursuit of business practices for efficiency and positive change across our industry benefiting shoppers, consumers and the world without impeding competition”.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by John Golden
