October 24, 2003 Recent News
Parents blame selves for children's obesity, says study
Americans start to shape up, eat healthier
Winter weight gain: the gift that keeps on giving
Food industry could benefit from 'less is more' approach, study says
US consumers underestimate presence of genetically modified food - survey
EU rethinks strategy on agreeing on gene seed rules
Your next target market
The Hispanic market in the US is the fastest growing and spends more than other groups on food, and manufacturers are looking for ways to appeal to that population segment. Where other groups like convenience in their food choices, some research indicates Hispanics react negatively to that trend and they are also much more interested in home cooking and fresh ingredients. According to the article, 52% of the Hispanic market is in the 18-49 age range, with a median age of 26.6 years. Purchasing power is estimated at $562-$581 billion annually and Mexican-Americans represent about 66% of the Hispanic population, which is a varied group, often with different food interests. While larger companies such as Kraft, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have marketing divisions focusing on the Hispanic market, it is not a widespread practice. The article concludes that the Latino market is quite complex and one must do more than translate general market strategies to reach it. Campaigns must include insights into the various cultures as well. A table of which food products Hispanic shoppers most like by type of food is included.
(Extracted from Food Processing, 9/1/03)
Parents blame selves for children's obesity, says study
In a survey by ACNielsen, two of three US households surveyed held parents or guardians to blame for obesity in children 17 and under, 10% blamed fast food restaurants and 1% blamed food manufacturers. Nine percent of the 22,000 households surveyed blamed the children and 7% blamed advertising. Over 75% of households said schools should adopt policies to address child obesity, 41% called for an outright ban on sale and consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages in school and 38% said such foods should not be sold but children could bring them to school themselves. Even when given a choice of more than one culprit, parents and guardians came out at the top (86%), fast food restaurants received 60% and food manufacturers had an 18% vote. Of those surveyed, 90% said they were either very or somewhat concerned with child obesity.
(Extracted from New Nutrition Business, 9/1/2003)
Americans start to shape up, eat healthier
A new study conducted by market-research firm NPD Group says Americans, after years of getting fatter and eating less healthy foods, are consuming more fruits and vegetables and are beginning to lose weight. Salad consumption are restaurants has also grown, driven in large part by a boom in salads offered at fast-food chains.
(Extracted from The Wall Street Journal, 10/14/03)
Winter weight gain: the gift that keeps on giving
According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (March 23, 2000) most of us gain just over a pound during the winter months. Most of us never lose it. These small weight gains add up over the years--increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Unless we change our holiday habits, winter weight gain will continue contributing to rising obesity rates in the United States. Today about half of all American adults are overweight.
(Extracted from Diabetes Forecast, 11/03)
Food industry could benefit from 'less is more' approach, study says
A "less can be more" approach to food products and portions could reward food manufacturers financially and improve the health of Americans, said Benjamin Senauer, co-director of the Food Industry Center, in a study titled "The Obesity Crisis: Challenge to the Food Industry." Senauer's study shapes issues for a two-day conference on obesity and the food industry that begins October 22, 2003 at the University of Minnesota. The food center and the National Grocers Association are hosting the conference. Sponsors include Cargill, Kellogg, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, the Minnesota High Tech Association and the university's Center for International Food and Agriculture Policy.
(Extracted from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, 10/22/03)
US consumers underestimate presence of genetically modified food - survey
According to the second annual survey by the Food Policy Institute at Rutgers University, most US consumers are unaware they are buying and eating GM foods. The lead researcher said GM ingredients are in pretty much all processed foods but most Americans don't even know there are foods with GM ingredients available in the US. According to the study, funded by the USDA, awareness was up from 6% in 2001, but only 26% of the 1,200 consumers polled this year believed they had eaten GM foods. It is estimated that 60%-70% of processed foods, including cornstarch, soybean oil and high fructose corn syrup contain some GM ingredients. Consumer ignorance could be attributed to the fact that GM foods are not labeled, something 94% wanted done.
(Extracted from Agence France Presse, 10/15/03)
EU rethinks strategy on agreeing on gene seed rules
The European Commission has delayed a decision on seed purity rules until 2004. In a last-minute turnaround after saying the EU's seeds committee would vote early next week on its proposed thresholds for GMO presence in organic and conventional seeds, the EU has now sought legal advice and changed its mind.
(Extracted from Reuters News, 10/23/03)
