February 17, 2005 Recent News
Health and Convenience Fastest Growing Trend
What's really behind the labels?
Americans pick organic over natural
Moderation to shape dieters' foods in 2005
Health and Convenience Fastest Growing Trend
Food and beverage products that support healthy diets, weight loss and on-the-go lifestyles are among the world's fastest growing. Of the seven categories that experienced double-digit revenue growth in the last year, five offered perceived health or weight-loss benefits. The top two growth categories were Soy-Based Drinks (+31%) and Drinkable Yogurts (+19%). Consumers all over the world are concerned about diet and health, particularly with all of the media attention on issues such as obesity and diabetes. A closer examination of the fastest-growing food and beverage categories reveals that consumer interest in high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets, particularly in more developed markets, was a major factor in category growth. The popularity of these diet plans, and resulting food and beverage purchases, was identified in numerous regions as a key growth driver for certain categories, while negatively impacting others.
(Excerpted from Retail Merchandiser Jan 26, 2005)
What's really behind the labels?
It is getting trickier to sort through clever food advertising and packaging to figure out what the right foods are. At just about every corner of the grocery store and on food advertisements, consumers are faced with messages that certain foods fight fat and can help you lose weight. Most recently we've been hearing health claims about how dairy foods not only an excellent source of calcium for strong bones, but also can help us lose weight. Recent research found that in a study of 34 obese adults, those who cut 500 calories a day and ate three servings of dairy foods daily over a 12-week period lost the most body weight, an average of 22 percent more than those who cut calories only. More intriguing is that the dairy eaters lost most of their weight around their waistline. Another claim is olive oil being touted as heart-healthy, helping lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels while raising your good cholesterol (HDL) levels. But too much of a good thing can add pounds. Your primary source of fats should be from monounsaturated fats that are found in foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. And remember, having some fat in the diet is an essential component to good health.
(Excerpted from Tribune Jan 19, 2005)
Americans pick organic over natural
Health-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for organic packaged foods over natural foods and beverages. Sales of packaged organic foods and beverages soared 18 percent in the last year and have now reached $10.9 billion - up 18 percent from $9.2 billion in 2003. This performance narrows the gap with natural foods and beverages, which retained a small advantage with sales of $11.3 billion but grew just 4 percent over the period. This marked shift in three short years may be attributed to growing consumer awareness of health and wellness issues. Consumers are purchasing more organic foods because they believe them to be healthier. Functional and fortified foods and beverages remain the top category of packaged consumer health and wellness goods. Sales of vitamin, minerals, herbal and dietary supplements rose 6 percent in the year. T he industry was ideally placed to take advantage of the low carb consumer trend, since dieters cutting back on carbohydrates have tendency to also leave out fruits and vegetable, resulting in deficiencies.
(Excerpted from Nutra Ingredients USA January 26, 2005)
The Whole Grains Story
The proposed 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend big increases in the amounts of whole grains to be eaten. Consumers are just beginning to pick up on the whole-grains message. The challenge to bakers will be to produce whole-grain products that taste good. Questions to be answered are: reasons for the interest in whole grains; health claims; problems to be overcome; how consumption might be increased; flour, ingredient and formulation choices; and the importance of balance in diets. The emerging focus on whole grains is expected to benefit the grain industry.
(Excerpted from Food Processing's Wellness Foods 01 Dec 04)
One Nation Overfed
Americans pile far more on there plates and stuff far more into there mouths at any given meal than do most folks anywhere else in the world. 65 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese, including more than 25 percent of Americans younger than 19, a figure that has doubled in the last 30 years. This month, for the first time since the federal government periodically began issuing dietary guidelines in 1980, the guidelines pointed out the importance of weight loss, as well as healthy eating and cardiovascular health. Americans super-size everything, especially things that are fattening in normal-sized portions. The difference between US and places like Europe is more a matter of quantity than quality. It all goes back to the sense that bigger is better and reluctance to accept limitations even at this late date.
(Excerpted from Los Angeles Times Tues, Jan. 25, 2005)
Moderation to shape dieters' foods in 2005
The food industry will this year revert to one of the oldest principles in healthy eating - balance - as it seeks to respond to a consumer move away from extreme dieting. But rather than looking to the US, forward-looking manufacturers in Europe are more likely to be following an alternative trend that has developed in Australia. The Glycemic Index has gained much coverage in the UK over recent months and will respond to consumer demand for a more 'moderate' approach to diet. Glycemic Load takes into account both the amount and the type of carbohydrate, and so is a more 'user-friendly' term for dieters. Food manufacturers will also see opportunity in mid-calorie products. Mid-calorie products have so far been restricted to the USA and not all mid-' positioned products will work in Europe. But mid-calorie foods and foods with reduced, rather than low, fat could prove to offer a good positioning for companies looking for a healthier image. Categories that feature strong polarization between luxury and low-fat variants - such as yoghurts - might benefit most from this trend, with most consumers preferring to keep some of the fat for better taste. In line with this, portion control will become a major new trend, first in the US and later in the UK and some parts of continental Europe.
(Excerpted from Nutra Ingredients.com Jan 28, 2005)
Food for children
The growing awareness of the link between diet, health and obesity is leading to an increased need for the sub-segment of healthy snacks. The number of children between ages 6 and 11 is declining, cutting the market for snack foods targeting them. Obesity concerns also work against snack makers. Findings were that parents believed a snack could be made healthier by lowering sugar, adding vitamins and minerals, and taking away additives and preservatives. To make things already considered healthy (cheese, yogurt, etc) more appealing to children, such strategies as offering "fun ingredients" or packaging could be used. One nutritionist said many consumers are beginning to avoid packaged foods targeting children and moving back to "real food."
(Excerpted from USA Today 26 Jan 05)
