10.01.10
Food and beverage companies developed and introduced to the marketplace more than 20,000 healthier product choices between 2002 and 2009, doubling in the last three years, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association’s (GMA) “2010 Health & Wellness Survey.”
“This data is a reflection of what consumers already know,” said Pamela Bailey, GMA president and CEO. “Food and beverage companies are responding to consumer needs by providing thousands of healthier product choices that make it easier for shoppers to build a healthy diet for them and their families.”
Through the survey, food and beverage companies revealed they collectively have:
• Eliminated or reduced trans fat in more than 10,000 product choices
• Eliminated or reduced saturated fat in more than 6600 product choices
• Reduced sugar/carbohydrates in more than 3700 product choices
• Reduced the calorie content of more than 3500 product choices
• Reduced sodium in more than 3000 product choices
Additional survey highlights include:
• 93% of participant companies are developing, introducing and marketing healthier products
• 91% of participant companies actively promote healthy lifestyles in the marketplace
• 52% of participant companies have created child-specific product sizes
• 49% of participant companies have introduced single-serve packaging (e.g., 100-calorie packs)
• Since 2002 food and beverage companies have spent more than $130 million in nutrition and health-related activities and grants to communities
• 98% of participant companies have workplace wellness programs for their employees
“This data is a reflection of what consumers already know,” said Pamela Bailey, GMA president and CEO. “Food and beverage companies are responding to consumer needs by providing thousands of healthier product choices that make it easier for shoppers to build a healthy diet for them and their families.”
Through the survey, food and beverage companies revealed they collectively have:
• Eliminated or reduced trans fat in more than 10,000 product choices
• Eliminated or reduced saturated fat in more than 6600 product choices
• Reduced sugar/carbohydrates in more than 3700 product choices
• Reduced the calorie content of more than 3500 product choices
• Reduced sodium in more than 3000 product choices
Additional survey highlights include:
• 93% of participant companies are developing, introducing and marketing healthier products
• 91% of participant companies actively promote healthy lifestyles in the marketplace
• 52% of participant companies have created child-specific product sizes
• 49% of participant companies have introduced single-serve packaging (e.g., 100-calorie packs)
• Since 2002 food and beverage companies have spent more than $130 million in nutrition and health-related activities and grants to communities
• 98% of participant companies have workplace wellness programs for their employees