Food Trends for 2016

Nutrition, Labelling, Calorie Posting and the “Free From Diet”.

In 2016 it will be a legal requirement to put Nutritional information on all food labels.

We at The Food Safety Company are offering a label review in a smart and cost effective way to enable you to have simple and compliant labels!

Calorie Posting is also on its way, which is a good thing. Do declare calories, promote the fact, inform your customers and allow them to choose. Having Healthy Food is truly a pre requisite for our emerging and discerning customer.

Health is to become the norm! Do declare – Tastes are changing!

We have lost a generation to obesity. We now must educate the public-make consumers more calorie aware!

What are the Growth Drivers for the public?

  •  Increased Energy
  • Weight Management
  • Healthier Diet.

Healthy options are now becoming main stream! “Free From” does not mean a barrier to enjoyment. Consumers are deciding by choice-They still want to have Great Taste, Guilt Free Treats and Smaller Portions. Taste, enjoyment and expectation!

Some Interesting Facts to Consider!

72% of the public are aware of allergen labeling-so this trend of “Free From” is not a one day wonder. Gluten free brands have grown from 30% to 50%.

70% of the world’s population and 16% in the UK are lactose intolerant.

Lactose free does not mean dairy free.

Coeliac disease affects 5% of the population however 15% of the population avoid gluten as a weight management issue-major retailers are cashing in on this trend.

There is a 20% year on year growth in gluten free food products in the United States.

The number of people with allergies has increased by 30% over the past 20 years. There is now a yearly increase of 5%. There are 10 deaths per year in the UK from allergic reactions. Buying power of the “Free From” Customer has grown by 72% over the past five years.

So educate your staff and win customer loyalty!

Food Service Staff will need to be educated on Healthy Options. Food Suppliers also need to be informed. Chefs may need to change there their cooking habits. Is there an opening for a Healthy Cooking Course?

Make it easy – Be sensible!

 

Use your Allergen Menu on your Website!

 Consumers are really aware and engaged. Use your Allergen Menu on your website-it will drive sales. The Food Safety Company can assist you with your Allergen Menu.

T.G.I Fridays has introduced a color coded healthy menu. Starbucks and Costa have teamed up with Chopped and Pod respectively to offer a healthy choice to their customers. Prêt a Manger now boast 52% of sales are vegetarian foods!

Basically these big players are listening to their customers-what are people looking for when they go out to eat? Remember your eating out customer is mainly in the 18-34 year age group. Make your Healthy Eating part of your marketing message-this is what the customer wants -this is not a fad and smart operators are responding.

 

What is reformulation?

It is the process of removing gradually ingredients like salt or sugar once they are not essential to the recipe.

If you love your customer- well then allow them to make the healthy choice.

Display the information by clear and simple labeling and give the Customer a choice!

We at The Food Safety Company are now offering the following one day courses open to the public-

  •  Calorie Posting & Nutrition
  • Food Costing and Menu Planning

 

Please contact our office for further details 021 4355917.

 

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