FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONSUMERS FIGHT OBESITY WITH HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES
New Issue of GMA/IRI Times & Trends Examines Growth of “Better-for-you” Products
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
WASHINGTON, DC, August 12, 2003 – Consumers nationwide are recognizing the severity of the obesity problem and migrating toward better-for-you products and “light, lean, low and less-of” brands. According to the newest issue of GMA/IRI Times & Trends, supermarket sales of better-for-you foods, which include soy products, nutritional/energy/wellness bars, weight-control items and bottled energy, sport and water beverages, have averaged 18 percent growth over the past five years.
In addition, sales of “light, lean, low and less-of” brands increased 6.7 percent to $5.9 billion during 2002, and the sales of popular weight management beverages grew from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $7 billion in 2002.
“Products geared toward healthful eating including lower-fat, no-fat and reduced sodium meals, snacks and drinks experienced significant growth over the past few years,” said Mike Diegel, director, communications for the Grocery Manufacturers of America. “This is clearly a sign that consumers are more aware of the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet. The food industry will continue to address this demand by offering more of these alternatives.”
The increased public attention to health and nutrition is evident in the sales of products containing soy, which has grown an impressive 60.7 percent over the past five years. In addition, sales of nutritional/energy/health bars have experienced a similar boost, rising 38 percent over the same period. The GMA/IRI Times and Trends Executive Summary offers senior-level executives concise insights each month on trends in the economy, private label, new product development, channel competition, consumer shopping patterns and more. The free summary is published monthly by GMA and Information Resources, Inc. It is delivered via e-mail each month and is accessible via the GMA Web site at
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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world’s leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps ensure the safety and security of consumer packaged goods through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association’s member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation’s economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site at www.gmaonline.org
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