Scientists, educators and marketing experts gathered this week to discuss how consumers influence and receive food-health and food-safety messages at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo in New Orleans. The health and wellness trend has been remarkably strong over the past couple of years and, as consumer demand for ‘better for you’ products escalates, the knowledge of how to communicate the healthy food message becomes pivotal. Nancy Childs, PhD, Professor... ...Read more »
Over 70 of the most influential intellectuals and industry representatives in the food and pharmaceutical sectors converged on Melbourne’s Federation Square on Friday 27 June 2008 for the Pharmafood Forum organised by InnovationXchange. Speakers at the conference discussed a broad range of issues for the food and pharmaceutical industries and, in particular, the growing overlap between the two industries as consumers increase their demand for foods which serve a functional purpose. A... ...Read more »
Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars and SumoSalad have confirmed their reputations as retailers to watch following the NRA American Express Rewards for Excellence last night. The awards, organized by the National Retail Association (NRA), were held for the 14th time, with Crust presented with a specially created encouragement award in the Best Food Retailer category after the judges found it very hard to split Crust and SumoSalad. The competition for Best Food Retailer incorporated a strong list of... ...Read more »
The South Australian Government’s program to help rid school canteens of junk food has come under fire from the Liberal Opposition due to concerns about food additives. The ‘Rite-Bite’ campaign initiated by the Labor Party is designed to reduce fat, sugar and salt content in school canteens across South Australia, but the lack of policing of preservatives and additives worries the opposition. Shadow Education Minister, David Pisoni, has now called for an investigation into... ...Read more »
As public concern about the obesity epidemic has grown over the past five years so too has the number of stores providing healthier choices on their menus. According to research by the Heart Foundation, 88% of Australian consumers now believe that food retailers have a social responsibility to provide healthier options to consumers. Consumers are therefore demanding to be provided with healthier options and companies adapting to the changing preferences are doing so with great success. With... ...Read more »
Boost Juice has created a range of smoothies which Nestle is set to produce and deliver to UK supermarkets, cafes and convenience stores. The Boost Juice franchise, most popular here in Australia, has only recently expanded into Britain. However, Nestle’s research suggested that the brand resonated with consumers and viewed Boost as an opportunity to continue their push into healthier food and beverage options. There are only eight Boost stores in the UK and with many more in Australia Nestle... ...Read more »