As concern is raised about the availability of affordable, healthy food, a new food rating system has been introduced to analyse both the nutrition and cost value of food. The Affordable Nutrition Index (ANI), unveiled this week at the American Dietetic Association’s Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo by leading nutrition expert Adam Drewnowski, PhD, professor at the University of Washington, is the first and only tool that assesses food’s nutritional profile and cost value to create... ...Read more »

The soft drink sector in the UK has shown resilience to the recession, with a marginal 1.1% decline in volumes last year as convenience, health and value trends ensure strong demand.Carbonates continued to claim the largest share, according to the research from Zenith International, increasing to 42.7% of volume. Still drinks also advanced their share to 8.5%, while dilutables in ready to drink form dipped slightly to 23.4%. Steeper declines were recorded by bottled water and juice/nectars, their... ...Read more »

Research released by the National Restaurant Association shows that Americans are looking for healthier options and “greener” restaurants when they dine out, in addition to an increased interest in value and convenience. Surveys of restaurant operators, customers and chefs indicate that restaurateurs will sharpen their appeal in 2009 in these areas and that restaurants’ responsiveness to customers’ preferences will drive these industry trends, according to the Association’s... ...Read more »

Restaurants may be moving beyond big steaks and even bigger spenders. As financial woes grip the US and consumers tighten their purse strings Mintel Menu Insights reports that more restaurants are promoting “value” on the menu. Through Mintel’s newly enhanced Menu Insights* database, director and registered dietitian Maria Caranfa sees more restaurants from fast food to fine dining promoting quality menu items for lower prices. She thinks it’s a wise move: “Foodservice... ...Read more »