Product Reformulation Numbers Take Centre Stage in Latest Health & Wellness Progress Report

For example, the data covered in our 2016-member survey shows that:

• 180,000 products have been reformulated, with 75% of responding members confirming they have reformulated products. For food and beverage companies, sodium and sugar were most often targeted for removal in reformulation and whole grains and vitamins were the most common nutrients to be added. For personal care and hygiene companies, the removal of parabens was the number one target in reformulation.
• More than 30,000 communities were reached through industry-led health and wellness programmes, with 72% of responding members having partnered with community stakeholders.
• Over 386,000 schools were involved in education programmes on health and wellness.
• 93% of respondents said a “strong majority” of employees are eligible for employee health and wellness programmes.
• 44% confirmed they were consulted by national and/or regional governments on the issue of improving health and wellness.

There is a lot to be proud of with regards to the achievements of our members and their commitment to collaboration for healthier lives. We will continue to work to inspire members to drive positive change and provide necessary support through things like toolkits, case studies and workshops.

We have also seen this year how our members’ efforts in product reformulation were picked up by the media. The progress to 180,000 reformulated products in 2016 – up from 84,000 in 2015 – shows that the industry is listening to changing demands. Our members focused on salt and sugar removal amongst others, and this has been extensively reported in media outlets. Here are some examples:

• Bloomberg
• European Supermarket Magazine
• The Grocer
• Ethical Corporation
• Chicago Tribune
• Fortune
• Food Navigator
• Packaging Today
• eMarketer Retail

We see that competitive pressures and changing consumer demands will continue to drive this reformulation work and we are currently working on a framework for action to help our members with their efforts in this area.

Consumer Goods Industry Has a Responsibility to Help

There is a clear opportunity for business to contribute to public health and a culture of prevention, and members of the CGF acknowledge this fact as a responsibility. The number of products being reformulated is just one area that CGF members are making positive changes.

In our collaborative work, we want to build flagship moments for our industry and focus on topics where we can have the greatest, positive impact and use our industry strengths to collaborate and innovate to help people live healthier lives.

We need to see even more retailer-manufacturer collaborations and scaling up of programmes that bring together many-to-many – including governments and civil society – to help inspire healthier communities and create a culture of prevention.