Retailers are doing their bit to help in the fight against obesity, so claims a report out today by the British Retail Consortium.
The BRC is publishing a “substantial catalogue of evidence from its major food retailing members” that is said to show they are responding to customer demand and delivering healthier choices, food information and actual change in what customers buy. – and doing it more comprehensively than legislation could.
“British Retailing: A Commitment to Health” is the third BRC report of its kind in six years.
The 2009 report reveals the progress achieved since the last report three years ago and assesses more businesses than ever before.
Asda, Boots, Burger King, The Co-operative Group, Iceland, Marks & Spencer, McDonald’s, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose have all taken part.
British Retail Consortium director general Stephen Robertson said: “Achieving healthier diets is about more than targets, labelling rules or promotion bans.
“This catalogue of evidence shows businesses, responding to customer demand and competing on their health credentials, bringing healthy eating initiatives to shoppers more effectively than the law ever could.
“UK retailers have been Europe’s leaders on health and nutrition for years.
“This report shows they continue to drive the agenda forward and challenge other countries to catch up.
“From reducing salt, fat and sugar to portion size options, promotions and on-pack labelling, BRC members are enabling healthier choices which are being taken up by customers.
“What we’re seeing is responsible retailers enthusiastically putting their resources and reputations firmly behind making their contribution to healthier diets.”
Speaking at the launch of the report today (Wednesday) Dawn Primarolo, minister for public health, said: “Action by the British Retail Consortium’s members to help customers make healthier choices has been fantastic, and I hope they continue to lead the way.
“Companies putting calorie content on their menus, promoting fruit and veg and taking steps to cut the amount of salt, fat and sugar in their own brand products is encouraging.
“The alliance between Government and business is starting to achieve something very profound, so it’s vital that we build on this momentum.”
The report covers a string of current food-retailing issues including labelling, reformulation, portion sizes, increasing consumption of healthy foods and eating out trends.
