Deloitte Global and The Consumer Goods Forum report finds over 180,000 consumer goods products reformulated in 2016

NEW YORK, NY, USA, 15 March, 2017—New data from The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) survey shows more than 180,000 consumer goods products have been reformulated in 2016, while over 30,000 communities worldwide have been involved in industry-led programs that promote healthier diets and lifestyles. The data is part of the latest CGF Health & Wellness Progress Report, developed in conjunction with Deloitte Global, which details how its members are working together to empower consumers and employees around the world to live healthier lives.

This report is the fourth edition since the CGF’s Health & Wellness initiative was launched in 2010. Each year, the report measures progress made towards the CGF Health & Wellness Resolutions and Commitments—a set of actions designed to encourage industry collaboration and look at specific areas where retailers and manufacturers can jointly create healthier practices and have a positive impact on consumer health and wellness. The resolutions focus on the access and availability of healthy products and services; product information and responsible marketing; and communications and education about healthier diets and lifestyles.

“In addition to the clear benefits CGF’s Health and Wellness initiative can bring to society as a whole, it’s also important to consider the business implications,” said Jack Ringquist, Consumer Products Sector Leader, Deloitte Global. “Consumer needs and desires are shifting. Increasingly consumers want to buy from companies who are transparent about their manufacturing processes and who are making a positive societal impact. And they want products and services that could help them lead fuller, healthier and more productive lives. Organizations that understand these needs will likely have an advantage.”

Over 100 CGF member companies are now reporting on how they are implementing the CGF’s Health & Wellness Resolutions and Commitments, this represents a 30% increase from 2015. Results from the 2016 survey show:

• Over 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.

Based on these findings, it is clear positive actions are being taken by the industry. For example clear actions have been taken to address the growing obesity epidemic and the increase in non-communicable diseases.

However, the report also notes that there is still much more to be done in embracing a holistic, industry-wide approach to health and wellness—including food, beverage, personal care and hygiene companies—and in contributing to a culture of prevention.

Sharon Bligh, Director of Health & Wellness at The Consumer Goods Forum, said, “There is a lot to be proud of with regards to the achievements of our members and their commitment to collaboration for healthier lives. It's clear that larger companies are demonstrating excellent global leadership, but many other companies have only just joined us on our collective journey. The CGF must continue to be the global platform that inspires members to drive positive change and provide necessary support through things like toolkits, case studies and workshops. We are hopeful that the progress being seen now will inspire the entire membership and more and more members will then contribute to ongoing efforts to share knowledge and best practices, making it even easier for others to follow suit”.

Read the full report.

About The Consumer Goods Forum

The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 3.5 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 50 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com.

About Deloitte

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