Recession hasn't slowed the food sector's drive to make its products healthier, new research from Mintel and the FDF reveals.
Health experts had warned the economic downturn could create a "health crunch" with companies halting NPD to reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in response to consumer concerns.
But in January to June this year, 250 reformulated products were launched in the UK, Mintel's new products database reveals, taking the total to more than 700 since January 2007. This equates to nine reformulated products every week for the past two years.
"The amount of work still being undertaken suggests there is no immediate sign of a health crunch in the UK," said Mintel director of insight and innovation David Jago. "Even if things slow down in the second half, it is clear from our global research that UK manufacturers and retailers are still leading the way on reformulation."
The UK had more new healthy products than any other EU country, he added. Sales of healthier eating options have now topped £8bn a year, despite sales of specific healthy-eating ranges falling year-on-year, according to Mintel.
The research showed the sector was still working hard on R&D in a difficult climate, said the FDF, warning the government against applying further pressure.
"The recession is forcing companies to reprioritise investment decisions, and the government does need to be realistic about the pace at which members can be expected to deliver new innovations in such competitive conditions," said director general Melanie Leech. "Nevertheless, our report clearly shows members remain totally committed to helping people eat more healthily."
The report singled out for praise initiatives such as McCain's switch to sunflower oil for its entire range, which cut satfat by 70%. Efforts by Nestlé to remove hydrogenated fats, and Premier Foods to reduce sugar content in some ranges by up to 49% were also highlighted.
Health experts had warned the economic downturn could create a "health crunch" with companies halting NPD to reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in response to consumer concerns.
But in January to June this year, 250 reformulated products were launched in the UK, Mintel's new products database reveals, taking the total to more than 700 since January 2007. This equates to nine reformulated products every week for the past two years.
"The amount of work still being undertaken suggests there is no immediate sign of a health crunch in the UK," said Mintel director of insight and innovation David Jago. "Even if things slow down in the second half, it is clear from our global research that UK manufacturers and retailers are still leading the way on reformulation."
The UK had more new healthy products than any other EU country, he added. Sales of healthier eating options have now topped £8bn a year, despite sales of specific healthy-eating ranges falling year-on-year, according to Mintel.
The research showed the sector was still working hard on R&D in a difficult climate, said the FDF, warning the government against applying further pressure.
"The recession is forcing companies to reprioritise investment decisions, and the government does need to be realistic about the pace at which members can be expected to deliver new innovations in such competitive conditions," said director general Melanie Leech. "Nevertheless, our report clearly shows members remain totally committed to helping people eat more healthily."
The report singled out for praise initiatives such as McCain's switch to sunflower oil for its entire range, which cut satfat by 70%. Efforts by Nestlé to remove hydrogenated fats, and Premier Foods to reduce sugar content in some ranges by up to 49% were also highlighted.
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