Consumers See Thousands More Product Choices with Reduced Calories, Fats, Sugar and Sodium, Industry Survey Shows

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 30,000 healthier product choices have been made available to consumers between 2002 and 2013 according to the 2014 Health & Wellness Survey released today by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).  The new choices represent an additional 10,000 in just the last four years.

"Consumers want to eat better and they want to do so in a way that fits their lifestyles. The 2014 GMA Health & Wellness Survey demonstrates that the industry has responded to this need in a significant way. America's food and beverage companies have made available to consumers thousands of new and reformulated product choices that are less in calories, fats, sugar and sodium to help them build healthy diets for themselves and their families," said GMA President and CEO Pamela G. Bailey. 

The 2014 GMA Health & Wellness Survey data was collected and analyzed by Georgetown Economic Services.  Sixty-nine companies, representing more than half of U.S. food and beverage sales, have shared data for the survey since 2002.

Food and beverage companies reported that they collectively have:

• Eliminated or reduced trans fat in more than 11,000 product choices
• Eliminated or reduced saturated fat in more than 8,000 product choices
• Reduced sugar/carbohydrates in more than 5,500 product choices
• Reduced the calorie content of more than 5,500 product choices
• Reduced sodium in more than 6,500 product choices

Additional survey highlights include:

• 94 percent of participant companies are promoting healthy eating and active living to consumers through a variety of channels, including websites and front-of-pack labeling such as Facts Up Front.
• 46 percent of companies have introduced single-serve packaging to help consumers manage their caloric intake.
• Since 2002, food and beverage companies have spent more than $300 million in nutrition and health-related activities and grants to communities.
• 72 percent of participant companies partner with public health organizations.

"GMA is proud of its member companies and the industry for its ongoing commitment to help Americans lead healthier lives.  Together, we are providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to construct a healthy diet and lead a more active lifestyle," concluded Bailey.

For a copy of the survey findings, visit:
www.gmaonline.org/issues-policy/health-nutrition/providing-innovative-and-healthy-choices/product-reformulation/

To view an infographic of the survey findings visit:
www.gmaonline.org/file-manager/Health_Nutrition/GMA-health-and-wellness-survey-infographic-fullsize.jpg

Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe. 

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day.  The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. 

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.  The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.

For more information visit www.gmaonline.org 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141017/152886-INFO

SOURCE Grocery Manufacturers Association

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