PepsiCo - reformulation case studies
“At PepsiCo, our goal is to support healthier lifestyles by providing a range of
great-tasting products that are as healthy as possible.
We're very proud of the work we've done to transform the nutritional profile of
some of the nation's favourite foods – all without compromising on taste.”
Salman Amin, Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo UK & Ireland
- The PepsiCo reformulation programme has been in place since 2004.
- 40,000 tonnes of saturated fat and 2,400 tonnes of salt have been removed from
the Walkers range.
- The programme, which is an ongoing initiative, has been in place for 5 years and
has translated into 45% of the UK savory snacks market having
an improved nutrition profile.
- The key challenge has been to implement changes without compromising on taste.
- Since 2003, more than £20m has been invested in research and development –
including
the development of Sunseed sunflower oil.
As the maker of many of the nation's favourite brands, enjoyed by millions of
consumers
every day, PepsiCo has a real contribution to make in supporting healthier
lifestyles. It
aims to do this by offering a range of products that are as healthy as possible
without
compromising on taste.
Reformulation is a key focus of the drive to make the PepsiCo portfolio
healthier. This is
illustrated by the transformation of one of the company's best loved brands –
Walkers.
Since 2003, saturated fat has been reduced by up to 80% and salt by up to 55% in
the
Walkers range, removing 40,000 tonnes of saturates and 2,400 tonnes of salt
from
the
British diet.
To make these changes, Walkers invested more than £20 million in research and
development over six years. A major part of this investment was spent in
building
the availability of Sunseed oil, a high oleic sunflower oil, made from a rare
breed of seed
containing only 10% saturates compared with 45% in traditional crisp cooking
oil.
Between 2004 and 2006, the reformulation project focused on Walkers' core range,
with
the gradual introduction of Sunseed oil and reduction in salt.
The next phase, completed in Spring 2007, targeted the remaining products in the
portfolio, including Quavers, Monster Munch, Squares and French Fries.
Walkers phased in these changes and undertook major taste testing along the way
to ensure that the flavour that made Walkers the nation's favourite remained
unchanged.
One 34.5g pack of Walkers crisps now typically contains half a gram of salt and
0.9g
of saturated fat, less than 8% and 5% of an adult's Guideline Daily Amount.
PepsiCo is committed to building on these achievements and continuing the work
to
make its portfolio as healthy as possible.
As well as reformulating existing products, PepsiCo continues to respond to
changing
consumer demands and innovate in the development of new, healthier products.
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Last reviewed: 06 Jul 2009