Celebrating Food and Nutrition
07 April 2022
The Food and Drink Federation has published its 'Celebrating Food and Nutrition' report, showcasing the work of UK food and drink manufacturers to support the nation's health by improving the nutritional status of their products and offering consumers a wide variety of options to support sustainable, balanced diets.
Topics
Download (4294 kb)The report includes fresh data from Kantar Worldpanel showing that, compared to 2017, FDF member products contribute 10% fewer calories, 12% fewer sugars, and 16% less salt to the average shopping basket.
It highlights innovation by companies – large and small – to improve the nation’s diet using methods such as reformulating product recipes, providing appropriate portion sizes and bringing healthier options to market. It celebrates the success of the Reformulation for Health programme, run by FDF Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, to support SMEs across Scotland to make their products and recipes healthier.
The report also sets out the fantastic commitments of companies to help bridge the fibre gap as part of FDF’s Action on Fibre initiative; to tackle food poverty with pioneering projects within local communities across the UK; as well as helping consumers to achieve more sustainable diets on the road to Net Zero.
We are delighted that the report is supported with expert insights from FareShare, the British Nutrition Foundation and Leatherhead Food Research.
Diet and health
Action on Fibre
The FDF has launched our new Action on Fibre Commitment. Members signed up are committed to help bridge the gap between fibre intakes and the dietary recommendation.
Reformulation and portion size
Reformulation, new product development and portion sizing are key actions for food and drink manufactures in the fight against obesity.
Food and drink promotions
The FDF believes food and drink promotions bring varied and significant benefits to consumers, retailers and manufacturers.
Food and drink advertising
There are strict UK advertising codes, but tighter restrictions are proposed. We explain why a 9pm watershed is unlikely to affect obesity.
Industry at a glance: Diet and health
Compared to 5 years ago, the average shopping basket of FDF member products is lower in calories, sugars and salt.
Dietary intakes and recommendations
As a food and drink industry, it is important to us to understand the latest scientific recommendations as well as current dietary intakes.
Food and drink taxes
Since the introduction of the soft drinks industry levy in 2018, there has been a debate about the need for further taxation of food and drink.
Government health policy
Health policy is the UK is largely devolved, with differing rules across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A summary of the main FDF health policy documents is provided here.
Government Food Strategy
The FDF welcome the new Food Strategy, which is an endorsement of the success and centrality of the UK’s food industry, from farming to manufacturing, retail and hospitality.
Sustainable healthy diets
All sectors of the food industry have a role to support a transition towards more sustainable healthy diets. The FDF is working with members to consider what this means for food and drink manufacturers.