FDBusiness.com

Recognising the importance of health and wellness to consumers, The Consumer Goods Forum’s Board of Directors has reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of its Health & Wellness Resolution published in June 2011. The Resolutions set out The Forum’s belief that manufacturers and retailers have a key role to play in improving the health and wellness of consumers, employees, their families and the communities they serve.

The Consumer Goods Forum has asked its members for increased alignment and engagement on its ambitious five-year plan, which aims to empower the world’s population to make healthier product and lifestyle choices.

Responding to the increasing importance of health to consumers, the Board of Directors of The Consumer Goods Forum has committed to lead the industry on a number of specific actions from the Resolutions, namely:

* By 2016: Make company policies public on nutrition and product formulation;

* By 2016: Implement employee health and wellness programmes;

* By 2018: Industry-wide implementation of consistent product labelling and consumer information to help consumers make informed choices and usages; and

* By 2018: Stop targeted advertising to children under 12 for products that do not fulfil specific nutrition criteria based on scientific evidence and/or applicable national and international dietary guidelines.

In addition, the Board has approved the establishment of an External Scientific Advisory Council on Health and Wellness to give directional guidance on this strategic pillar.

In order to measure progress in implementation of the Resolutions, the industry’s first ever industry-wide survey is also being conducted. Following on from the 2013 Board pilot, The Forum is now extending the process to the entire membership with a new report describing industry progress to be published in January 2015.

Paul Bulcke, Chief Executive of Nestlé and Co-Sponsor of The Forum’s Health & Wellness Pillar, says: “The consumer goods industry acknowledges its role in the health and wellness of society, the issues around it, and the imperative need for actions. We have to scale up our efforts. We have to accelerate existing initiatives. We have to engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues and efforts. We believe that The Forum will contribute to a positive impact in this area. Today’s outcome shows the commitments that only CEOs can make to demonstrate that the consumer goods industry, through The Forum, is a hugely important partner for organisations seeking to make the world a healthier and better place.”

Dick Boer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Royal Ahold and Co-Sponsor of The Forum’s Health & Wellness Pillar, comments: “Health and wellness is one of The Forum’s key strategic pillars and an area where we can provide strong leadership. The Board is working hard to drive The Forum as a key partner in the global health and wellbeing agenda and we have set clear targets and timelines to ensure that The Forum delivers on its resolutions. We encourage The Forum’s entire membership to work towards our objectives and help create a healthier environment for consumers across the world.”

The Forum is an influential global organisation with over 400 members, representing €2.5 trillion in sales. Membership is equally represented by retailers and manufacturers. It is in a unique position to create positive change in health and wellness for consumers, shoppers, employees and the communities the industry serves.