Chefs have the power to change the health of the nation

16^th February 2011

CHEFS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE HEALTH OF THE NATION

- Global study shows growing consumer need for more information

Global research commissioned by Unilever Food Solutions has revealed that consumers worldwide want greater transparency around nutritional information when eating out of home.

UK findings from the World Menu Report [1] reveal that almost three quarters (73%) of consumers want to know more about what is in their food when eating out. 61% of respondents said they preferred to eat in places that are transparent about the ingredients they use; and 59% of those surveyed thought that knowing about the nutritional information would influence their choice of establishment – of these 75% said health was the reason.

The findings come against a backdrop of the UK having the highest obesity rates in Europe [2] and diet related illnesses costing the NHS £6billion per year [3] .

Tracey Rogers, Managing Director, Unilever Food Solutions says: “ The World Menu Report has highlighted a clear message to those of us within the food service industry. We know that not all consumers are asking about the nutritional value of their food when eating out of home, but if the information was available to them then this could increase. We also know that the industry is far too complex and wide-ranging to deliver a one-size-fits-all solution but with one in six meals eaten out of home we can’t afford to sit back and do nothing .

“We should work collectively as an industry to come up with workable solutions that give consumers an informed choice and meet caterers’ commercial and operational criteria. We’re already working closely with our customers to provide some of the solutions so we know it’s possible. We believe that by providing these solutions we can empower chefs to change the health of the nation.”

The launch of the World Menu Report forms part of the Unilever Food Solutions’ brand rejuvenation, which reflects Unilever Food Solutions’ new vision – to support chefs and caterers in satisfying their customers with inspiring, healthy, nutritious food to keep them coming back for more.

[1] Source: BrainJuicer, Jan 2011, n= 3,500 global respondents who eat out at least once a week from seven countries: US, UK, China, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Turkey

[2] Source: Association of Public Health Observatories, December 2010

[3] Source: Public Health Commission, July 2009