CHEFS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE HEALTH OF THE NATION

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.

The company has committed to providing chefs and caterers with information, advice and ingredients that will help them satisfy their guests' needs. As part of the relaunch, Unilever Food Solutions will be introducing three new services to further help chefs and caterers:

• "˜Your Guest', which is about understanding the needs and motivations of their guests


• "˜Your Menu', where Unilever Food Solutions will help chefs and caterers to deliver nutritious, healthy and profitable menus


• "˜Your Kitchen', which will look at kitchen efficiency

The rejuvenation also includes a change in the visual identity, in particular the corporate logo, to closely align with Unilever and to express the new vision through the "Inspiration every day" brand promise.

Tracey Rogers concludes: "This is an exciting time for Unilever Food Solutions. The launch of the new brand reflects our passion and commitment to addressing the needs of consumers, and supporting our customers with the ingredients, ideas and inspiration to do this. Our expert team of nutritionists and chefs, along with the sales team and our new services, will help us to provide even greater assistance to chefs across the country."
[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