Welcome to January and New Year’s resolutions. Even so, I chuckle, certain that come month’s end, I won’t see any of these people again.
But, I could be wrong. (Who me? Never!) According to the December 2010 Food Nutrition & Science, 2011 is meant to be the "year of the diet." The diet that sticks, that is. With Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program in place and a greater societal focus on eating local, fresh and organic foods, this just might be the year that Americans change their poor eating habits – once and for all.
Retailers are, of course, a huge part of this. The recent shift by markets such as Fresh & Easy to carry local, organic, seasonal produce – is influencing and affecting consumers' tastes and attention to their diets. In fact, this “year of the diet” is an excellent opportunity for retailers to cater to and impact this growing market. Consider this: healthier customers are happier customers. If they feel like you’re part of their growth and evolution, you’ve got loyalty. And when you’ve got loyalty, you’ve got business. Regular business.
So, retailers are wise to take note of this trend. And hopefully it’s a trend that lasts. Phil Lempert, founder of Food Nutrition & Science, and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com, said: "People will stop demonizing single nutrients or ingredients and begin approaching food more holistically. Shoppers will circle the aisles seeking foods rich in substance, vitamins, minerals and, of course, taste."
This is such fabulous food news! I’m truly hoping that this is, in fact, the year that Americans change the way they eat (and live) for good. Even if it means not as many bikes available at the gym.
What are your thoughts about this “trend?” Think it will last? How can retailers be a positive force in all of it? Leave your comments here!
-Heather Strang