FDF launches the Lifestyle and Dietary Trends Industry Group

18/04/05 The UK Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has launched the Lifestyle and Dietary Trends Industry Group, bringing together key players in the increasingly important area of enhanced nutrition and so-called “functional” food. The move will establish FDF as the authoritative voice of this industry sector.

This market grew by 523% from 1997-2003 and is worth over £1.2 billion in the UK (2003). UK food and drink manufacturers are developing an increasing range of products to meet consumers’ growing interest in diet and health and their changing lifestyle and dietary requirements.

The Group, which will work closely with FDF’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Division, will:
- keep members up to date with the latest consumer and market trends;
- share information on key research and product developments, and
- host seminars to bring together stakeholders to promote wider industry discussion and debate about developments in the sector.

The Group was launched at a seminar in London where Professor Tom Sanders, Department of Nutrition, Kings College, gave the keynote speech, providing an overview of key diet and health developments in the “functional food” sector.

Group Member Companies include: Cadbury Schweppes Plc, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland, Danone, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Kerry Ingredients, Kraft Foods UK Ltd, Masterfoods, McNeil Nutritionals Ltd, Nestlé UK Ltd and Premier International Foods.