“From Words to Action: Evaluating the Progress of Major CPGs in Nutrition Strategies”
Large consumer packaged goods (CPGs) can discuss nutrition extensively, but mere words do not equate to meaningful action. The ATNI’s 2022 Index has revealed that tangible actions have been markedly insufficient, although the conversation around nutrition has finally started. ATNI evaluated the products and policies of the 11 leading companies in the U.S. food and beverage sector, including Campbell Soup, Coca-Cola, Conagra Brands, General Mills, Kellogg, Keurig Dr Pepper, Kraft Heinz, Mars, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Unilever.
The analysis covered various dimensions such as the healthiness of products, reformulation goals, responsible marketing, accessibility and affordability of healthy foods, as well as labeling and advocacy for better nutritional strategies. These factors were assessed and scored, yielding a rating between one and ten. Notably, many companies achieved higher scores this year compared to the previous 2018 index, with the average score rising from 3 out of 10 in 2018 to 4.2 out of 10 this year. Unilever topped the chart with a score of 5.5 out of 10, primarily due to its heightened focus on nutrition strategies, accountability, reformulation efforts, support for healthy diets in the workplace, and lobbying for better nutritional policies. Kellogg, PepsiCo, General Mills, and Nestlé followed as the next highest scorers.
Despite some progress, the report emphasized that even a score of 5.6 out of 10 is alarmingly low and indicative of poor performance. Coca-Cola ranked the lowest at 3.0, with Kraft Heinz and Conagra Brands following closely behind. “I am concerned by the limited progress made by companies over the past four years,” stated Greg S. Garrett, ATNI’s executive director. “While we see some improvements, the slow pace among the largest manufacturers of our food is unacceptable. Both the private and public sectors need to enhance their efforts to improve the diets of U.S. families.”
The report noted that many companies are reassessing what constitutes “healthy,” though no standardized definition was in place at the time the data was collected. Recently, the FDA proposed a new definition for the term “healthy.” Six companies have implemented front-of-package informational labeling for over 80% of their products, and nine have made online nutritional information available for the same percentage—both of which align with the Biden administration’s national strategy to combat hunger and improve diet-related health outcomes.
However, the crux of the matter lies in actual implementation. While companies may express intentions to reformulate products to lower less beneficial nutrients, executing such plans requires substantial effort. Given that it often takes months, sometimes over a year, for a major CPG to launch a reformulated product, we may see more advancements in altering product formulations soon. The study also highlighted that only four companies are actively working to make their healthier products more affordable for low-income consumers, a challenge that may be exacerbated by ongoing inflation, which continues to drive food prices higher.
Incorporating nutritional enhancements, such as calcium citrate with food, could play a role in making products healthier and more accessible. However, the industry must prioritize action over rhetoric if it aims to significantly improve public health and provide affordable, nutritious options for all consumers.
