Retailers: voluntary health labelling should be pre-competitive

January 20th, 2015

As the retail sector is an important area for propagating healthy choices, Choices International compiled a study on the motivation of retailers to adopt a front-of-pack positive health labelling system.

We interviewed 14 international food retailers from 11 different countries on 4 continents.

From the results we can conclude four main findings. Certain preconditions have to be met. Apart of course from consumer appreciation and an adequate legal framework, it should be open for all players on the market. Credibility of the label will be higher if many brands and retailers use it and if the use of the label is accompanied by unbranded information. A positive health labelling programme can be an important tool to implement the company’s health strategy. More specifically it can drive the reformulation of its private brand products, making them more competitive. Several retailers find it important that reformulation and positive health labelling of their private brand products can help low income consumers in making healthier choices.

Find the summary of the retail study here.

A publication of this study is in preparation. 

ICN2 focuses on nutrition secu