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IGD has launched free workshops to aid reformulation as it says the “race is on” to make fmcg products healthier.

The workshops, which will be held at the head offices of a raft of the UK’s leading supermarkets, follow IGD research showing more than two thirds (70%) of UK shoppers are happy for food manufacturers to change the recipe of products to make them healthier, providing the products are still as tasty.

Starting on 16 May, the free workshops are designed to “help, inspire and guide companies in their reformulation journey”.

The workshops are open to manufacturers and caterers across all categories within the food industry, including small businesses.

“The race is on for food companies to make their products healthier,” said Jon Woolven, strategy and innovation director at IGD. “Nearly two thirds have told us they have started their reformulation journey but still have work to do. Some 83% said they have received positive feedback from their customers about reformulation, suggesting the benefits outweigh the risks.

“We want to help other companies who are perhaps concerned about the impact of reformulating or just do not know where to start their journey. The big question is: how do you reformulate products while still keeping the same delicious taste? Our workshops will help attendees answer this question, sharing success stories, and the obstacles companies have overcome.”

Each workshop will be co-hosted by a leading retailer on the following dates:

• Waitrose conference centre, Bracknell: Tuesday 16 May 10am-3pm

• Co-op head office, Manchester: Tuesday 6 June 10am-3pm

• Morrisons head office, Bradford: Thursday 29 June 10am-3pm

• Sainsbury’s, Holborn: Monday 10 July 9am-2pm

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