Fast food chains have switched their menu items to use organic ingredients. (Image : Kobizmedia / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Dec.31 (Korea Bizwire) –The year of 2015 saw the most changes in food policies among key global food companies, according to NPR, the public broadcasting station in American media.
First of all, fast food chains have switched their menu items to use organic ingredients. McDonalds announced that they will gradually eliminate the use of chicken exposed to antibiotics, and large distributors such as Dunkin Doughnuts and Costco have joined the movement of using cage-free eggs.
The movement to kick out artificial additives spread is the next deciding factor in this health conscious fast food movement. ‘Panera’, a popular American Bakery, has stopped using 10 different types of additives in their breads other menu items. ‘General Mill’s’ and ‘Nestle’ announced that they will soon begin to stop the use of artificial colors and spices.
The drastic change towards healthy eating in the food industry reflects the constant changing demands of consumers. According to a survey conducted by Nielsen, more and more consumers are willing to cash out more on foods that are ‘100 percent, all natural’, ‘clean’, and ‘minimally processed’.
The sales of ‘local foods’ that have a closer connection geographically to the consumers showed a huge annual increase of $1.1 billion. The organic food market which includes GMO free and gluten free foods is also growing at an astounding 8 to 10 percent a year. The growth is expected to be maintained for at least 6 to 8 percent in the following years, due to consumers’ wants and needs.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
