HFSS: Why retailers want new law postponed
Episode 207, Jan 11, 2022, 06:00 AM
From October 2022, new rules are set to be enforced around the sale of foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).
The HFSS promotion ban has been controversial since it was first devised and now retailers are calling for a further delay to its enforcement.
The new rules will see the end of deals like buy-one-get-one-free, a ban on free soft drink refills, and restrictions on where HFSS products can be placed in a store - think sweets at the till.
Enforcement of the law has already been delayed once, so would another postponement actually make a difference?
In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, Stefan Gates is joined by three experts to talk through the issues retailers have.
They discuss what they see as ambiguity in the legislation, the challenges some stores face when it comes to complying in a small space, and how some retailers are already adapting to the new laws.
Andrea Martinez-Inchowsti, Deputy Director, British Retail Consortium
Andrea is Deputy Director responsible for food policy at the BRC. This includes labelling and consumer communication, allergen management, compositional standards and diet and nutrition policy.
She has worked with the retailers’ nutritionists for over 14 years discussing and implementing provisions such as nutrition and health claims, food information regulation, PARNUTS legislation, reformulation initiatives and Natasha's law on allergens.
She also led the joint project, with DH, to deliver the front of pack nutrition labelling scheme.
The HFSS promotion ban has been controversial since it was first devised and now retailers are calling for a further delay to its enforcement.
The new rules will see the end of deals like buy-one-get-one-free, a ban on free soft drink refills, and restrictions on where HFSS products can be placed in a store - think sweets at the till.
Enforcement of the law has already been delayed once, so would another postponement actually make a difference?
In this episode of the Table Talk podcast, Stefan Gates is joined by three experts to talk through the issues retailers have.
They discuss what they see as ambiguity in the legislation, the challenges some stores face when it comes to complying in a small space, and how some retailers are already adapting to the new laws.
Andrea Martinez-Inchowsti, Deputy Director, British Retail Consortium
Andrea is Deputy Director responsible for food policy at the BRC. This includes labelling and consumer communication, allergen management, compositional standards and diet and nutrition policy.
She has worked with the retailers’ nutritionists for over 14 years discussing and implementing provisions such as nutrition and health claims, food information regulation, PARNUTS legislation, reformulation initiatives and Natasha's law on allergens.
She also led the joint project, with DH, to deliver the front of pack nutrition labelling scheme.
Joe Harriman, Strategic Consultant – covering HFSS at data analytics and market research company IRI
Joe joined IRI in 2021 to lead its Health and Wellness practice area with an immediate focus on supporting Brand and Retail clients to respond and plan for the upcoming HFSS restrictions.
Joe has more than 10 years experience in retail consulting, working across various consulting areas, from analytics to client engagement and more recently solution design and implementation.
This blend of experience makes Joe ideally placed to identify the best solutions to commercial challenges and opportunities as well as to support the strategic or tactical deployment of these solutions.
Joe joined IRI in 2021 to lead its Health and Wellness practice area with an immediate focus on supporting Brand and Retail clients to respond and plan for the upcoming HFSS restrictions.
Joe has more than 10 years experience in retail consulting, working across various consulting areas, from analytics to client engagement and more recently solution design and implementation.
This blend of experience makes Joe ideally placed to identify the best solutions to commercial challenges and opportunities as well as to support the strategic or tactical deployment of these solutions.
Chris Noice, Communications Director, Association of Convenience Stores
Chris joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University with a degree in English and Linguistics. As Communications Director, Chris is responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations and a growing research portfolio which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report.
Chris is an official spokesperson for ACS, appearing frequently on national and regional radio and television including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Breakfast and the Daily Politics show.
Chris completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in 2013 and the CIM Strategic Marketing Masterclass in 2017.