GS1 UK recently polled 400 UK food and drink companies.
70% of UK food and drink brands are oblivious to the fact that the Department of Health will be banning volume advertising for products that are high in fats, salt or sugar (HFSS) in October. Further, 20% of businesses are completely unaware of the new legislation while half of the respondents aren’t prepared.
HFSS promotions will be prohibited in high-traffic store areas while banning volume promotions. While 48% are revamping current products to comply with the legislation, a quarter haven't given it a thought yet.
Digital marketing and advertising restrictions are also slated to come into effect on 1 January 2023. Tim Lang at City University London commented, “It’s worrying to see that businesses across the food and drink industry do not feel prepared for the upcoming changes in legislation.”
[3 minute read]