ACS

23 March 2010

Speaking at the Tackling Obesity Conference 2010, ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan has expressed skepticism over whether imposing rules on retailers with regard to healthy foods is the best option to take, suggesting that local shops are already in tune with the race to keep up with customer demand.

The conference, held at the QEII Centre in London, is in its third year and aims to focus not only on broad national strategies to tackle obesity but also to retain an important local focus. The conference featured 400 health, education and local government professionals and stakeholders debating the most effective way to tackle the continuing obesity crisis in the UK.

ACS Public Affairs Director Shane Brennan said: “I am skeptical that interventions whether it be inflating prices; or forcing retailers to stock certain products and not stock others; or by imposing rules on where and how products are located and sold will actually achieve the desired impacts.”

“I do believe that what works is where consumer habits and demands change and business has to adapt. Certainly for our members being a large number of small players follow the consumer. They would tell you that successful retailing is about ensuring that you are keeping up with consumer demand and doing so slightly faster than your competitor.”

“As customers demand healthier choice and range, it is the businesses that respond to this quickest and best that are reaping the rewards.”

ACS is currently working in partnership with the Change4life scheme to provide attractive healthy alternatives in local shops across the country.

For more information on Change4Life, click here