In June 2017, the Asia Roundtable on Food Innovation for Improved Nutrition (ARoFIIN), in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), launched a report titled “Tackling Obesity in ASEAN”, to guide policymakers, health organisations and the food & beverage industry in taking on the rising threat in the region.

Amid growing policy pressures to address the rising epidemic of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, supporting good health is one of the most vital roles of the food and drink industry. This is the view of Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive, IGD, who partnered with FIA to product the newly-launched ‘Healthier Product Reformulation in Singapore’ report. In a conversation with FIA, Joanne discussed how the industry is “nudging” consumers into making healthy purchase decisions by reformulating products to become healthier, without affecting quality or taste.

The double burden of obesity and undernutrition has become an emerging threat to health and healthcare systems in the region, and many countries across Asia struggle to contain and address these issues.

New study shows 90% of Singaporeans referring to nutrition labels to make informed and healthier food choices.