Promotions under pressure as MPs focus on child obesity

Retailers will come under more pressure to cut back on cut-price and multibuy offers on unhealthy products after MPs demanded that more is done to tackle childhood obesity.

In the report by the Health Select Committee, MPs made further calls for curbs on large discounts and price promotions on unhealthy food, and stated that rules on junk food ads be made tougher.

The report praised Aldi and Lidl for reducing the number of multibuys they offer and slammed the Government’s obesity plan – in which it introduced the soft drinks levy – for being inadequate.

“[The Government’s] vague statements about seeing how the current plan turns out are inadequate to the seriousness and urgency of this major public health challenge,” said Committee chairman Dr Sarah Wollaston.

Independent convenience retailers are urged to be more aware of offering healthier lines.

“Healthy options are increasingly being demanded by shoppers in convenience stores, so increasing the range and attractiveness of these products is an important consideration for retailers, especially given potential further regulation in the future,” said James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS.

“The discussions we have had with retailers, wholesalers and suppliers at our events and conferences suggest that increasing the provision of healthy products is rising up the agenda in all parts of the supply chain.”

What retailers said:

“All the activity is on unhealthy foods like crisps, chocolate and biscuits – those would be the lines hardest hit. We did try some healthy biscuits, but it didn’t really work for us. It’s hard to tell a customer not to buy three of a product at a quarter of the price of the healthier one. If this idea to restrict multibuys does kick off we’d have to try again with healthier options.”
Bal Singh, Nisa Local, Great Barr, Birmingham

“It’s the same argument as cigarettes – if you want to ban things, ban them. I don’t think it deals with the core problem. People used to eat all this stuff without obesity problems because they exercised. Children today sit around in front of the TV or on their iPads. We do sell things like cereal bars and try and look at healthier chocolate, but it’s not always easy to source those products.”
Naresh Purohit, Marseans, Dartford, Kent

“Everyone’s trying to offer a few healthier options, but we need more support to do more promotions. The Government can make all these suggestions, but the retailer can’t do it without the wholesaler and the wholesaler can’t do it without the supplier. To encourage healthier eating, you need to offer it as a promotion with a better price. The Government and all parties should work together.”
Bay Bashir, Belle Vue Convenience Store (Lifestyle Express), Middlesbrough