The Functional Foods Revolution: Healthy People, Healthy Profits

by Michael Heasman, Julian Mellentin

Overview

Foods that promote human health - 'functional foods' or nutraceuticals - have caught the imagination of the global food industry. All the household-name companies are developing them as a key driver in their global strategies. They see the prospect of new markets and bigger margins, but the issues presented are fraught with complexity and difficulties. Distinguishing hype from real hope, the authors of this handbook explain the dilemmas and contradictions the industry faces. They present a wealth of detailed marketing, food policy and regulatory material from the leading markets world-wide and show how the hopes of the industry, and the consumer, may be dashed. The solution they offer is radical - nothing less than a new business model of what they term a healthful company.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853836879
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	01/01/2001
Edition description:	1
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael Heasman and Julian Mellentin are directors of the Centre for Food & Health Studies, a London-based think-tank that researches, analyses and forecasts developments in food and health around the world, and co-editors of the international business journal New Nutrition Business.

Table of Contents

Introduction * Part 1: a New Era in Food and Health? - What are Functional Foods? * Benecol - the Rise and Fall of the Colossus of the Functional Food World * Part 2: Risk, Regulation and Policy Dilemmas - A Clash of Two Nutrition Revolutions and Cultures? * Eating and Drinking in the Risk Society - Implications of Risk for Functional Food * Health Claims and Functional Food * Part 3: The Unfolding of the Functional Foods Revolution Across the World - The Japanese Invented Functional Food * The US - Breaking the Boundaries Between Food, Medicine and Health * Is Finland the 'Silicon Valley' of European Functional Foods? * Part 4: Global Marketing and Strategic Challenges - The Marketing of Functional Food and the European Dairy Industry * Functional Food Strategies - Lessons from the Revolutions * Part 5: The Healthful Company (tm) : A Leap Forward * Appendices * Notes * References * Index

Editorial Reviews

The book should be read by those in the food industry and those in the associated area of nutrition. Functional foods are seen as a growing development in the future and there are many who need to be aware of the importance of this. This is a book they should know about and read.

Frank D Gunstone

This book brings together perspectives from business and academia, and links them in a way that no other book has succeeded in doing. The perspective on public health is well developed and poses new and interesting questions. Those in academic circles would be well advised to read this book in order to develop an understanding of the business of functional foods. Conversely, those engaged in business will find much to learn about public health and the concerns of the public and regulators concerning the growth of the functional food market. An essential read for everyone.

Martin Caraher

Heasman and Mellentin cover the area of functional foods in an excellent and professional way. It is obvious how well the authors know the international situation in this area. The chapter describing Finland was very informative and gave a realistic picture of what is going on here. The last chapter is well worth reading it might give you some good new ideas!

Annika Mayra Makinen

There is a modem transition in the relationship between foods and health. Scientists and the food industry are excited about the potential of functional foods and how this concept can improve human health and market food products. Heasman and Mellentin provide the history and future for the functional foods revolution. They also provide caution to marketers in making unwarranted statements and claims. This is a must read for every person interested in foods and health.

Dennis T Gordon

This unique and timely publication provides an excellent overview of the global functional foods revolution. The publication covers consumer acceptance and policy and regulatory issues. 1 especially appreciated the seven basic business strategies that the authors indicate are being utilized by companies hoping to find success in the functional food market. As the president of a Canadian based industry association with national and international membership, the invaluable information within the book has been extremely important to my competitive intelligence activities. A great book for a great price!

Kelley C Fitzpatrick

An inspiring, compelling and totally absorbing read. 1 started with trepidation, expecting a struggle, and finished it with delight.

Mary Cawley

Both comprehensive and visionary! With their most inspiring business model, The Healthful Company, Heasman and Mellentin are challenging the global food industry to rethink their basic mission, in placing a holistic health approach at the centre of it.
—ORFFA Health & Nutrition

Linda Vansteenwinckel

This book is the state-of-the-art in functional foods. [It] demystifies functional foods most efficiently and is enriched with good illustrative examples. It is one of the few comprehensive books on functional foods currently available and is highly recommendable for anyone who wants to know more about this.>

Malin Brannback

Heasman and Mellentin's The Functional Foods Revolution is truly a revolutionary look at the hottest topic in the food industry today. A must have for anyone interested in the strategic issues and challenges affecting the global functional foods industry.

Clare M. Hasler

Heasman and Mellentin cut through the regulatory redtape to present a refreshingly incisive and up-to-the-minute account of the development of the functional foods sector.

Richard Dillon