You know that term of phrase “the good ‘ol days”? I like to think it more appropriate to call it the “not so good ol’ days”, especially when it comes to this story.
I’m optimistic that big food and the companies pumping out processed junk are soon going to be a thing of the past.
The junk food era is slowly coming to a close and we need to make sure to give it a good final shove out the door.
ConAgra, the conglomerate that owns and operates large food brands like Hunts, Reddi Whip, Orville Redenbaucher and Chef Boyardee is falling on hard times.
ConAgra recently fired their CEO and have slashed 2015 profits.
Kraft, the makers of some of this country’s worst foods like Oscar Mayer deli meats, Jello-O and Velveeta processed cheese, is also watching sales plummet. Kellogg’s, which made a move to offer “healthy” cereal options, is doing no better to make ends meet and has seen 5.4% decrease in sales over the past year.
So what gives? Why are these powerhouse manufacturers struggling to make millions?
I would like to say the answer is completely because of a move towards healthy and whole foods, but that is not quite the entire cause of this dip.
As you may know, the American dollar has bounced back from the last few years of a depressed economy and the consequences have not been favorable for the big food boys.
In an effort to spread their toxic products, companies have long looked overseas for more money. The problem now is these countries can’t afford the cost of fake food. Good riddance I say!
Now for the best part. Campbell’s soup CEO recently went on the record to acknowledge America’s growing “distrust of big food” and cited the “increasingly complex dialog” that more and more communities are engaged in.
People are starting to wake up to the lies. Cooking is not an inconvenience. You can make a meal from fresh food for as little (or less!) than you would opening a can of soup.
The charm of convenience has lost its sheen.
I like to think that forums like Healthy Holistic Living are making the difference. The more people know about the ills of processed and packaged meals, the better the food will be.
Companies can only ignore demand for so long before they must adapt to survive!
Sales of fresh food are on the rise and the numbers are forcing big food to stop a think. The amount of fresh food farmers markets has risen by 180% since 2006 to be nearing 3000 nationwide.
The systems are changing to make locally sourced food not just an option for the elite, but a real choice for all consumers. Fresh food hubs have jumped 280% since 2007 making distribution easier and more affordable for even the little guys.
Finally, a good news story I can really get behind. It seems the real good ol’ days may be yet to come!
