Continuing Our Momentum in 2019

It’s a natural point in time for reflection and as I look back at 2018, it’s been an exciting year for PepsiCo and the North America Nutrition team as we work to put trusted nutrition choices within reach.

I personally have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded nutrition-forward partners. From our work with The Hatchery Chicago, a food and beverage incubator, to meeting with entrepreneurs across the country who are shaping the future of food with their passions and innovations, these experiences have helped ensure we’re keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry and an open aperture on how to best meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumer. 

Taking this one step further and a tangible example of the idea behind this is the launch of the Nutrition Greenhouse program in North America which offers 10 breakthrough start-ups within the food and beverage sector $20,000 grants as well as support from industry leaders and access to valuable resources for six months. We announced our 10 finalists in November and come April, we’ll award one company a $100,000 grant to continue growing their business. 

I’m also super psyched about The PepsiCo Hive, launched in July as a new operating entity within the company focused on developing and accelerating smaller, emerging brands. The idea for The HIVE was born from the idea that as the concept of scale evolves, we need to take a different approach to growing smaller brands. Getting this entity off the ground, helping to define these new ways of working and helping new acquisition Health Warrior grow in awareness and availability is something I’m really looking forward to. 

While building relationships, we’ve also brought new products to market that are nutritious and taste great, including Quaker Oat Beverage. It not only tastes delicious, but also carries a heart health claim that may be of interest to consumers who are thinking about heart health for one reason or another. At a time when it seems people can’t get enough plant-based foods and beverages, we’re excited to be bringing a distinct proposition to market. 

But, our work is not done – we need to keep the nutrition momentum going. As we look to 2019, I’m energized by some of the forecasted trends.   

·      Mindful Eating: This is a ‘buzz’ phrase we’re hearing a lot. INNOVA Market Insights defines it as “where nutritionally healthier products connect with choices that make you ‘feel good.’" Knowing the “feel good” element could look different to different people depending on the issues close to their heart, we are faced with a challenge and an opportunity. We will need to aspire to create a portfolio that is nutritious and helps better the world and planet in a variety of ways. 

·      Brain Health: This was the year of “gut health” – and while that’s not expected to go away, there is growing interest in brain health. Sterling-Rice Group reports that “consumers are looking for food and beverages that will enhance cognitive performance.” The research is emerging. 

·      Power to Protein: Protein is a hot topic, but what’s interesting is how the conversation is evolving to include plant-based proteins, faux-meat snacks, high-protein drinks and protein from bugs. There seems to be endless creative opportunities with protein, and I look forward to continuing to explore forms and sources in the coming years. 

·      Consumers Take On More Responsibility: A recent study conducted by FleishmanHillard found that consumers want to be active participants in their food and wellness journey – with 60% saying it’s “my” responsibility to improve what I eat (‘GenFood’ Study, 2018). This is important to consider as we want to become consumers’ partner in their wellness journey. 

As 2019 gets underway, I am reminded of our desire to continue to help shape the future of food – the progress we’ve made and the long and winding road ahead.  Thank you for your support, and wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.