Snacks players must embrace health and wellness to beat obesity

Only a true health and wellness vision can enable global snack players to tap into the booming market for obesity solutions, claim experts. A new report from Credit Suisse projects the market for obesity fighting consumer staples could hit a massive $1.4 trillion by 2012 as the world's population continues to gain weight.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that, in addition to the 400 million adults who are obese, more than 1.6 billion adults are now overweight, with the total cost associated with overweight and obese individuals in the United States alone hovering around $117 billion.

In a comprehensive report that investigates obesity and parallel investment implications, analysts hone in on opportunities for snack players, taking a closer look at US beverage and snack firm PepsiCo and its vision to create a healthier mix.

In the 1990s PepsiCo's portfolio was indulgent;but the report cites PepsiCo's chairman Indra Nooyi who, speaking recently at an industry event, "argued for how innovation and acquisitions have transformed the portfolio to nearly 45 per cent "Good for You"or "Better for You."