Jamie Oliver ‘deserves food manufacturers’ thanks’

“Jamie brought attention to a very important issue and the food and drink industry needs to take leadership on the health of the nation,”​ Eaton told the Food Manufacture Group’s Business Leaders’ Forum (BLF) in central London last week.

Manufacturers’ should do more​

In this exclusive video interview filmed at the event, Eaton told FoodManufacture.co.uk that food and drink manufacturers should do more to help their customers eat a healthy diet.

“Manufacturers can do more​ [to help educate the public about health eating]. That requires strong leadership and a higher purpose for the industry, which is fundamental to the health of the nation.”​

Food reformulation also offered potential to improve diets. “We have made tremendous progress in reducing salt content and I think we can do more in terms of reducing sugar content.”​

A spin off benefit to be gained from helping to improve the nation’s diet would be to enhance the industry’s appeal to young people, he added.

‘A stand on healthy living ‘​

“They​ [young people] want to join an industry that makes a stand on healthy living. We will be more successful in educating and attracting people to the industry if we show leadership on this issue.”​

In a wide-ranging interview, Eaton also commented on how the EU referendum might impact food manufacturers and the prospects for food and drink industry growth this year.

The forum was held at the office of host  sponsor law firm DWF at the Walkie Talkie building in central London on Wednesday January 20.

The other sponsors of the event – chaired by food industry business guru Paul Wilkinson – were ALcontrol Laboratories and insurance firm RSA.

Meanwhile, don't miss our exclusive video interview with Greencore ceo Patrick Coveney on what he believed would be the far-reaching consequences​ of a UK vote to quit the EU. 

• This video was produced by Laurence Gibbons.