Is this what Tom Naughton would call "wisdom of crowds" effect?

#1

Something is going on…all in a sudden, I’m seeing news report after news report on the elimination or reduction of big name brand processed foods. Just this past week, two very popular processed food items have been pulled off of Canadian grocery store shelves: Dad’s chocolate chip cookies and Skippy peanut butter.

This happened shortly after Unilever announced that they are divesting of their margarine affiliates.

And while this is going on, Coca Cola announces layoffs due to lowered consumer demand, as well as pulling some brands off shelves

Tom Naughton described the “wisdom of crowds” effect…are we seeing this in motion? Are people finally seeing that sugar is bad, and that carbohydrates are sugar in disguise? Does this mark the “beginning of the end” for Big Food manufacturers?

(Michael Wallace Ellwood) #2

I don’t think I really believe in “the Wisdom of Crowds” effect. You don’t have to go back too far in history, to see how wrong “crowds” can be.

However, I would agree that there does seem to be a trend in something like the right direction, at least for the time being. Still a very long way to go though.

(John) #3
(Danielle) #4

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(ianrobo) #5

Also today saw a report where wheat sales world wide are down 3% …

the basic thing is that older people are eating this crap, Millennials for want of a better word are not. they are the future and those dying off are not being replaced of consumers of these products.

Whether it is real food, paleo, LCHF or even the growing vegan groups these will make a massive difference to companies.

there is a tipping point.

#6

yeah…really good point. These big moves by Big Food are indicating that they are detecting a shift with consumer demand

(ianrobo) #7

yep and only look at Coke and Pepsi the movement is clear for all to see.

(Jo Lo) #8

Is this just the opposite of what happened in the 1980’s when all the low fat products came out? Although in that case I think the govmt and Big Food pushed us in that direction. In this case we are pulling in our direction…

#9

Yes, it is interesting how the party line by governmental agencies and other authorities (dietitians, nutritionists, food policy makers, diabetes association, etc) has not changed. They are still preaching low fat high carb SAD diet…but, Big Food is detecting a pattern change in customer demand despite this.

(ianrobo) #10

now this is where the net is a force for good. Back in the 80’s we had no access to search, to do our own research etc.

We really totally reliant on the press and politicians.

And now, well we can even et people persuading us the earth is flat. there is still lot of nonsense out there and not everyone is right, which is why I follow the science and for example not studies.

(Fran) #11

One can only hope this is the beginning of the end of the carbage.

(ianrobo) #12

it seems to be … it is packed up now as real food but we know little real food has sugar etc …