Food Is the New Food, for 2005

"With the U.S. government set to issue new dietary guidelines for Americans in January," food industry groups and PR firms are preparing to capitalize on the recommendations, writes PR Week. Burson-Marsteller's U.S. brand marketing director thinks "food companies will develop more functional foods [or 'techno-foods']and products whose ingredients have specific health benefits." She predicted, "Fiber is the next low-carb." The founder of the Food & Wine Radio Network countered, "Pepper is the new salt." But she warned that major food companies have low credibility. They will face "the same obstacles as big tobacco" when trying to convince consumers they really care about customers' health.