The rise in obesity in the Western society has reached immense proportions, while at the same time obesity becomes increasingly prevalent even in developing countries as well (Poplin, 1994). The World Health Organization, taking this unpleasant situation into consideration, rings the alarm and defines obesity as the new “global epidemic”. (WHO. Obesity: Preventing and managing the Global Epidemic, 1998).
Of high scientific interest is, of course, the research for the main causes of obesity. Obviously, such a complex phenomenon cannot be attributed to just one factor. Obesity is a multifactor phenomenon, caused by a combination of dietary parameters, contributing to an increase of energy intake, reduction of energy expenditure through physical activity and, of course, to the combination of both. All this leads to an increasing positive energy balance. The factors associated with this total energy intake increase and, by extension, with obesity, are the great variety of mostly highly palatable food, the trend of increasing the size of meals, the increase of the food’s tastiness as well as the more frequent food consumption outside home (McCrory et al. 2002).
Concerning physical activity, it is characteristic that our living environment and conditions can be described as highly “obesogenic”. Given this fact, one of the institutions which have been broadly accused as partly responsible for the problem is the food industry. The latter, however, has become increasingly aware of this and tries, in its own way, to contribute to the solution of the problem.
The food industry, as social partner, contributes to the confrontation of this particular problem in a variety of ways, such as, through product development and through the proper use of the communication channels to support the efforts for the solution of the problem. The UN Global Compact for Corporate Social Responsibility is based on ten principles and includes axes concerning the quality and safety of products as well as the protection of consumers’ health (the confrontation of obesity is part of the latter goal). In particular, E.J. PAPADOPOULOS S.A. has undertaken the following measures until today:
Balanced and healthy composition of PAPADOPOULOS products. PAPADOPOULOS biscuits have no trans fatty acids and are in their most part low in cholesterol, on the account that they are based on vegetable oils. At the same time, there is a variety of tasteful biscuits, whose sugar content is less than 25% and their saturated fat content is under the 10% limit, according to the American (IOM: DRI’s, 2002) and European (Eurodiet Core Report, 2001) recommendations for a balanced diet. Moreover, the choices resulting from the variety of PAPADOPOULOS biscuits include products rich in fibres, vitamins and minerals (e.g. calcium and magnesium) as well as in 4 kinds of cereals (wheat, rye, oats and barley).
Product labeling / Dietary information. Concerning the labeling of our products, these include, in many cases, detailed tables with the most important nutrients, so that the consumers can make their choice among a great variety of products, enjoying at the same time the quality and taste of PAPADOPOULOS biscuits. Particularly, the quantity of energy, protein, carbohydrates (grain and sugars) and fat (total, saturated and trans fatty acids) are mentioned.
Product size and packaging. PAPADOPOULOS biscuits are provided in small and big packages in order to cover the dietary as well as the indulgence needs of all ages. At the same time, the choices resulting from the variety of PAPADOPOULOS biscuits include low energy products (per unit), like Miranda PAPADOPOULOS biscuits with 22,5 Kcal / biscuit, PAPADOPOULOS PETIT-BEURRE biscuits and PAPADOPOULOS PETIT-BEURRE rye with 30 Kcal / biscuit and finally PAPADOPOULOS Marie biscuits with 30 Kcal / biscuit. Fresh pack products, such as, the Miranda 6 fresh packs and PAPADOPOULOS Cream Crackers 6 fresh packs ( per package,) can also be consumed as snack.
Responsible Advertisement and Marketing. E.J. PAPADOPOULOS S.A. follows the advertisement rules and self-binding regulations concerning the product promotion and complies fully with the relevant commitments of the Hellenic Advertisers Association. For this reason, it ensures that any claim regarding the nutritious value of its products relies on strong scientific evidence. Furthermore, it tries not to encourage the excessive consumption of its products or to mislead the consumers in any way whatsoever. Finally, it respects the “ΣΕΒΤ”, in greek, [Federation of Hellenic Food Industries] and the “ΣΔΕ”, [Hellenic Advertisers Association] Code of Conduct concerning advertisement and communication.
Dietary Education and Physical Activity Support Programs. E.J. PAPADOPOULOS S.A. develops a rich social activity, including actions concerning diet and physical activity. Particularly, E.J. PAPADOPOULOS S.A. is a permanent sponsor of the Children’s Museum, where children can cook in a special exhibition room of the Museum, designed in the shape of a kitchen; has constructed various playgrounds, where children can entertain themselves, playing in a safe environment, and finally supports sport through various sponsorships.
