Topic > General Mills Case Study - 1818

Summary Recently, the food industry has been criticized for contributing to rising obesity rates. Within the food industry, General Mills must differentiate itself as a company that cares about consumer health, to ensure its reputation is not tarnished by allegations of worsening obesity rates. Consumers have shown a preference for products sold in smaller packages, to manage consumption. However, they are still reluctant to purchase healthier choices due to cognitive biases. By using these two trends, General Mills will be able to gain an advantage over its competitors. We recommend renewing your Nature Valley and Cheerios packaging. Additionally, a campaign will be conducted among General Mills' retail partners to promote the renewed products. Such a move can only be beneficial for the company as it is in line with its mission and will improve the sale of its healthier products. 1.0 Prevalence of Obesity Recently, obesity has become a growing concern in America. Obesity rates have increased, reaching pandemic proportions (Tomer, n.d.). These statistics are concerning for most, as it is widely known that obesity creates a number of problems. Obese people are prone to health problems such as hypertension and diabetes. It goes without saying that obese people incur higher medical expenses than non-obese people due to the increased healthcare needed for obesity-related diseases. The food industry has been accused of contributing to rising obesity rates (Wansink & Huckabee, 2005). However, the food industry is limited to satisfying consumer desires. Consumers have asked food manufacturers to provide a wider selection of consumables...paper...and Nature Valley granola bars. They will not be allowed to see the packaging so that their taste perceptions are less likely to be influenced by their cognitive biases. The employee in charge of the blind taste test must inquire and ensure that the consumer is not allergic to any of the ingredients used in the products before the taste test. The purpose of the blind taste test is to convince consumers that the taste of products should not be compromised, just because it is healthier.4.0 ConclusionIn summary, the proposed solution takes advantage of the growing demand for smaller package sizes and aims to correct the misconception that healthy food is unpleasant. General Mills should carry out the road show and blind taste tests for the revamped Nature Valley and Cheerios products, as it would not only increase the company's sales but also improve its corporate image.