06 July 2009, 16:34 PM
  • The ‘forty-something’ to 'sixty-something’ age-group could be a big market for retailers, according to The Food & Drink Innovation Network (FDIN)

“These days people in their forties, fifties and even sixties do not want to be categorised as middle aged, they don’t look middle aged, and certainly don’t behave as some of the middle aged stereotypes which have existed in the past,” says Jeffrey Hyman, chairman (pictured).

“They have active lifestyles which a decade or two ago were only associated with people in their twenties and thirties. we regard the middle years group as an important category which we must study and respond to,” he adds.

The organisation has scheduled a seminar, which focuses on the potential sales scope for soya, fish oils, oats, plant sterols, stanols, slimming and low GI products products.

Promising to ‘explore the healthy, delicious and convenient food and drink products we can create for this important section of the population,’ the seminar will be chaired by Gaynor Bussell, nutrition scientist and registered dietitian.

Ms Bussell will be accompanied by speakers such as Christophe Jouen, head of The Future Foundation and Kate Waddell, research director of Dragon Rouge, a brand and design agency.

Previous seminars are recognised for their efficient but relaxed atmosphere. “The whole day was very well organised and timings were controlled to a T without being overly structured or formal,” says Linda McKnight, product development manager of Dawn Meats.

Taking place in Daventry on the 8th July, seminar places cost £390+VAT and a 20% or 30% discount is available when booking two or three places respectively.