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An endorsement, investment, and advertisement from Oprah Winfrey were apparently just the shot in the arm that Weight Watchers needed to reverse its recent stock slide. In October, Winfrey bought $40 million worth of the company’s stock after it announced its new mission: healthy weight loss and wellbeing, rather than deprivation. Her investment doubled in value almost immediately. Now the company’s brand ambassador, Winfrey also launched a video campaign on Twitter targeting her 30 million followers. The stock climbed 30 percent after the campaign began. Winfrey’s stock is now valued at about $150 million, a 375 percent gain.
"Weight Watchers stock prices soar following Oprah Winfrey campaign", The Drum, December 31, 2015
Consumer market researcher NPD Group says shoppers and diners will continue to shy away from foods containing additives and preservatives, and from any ingredient they don’t readily recognize. The so-called “real and clean eating” trend means especially that fat is taking a back seat to sugar as the most taboo food ingredient. In fact, consumers now recognize that some fats are nutritious, including those found in eggs and cooking oils. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continue to worry some consumers, though they may not know why. They will buy more products labeled “Certified GMO-Free.” Also of concern: how foods are sourced and produced: i.e., locally, humanely, and without antibiotics or pesticides.
"“Real,” Clean, and Fresh Are the Attributes Consumers Will Look for in the Foods They Eat in 2016, Reports NPD Group", Report, NPD Group, December 17, 2015
| Forbes, December 17, 2015 |