In response to changing consumer preferences and growing fears about antibiotic resistance, Progresso has announced that is will now use hormone-free chicken breasts in its canned soups. As the largest retail soup brand in the US, Progresso's latest move demonstrates a major industry shift.
Starting immediately, Progresso will exclusively begin using hormone-free chicken breasts in all 36 of its canned chicken soup products. This means that these products will be 100 percent free of antibiotics and hormones. In addition, Progresso has also removed artificial colors from more than half of its soups, reduced sodium in 40 different products and expanded its range of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly offerings. As Progresso's director of marketing Ray Joncas explains, "Our purpose and passion is to make great soup just like you'd make it at home. In an effort to continually raise our quality standards, we listen to our consumers."
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hormone-free Chicken
- The shift towards using hormone-free chicken in canned soups presents opportunities for companies to capitalize on growing consumer demand for healthier and more natural food options.
- Antibiotic Resistance
- The growing fears about antibiotic resistance provide an opportunity for companies to develop innovative solutions and technologies that can reduce the need for antibiotics in food production.
- Clean Label Movement
- The removal of artificial colors and other additives from soup products reflects the rise of the clean label movement and creates opportunities for companies to offer more transparent and healthier food options.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Canned Soup Industry
- The industry now faces the challenge of adapting to consumer preferences by sourcing hormone-free chicken and offering cleaner food options.
- Food Production Industry
- The need to address antibiotic resistance and develop more sustainable practices in food production creates opportunities for innovation in the industry.
- Health Food Industry
- With the clean label movement gaining momentum, the health food industry can seize the opportunity to offer consumers more natural and transparent food choices.
