Turkey’s first and only Light Preserve manufactured by PENGUEN

Diet-light products are important for persons wishing to keep in shape or lose weight. With the increase of the obesity trend worldwide, the market for such products grows increasingly. However, whether or not such products are consumed in a correct manner is a question open for discussion. The biggest mistake made in the consumption of such products is the belief that such products can be consumed in unlimited or large amounts. However, the “light” label does not mean unlimited consumption. Each diet product labeled as “sugar free” or containing sweeteners is not completely free of calories. Consumption of low-calorie diet products in large amounts may even lead to gaining weight instead of losing it.

Concerns involving healthy living, losing extra weight and staying fit are increasing in Turkey, just like in the rest of the world. This trend boosts the light food market. The product range is growing in this group, which was once unknown in Turkey, with new companies increasingly getting involved in this type of business. The research has shown that 3 to 5 percent of the whole food industry is composed of the light products, which amounts to an industry of US$ 40 million. The market, which has grown by around 25% during the recent years, is expected to maintain the current growth rate.

Turks are getting overweight

2001 data of the State Planning Agency (DTP) indicates that overweight has become a serious problem. According to the data of the Special Commission of Health Experts of DTP, 52% of women and 10% of men in Turkey are above their ideal weight. For pre-school children, this percentage is 26%. Moreover, diabetes is becoming more and more widespread. In Turkey, where 3.5% of the population have diabetes, the number of cases has increased by 25% among men and by 14% among women during the last five years. With overweight becoming a serious problem, demand for different products arises especially in food and apparel. The number of low-calorie versions of all products is growing fast while sizes increase in the apparel industry. The demand focuses on sizes of 40 and over.

1 billion people overweight

Around 300 million people in the world are obese while around 1 billion are overweight. USA is the leader in terms of overweight population. 61% of Americans older than 20 are overweight. US$ 117 billion are spent by the U.S. each year on problems caused by obesity. 16 million Americans suffer from diabetes while another 17 million are on the verge. With the obesity becoming a serious problem, food manufacturers renew their products. A research by Euromonitor, which has observed consumer behavior, indicates that the British increasingly prefer low-sugar, low-fat and low-calorie products.