If you’re reading this blog regularly, you know how much we’re going on about the changes Ozempic will bring to the world of food and drink – and society in general. But even we didn’t see this one coming:

Britain has apparently found a solution to the global unemployment crisis: Weight loss shots.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have sparked debate with their recent comments on the potential economic impact of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

The Weighty Issue at Hand

The Government’s Stance:

  • PM Starmer suggests weight loss drugs “could be very important” for the economy
  • Health Secretary Streeting argues that “widening waistbands” are “holding back our economy”

The Numbers:

  • Nearly 1.4 million Brits of working age are currently unemployed
  • Obesity-related illness causes an average of four extra sick days per year, according to government claims

The Proposed Solution: Weight Loss Injections

The UK government is placing a significant bet on weight loss drugs as a potential economic catalyst. Here’s what’s happening:

  • A five-year trial of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is set to begin
  • 3,000 participants will be involved in the study
  • Health Innovation Manchester and Lilly (the drug’s manufacturer) will lead the research

Key Objectives of the Trial:

  • Examine if the drug reduces unemployment
  • Assess impact on public health service usage
  • Evaluate reduction in obesity-related complications

The Big Questions

While the government’s approach is bold, it raises several critical questions:

  1. What percentage of unemployed individuals are out of work due to obesity-related illnesses?
  2. How will weight loss shots help overweight (but not unwell) job seekers secure employment?
  3. Could reduced weight bias in hiring play a role in potential economic benefits?
  4. Is this approach addressing the root causes of unemployment and obesity?
  5. Will “fat-shaming” become socially accepted?

Industry Implications

For those in the food and beverage sector, this development signals potential shifts:

  • Increased focus on healthier product offerings may become crucial
  • Opportunities for partnerships with health and wellness initiatives could arise
  • Consumer demand for lower-calorie alternatives may grow

Looking Ahead

As we monitor this very new, and frankly controversial, approach to economic stimulation, several factors will be key to watch:

  • Results of the Mounjaro trial and its impact on employment figures
  • Public reception and uptake of weight loss injections
  • Potential policy changes related to obesity and employment

While the effectiveness of this strategy remains to be seen, it’s clear that the intersection of health and economics is becoming increasingly complex. As industry leaders, staying informed and adaptable is crucial.

What’s your take on this bold new approach? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how this could impact your business and the broader industry landscape.

6 Seeds Managing Partner Andreas Duess was interviewed by Convenience Store News Canada about the impact of Ozempic on the food industry. Check out the story here.

Thanks Michele Sponagle for writing about this important story!

In a surprising twist, PepsiCo is reversing course on the industry-wide trend of shrinkflation. But will this strategy be enough to reignite consumer appetite for its snack brands?

The Crunch on Chip Bags

As we’ve watched our favorite snacks seemingly shrink before our eyes, PepsiCo is taking a bold step to fatten up our chip bags once again. Here’s what’s on the table:

  • 20% more chips in select Tostitos and Ruffles bags at no extra cost
  • Two additional small bags in 18-count variety packs

This move comes as a response to a perfect storm of market pressures:

  • Snack sales declined 0.5% in Q3 2024
  • Retail snack volumes dropped 1.1% year-over-year
  • Salty snack prices have surged 36% since 2020, outpacing overall grocery inflation of 21%

The Bigger Picture: Why Now?

PepsiCo’s decision isn’t just about being generous. It’s a strategic play in a changing snack landscape:

  1. Consumer Backlash: Shoppers have grown weary of shrinkflation, with 68% switching brands when they notice reduced sizes.
  2. Private Label Pressure: Budget-conscious consumers are increasingly opting for less expensive store brands from retailers like Walmart and Costco.
  3. Regulatory Scrutiny: Democratic lawmakers have accused major brands of price gouging, linking shrinkflation to broader inflationary pressures.
  4. Market Leadership: As the leading U.S. salty snack producer, PepsiCo’s move may force competitors to follow suit, reshaping industry dynamics.

The Ozempic Factor

An unexpected player in this saga is Ozempic, the diabetes drug that’s become a popular weight loss aid. Its appetite-suppressing effects are contributing to reduced snack sales across the board. The question remains: will bigger bags tempt consumers who’ve moved on from frequent snacking?

What’s the Outlook?

We’re giving the probability that “unshrinkflation” will significantly boost snack sales a cautious 65%.

This forecast reflects several factors:

  • The strategy directly addresses consumer frustrations with shrinkflation
  • Increased value may attract price-sensitive shoppers
  • The move could rebuild brand loyalty and trust

However, challenges remain:

  • The impact of weight loss drugs on snacking habits is a wild card
  • Overall inflationary pressures continue to affect consumer spending
  • Healthier eating trends may limit the appeal of traditional salty snacks

So What? Navigating the Snack Aisle Shift

  1. Value Proposition: Emphasize quantity and quality to justify premium pricing.
  2. Portion Control: Consider offering a range of sizes to cater to various consumer needs.
  3. Health-Conscious Options: Develop and promote healthier snack alternatives to capture the wellness-focused market.
  4. Transparency: Be upfront about product changes to build consumer trust.
  5. Innovation: Explore new flavors or formats to reignite interest in the category.

As the snack industry grapples with changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures, PepsiCo’s “unshrinkflation” strategy marks a significant shift. Whether it’s enough to satisfy consumer hunger for value remains to be seen, but it’s certainly food for thought for brands across the industry.

Want to dig deeper into consumer trends and how they’re reshaping the snack market? At Seeds, we’re here to help you navigate these crunchy challenges and find your path to sustainable growth.

When “Big Gulp” Meets “Big Ambition”

Hold onto your Slurpees, folks! Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard, the company behind Circle K, is making eyes at 7-Eleven’s parent company faster than you can say “Thank heaven for 7-Eleven.”

It’s like watching the Romeo and Juliet of convenience stores, if Romeo wore a name tag and Juliet smelled faintly of hot dogs.

What’s the Deal with this Retail Romance?

Couche-Tard (French for “night owl,” not “couch potato”) is trying to woo Seven & i Holdings (Japanese for “we own everything, including your late-night snack runs”).

Here’s why this corporate courtship is steamier than the hot dog rollers at 2 AM:

  • Market Domination: Together, they’d control nearly a fifth of the U.S. market. That’s a lot of beef jerky and energy drinks!
  • Global Takeover: 7-Eleven’s in 19 countries, Couche-Tard’s in 31. Combined, they’d be the Genghis Khan of convenience stores.
  • Synergy Central: Imagine the purchasing power! They could buy all the Slim Jims. ALL OF THEM.

The “Big Gulp” of Acquisitions

This isn’t just any old merger. It’s the:

  • Largest-ever foreign buyout of a Japanese company (Move over, Godzilla, there’s a new beast in town)
  • Second attempt by Couche-Tard to put a ring on it (They tried in 2020. Talk about persistence!)

Why is Couche-Tard So Thirsty?

Good question! It’s a perfect storm of:

  • Market share madness (14.5% + 4.6% = world domination)
  • Global expansion fever (Because why stop at 31 countries?)
  • Scale dreams (Buying in bulk taken to a whole new level)

The Road to Retail Bliss

Before we start picking out china patterns for the happy couple, there are a few speed bumps:

  • Regulatory Hurdles: Because nothing says romance like government approval
  • Board Blessings: Seven & i’s board needs to say “I do”
  • Cultural Fusion: Imagine the employee handbook – “Arigato, y’all!”

The Bottom Line

If this convenience store courtship succeeds, we’ll be witnessing the birth of the world’s preeminent purveyor of questionable hot foods and oddly specific snack supplies. It’s enough to bring a tear to your eye… or maybe that’s just the onions from the hot dog condiment station..

Do say: “I find this merger to be quite intriguing. One might even say it’s… very convenient, very mindful.” sips Big Gulp thoughtfully

Don’t say: “BUT WHERE WILL I BUY MY 3 AM TAQUITOS NOW? OH WAIT, SAME PLACE. CARRY ON!”

From Anti-Aging to Anti-Sweating: The CPG Industry’s New Hot Topic

Remember yesterday when we talked about the CPG industry’s obsession with keeping us all young and sprightly? Well, hold onto your cooling fans, because today we’re diving into a market that’s hotter than a menopausal woman in a sauna: the menopause care industry.

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Hot and Bothered About Menopause?

It’s like the universe decided to throw a hot flash flash mob, and everyone’s invited! We’re seeing:

  • Baby boomers refusing to suffer in silence
  • Gen X realizing they’re next in line for the hot flash express
  • Millennials still wondering if they can adress menopause symptoms with avocado toast

The Numbers Are Sweating Bullets

  • The global menopause market is set to hit $24.4 billion by 2030 (That’s a lot of cooling pillows!)
  • 6,000 U.S. women reach menopause daily (That’s one heck of a hot flash mob – sorry)
  • By 2050, 1.65 billion women globally will be 50+
  • Despite the dramatic health challenges women face during this stage of life, there remains a huge gap in the American health care system to address women’s needs and private industry is stepping in.

What’s Hot (Besides Everything) in Menopause Care?

Beauty and Personal Care: Because “The Change” Shouldn’t Change How Fabulous You Look

  • Skincare that says, “I’m not aging, I’m ripening like a fine wine”
  • Intimate care products that whisper, “Dryness anywhere? Not on my watch!”

Ashwagandha and medicinal mushrooms (No, not the fun kind).

Wile is one notable brand in this category. Actor Judy Greer created a line of plant-based supplements to treat perimenopause and menopause symptoms from the inside out.

Endorsed by Serena Williams, the line includes capsules, tinctures and adaptogenic powders made with herbs like ashwagandha and medicinal mushrooms targeting specific needs, like stress, hot flashes and hormonal imbalances.

Devices: Gadgets That Make “The Change” Less… Change-y

  • Wearable cooling devices (For when you’re hotter than your first crush)
  • Home-use solutions like the vFit Gold Device, developed by Colette Courtion, for those “oops” moments (Because sneezing shouldn’t be an extreme sport)

Marketing Menopause: From Taboo to To-Do

  • Brands are getting loud about what used to be whispered
  • Celebrities in their 40s and 50s, like Naomi Watts and Judy Greer who are vocal about their own menopause journeys and are spilling the tea (iced tea, because…)
  • “40-plus hormone health” sounds way cooler than “Holy cow, is this menopause?”

The Bottom Line

If you want to ride the menopause wave (sans hot flashes), here’s your game plan:

  1. Go holistic or go home: Women want one-stop solutions, not a medicine cabinet full of single-symptom products. Think Swiss Army knife, but for menopause.
  2. Get loud and proud: Ditch the whispers and euphemisms. Channel your inner Naomi Watts or Judy Greer and shout “MENOPAUSE!” from the rooftops (or at least on your packaging).
  3. Clean and green is the dream: Sustainable, clean ingredients aren’t just for millennials. Brands like Stripes are leading the charge, so hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon.
  4. Tech it up: Partner with telemedicine providers. Because nothing says “I care about your hot flashes” like a virtual doctor’s appointment and product recommendation bundle.
  5. Aspiration, not desperation: Frame menopause as the beginning of a new adventure, not a descent into old age. Think “40-plus hormone health” à la Wile, not “Oh no, I’m old!”

Do say: “I’m not having hot flashes, I’m just my own personal summer.” cranks up portable fan to hurricane force

Don’t say: “Hot flashes? More like hot fashion! I’ve color-coordinated my cooling sprays with my night sweat-wicking pajamas and mood swing mood rings!”

Drinking your potatoes?

Remember when milk came from cows or maybe the occasional almond? Well, times are changing, and the new cool kids are… milking potatoes? Welcome to the world of potato milk, where your favorite starch is getting a creamy makeover.

What’s the deal?

Potato milk enthusiasts have decided that regular plant-based milks are too mainstream. We’re talking about people who:

  • Love their fries a little too much
  • Have ever looked at a potato and thought, “I could drink that”
  • Anyone who’s ever yelled “More veggies!” at their glass of milk

They’ve taken the humble spud and turned it into the next big thing in dairy alternatives. And believe it or not, it’s catching on.

Why now?

  • With almond milk sales souring faster than milk left out on a hot day, consumers are still thirsty for plant-based options. Enter the potato:
  • Potatoes use 56 times less water than almonds to grow. (Take that, California drought!)
  • They have a carbon footprint smaller than a potato bug’s sneakers.
  • Potato milk has 75% lower climate impact than dairy milk. (Mother Earth says thanks!) It’s perfect for those who think oat milk is just too exciting.

No wonder people are ready to drink their spuds!

Who’s behind this spudtacular invention?

Meet DUG, the Swedish company that’s turned potato-milking into an art form. These mad scientists have created a potato milk that’s currently charming taste buds in Sweden and the UK. (Sorry, US folks, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for your potato latte.)

DUG’s not just mashing potatoes and calling it a day. They’re blending in rapeseed oil, pea protein, and a bunch of vitamins to make it nutritionally respectable. It’s like they’re trying to make potatoes cool or something. (Spoiler alert: It’s working.)

But is it actually good for you?

Before you dismiss this as just another wacky food trend, let’s listen to what the experts are saying. Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Master the Media, spills the beans (or should we say, the spuds?) on potato milk:

“You get protein and fiber, both of which help you feel fuller for longer. Per eight-ounce serving, the milk contains about 3 grams of each nutrient— making it a good source of fiber,” Gorin says. “Store-bought potato milk is also fortified with calcium and vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and folic acid.”

In other words, it’s not just a novelty – it’s a nutritional heavyweight disguised as a humble spud.

How can you get your hands on this creamy creation?

If you’re in the US and want to join the potato party, here’s the lowdown:

  1. Book a flight to Sweden or the UK. (Extreme, but effective.)
  2. Make it yourself: Boil a potato, blend it, add some maple syrup. Voila! Hit us up if you actually try this.
  3. Wait patiently for it to hit US shelves. (Practice your best potato impression while waiting.)
  4. Convince your local barista that potato lattes are the next big thing.
  5. Start a potato milk underground movement. (First rule of Potato Milk Club: Don’t talk about Potato Milk Club.)

The future is… potato?

In a world where almonds are so last year, potato milk is a reminder that sometimes, the most innovative thing you can do is… mash up your vegetables and drink them. So next time you’re faced with a potato, ask yourself: “To eat, or to drink?” The answer might just surprise you.

Do say

I’m off to patent my next million-dollar idea: turnip tea. Because if potatoes can do it, why can’t turnips have their moment too?

Don’t say

Why would I stir mashed spuds into my coffee?

Remember when Walmart was for college students and coupon clippers? Well, times are changing, and the new cool kids are… pushing carts down the Great Value aisle?

Welcome to 2024, where Walmart’s becoming the hottest hangout for the haute couture crowd.

What’s the deal?

Walmart just dropped an earnings report hotter than their rollback prices, and it’s got Wall Street doing a double-take. We’re talking about:

  • Revenue jumping 5% to a cool $169 billion (That’s a lot of smiley faces)
  • E-commerce sales surging 20% (Because who doesn’t love buying bulk toilet paper in their PJs?)
  • Shares skyrocketing 7% (Investors are rolling back prices… into their portfolios)

But the biggest surprise? The caviar crowd is trading in their Whole Foods cards for Walmart ones faster than you can say “organic kale smoothie.”

The Plot Twist: Gucci Meets Great Value

Hold onto your designer handbags:

  • Most of Walmart’s new customer gains are coming from higher-income shoppers
  • These consumers are trading down faster than a stock market crash
  • It’s happening even as Walmart’s cutting prices and throwing summer sales parties

That’s right – the rich are getting richer by… shopping poorer.

Why are the rich suddenly couponing?

Even after inflation hit its slowest pace in three years, turns out everyone loves a good deal:

  • Restaurant prices are up 4% (Chipotle at home, anyone?)
  • Grocery prices only rose 1% (Suddenly, cooking is cool again)
  • Walmart’s prices are about 25% lower than traditional supermarkets (Math is fun when it saves you money!)

But is Walmart actually cool now?

Before you dismiss this as just another weird 2024 trend (like robot dog walkers), check out what Walmart’s cooking:

  • Sam’s Club memberships are at an all-time high (Move over, Costco)
  • Half of new sign-ups are Gen Z and millennials (TikTok, meet bulk buying)
  • They snagged 37% of online grocery sales last quarter (Amazon who?)

In other words, Walmart’s not just your grandma’s favourite store anymore – it’s the cool kid on the retail block, and even the rich kids want to sit at its lunch table.

Caviar Dreams in Aisle 9: What This Means for Food Manufacturers

If you’ve been turning your nose up at Walmart, it might be time to reconsider:

  • Higher earners are flooding Walmart like it’s the last lifeboat on the Titanic
  • These shoppers aren’t leaving their champagne tastes at the door. Your small-batch kombucha could be the next big thing in the beverage aisle
  • Suddenly, Walmart aisles are looking like a potential runway for your gourmet goodies. Walmart’s new clientele might be looking for truffle oil next to the vegetable oil

Here’s why you might want to hop on the Walmart wagon:

  1. Exposure to a whole new market of high-end customers (who knew they shopped in bulk?)
  2. Chance to be the fancy option in a sea of Great Value (stand out like a peacock at a pigeon convention)
  3. Opportunity to make your product the guilty pleasure of the bargain-hunting rich (Because nothing says “I’m saving money” like $50 olive oil)

The future is… discount?

In a world where even the rich are pinching pennies, Walmart’s proving that bargain hunting is the new black. So next time you’re faced with a $7 latte, ask yourself: “Would I rather have 7 Great Value pizzas instead?”

Do say:

“Darling, shall we pop into Walmart? I hear they’re having a splendid sale on artisanal truffle oil in the bulk section!”

Don’t say:

“Eww, Walmart? I wouldn’t be caught dead there. That’s where poor people shop… Oh wait, is that Elon Musk in the checkout line?”

TikTok’s New Ethos (But Make It Satire)

Brat Summer is Dead, Long Live Demure Fall

Forget hot girl summer, forget brat summer. TikTok has a new obsession, giving us Emily Post meets Gen Z satire. Welcome to the world of “very demure, very mindful,” where less is more, but it’s also hilarious.

Who’s Behind This Modesty Madness?

Meet Jools Lebron, TikTok’s new queen of composure:

  • 1.2 million followers hanging on her every demure word
  • Advising on how to be “very demure, very mindful” in daily life
  • Spoiler alert: It’s all satire, folks

How to Be Demure (According to Jools)

Want to join the demure brigade? Here’s your crash course:

  • At work: Look like Marge Simpson, not Patty and Selma (very professional, very demure)
  • At the airport: Be early, be on time, be considerate (very traveler of the year, very demure)
  • At a bar: Retrieve your ID and leave immediately (very responsible, very cutesy, very demure)
  • On the Las Vegas strip: Show a little “chee chee,” but not too much (very Sin City, very demure)

Why Is This a Thing?

It’s a perfect storm of:

  • Poking fun at performative femininity (because who doesn’t love a good satire?)
  • Spoofing Gen Z’s obsession with “quiet luxury” (Hailey Bieber, we see you and your $20 smoothie)
  • Giving us all permission to be a hot mess… demurely

The Art of Being Subtly Ridiculous

  • This trend is more layered than a very demure onion:
  • It’s a critique of societal expectations (but make it TikTok)
  • It’s mindfulness, but with a heavy dose of irony

Corporate America: Very Confused, Very Interested

Brands are jumping on the demure bandwagon faster than you can say “modest makeup”. This trend is more layered than a very demure onion:

  • It’s a critique of societal expectations (but make it marketable)
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics: Blending in… to the comments section
  • United Airlines: Making “demure travel” a thing (does this mean smaller seats?)

Why Are Brands So Thirsty for Demure?

Good question! It’s a perfect storm of:

  • Cultural shift from “look at me!” to “don’t look at me (but actually, please do)”
  • Gen Z’s love for understated elegance (and overpriced coffee)
  • A chance for brands to seem hip without trying too hard (very cool, very mindful)

Playlists: The Sound of Silence (But Make It Profitable)

  • Spotify seeing a 2,500% spike in “demure” playlist searches
  • Featuring artists like Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish (because whispering is the new screaming)

The Bottom Line

In a world where everyone’s trying to stand out, the “very demure” trend is a hilarious reminder that sometimes, the loudest statement is made with a whisper and a wink. Or, you know, with a carefully crafted social media campaign designed to look effortless.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go create a very demure, very mindful sponsored post about my new quiet luxury water bottle. It’s just like regular water, but more expensive and less noticeable.

Do say: “I find this brand engagement to be quite intriguing. One might even say it’s… very demure, very mindful.” sips $15 “quiet luxury” water

Don’t say: “HEY BRANDS, CAN YOU PLEASE SHOUT ABOUT BEING QUIET A LITTLE LOUDER? I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE SOUND OF MY WALLET CRYING!”

Yes, fall is around the corner, yes whether you love or loathe it, there’s pumpkin spice.

As we sip our lattes (well, you might, I am in the loathe camp and keep that stuff outta my coffee) and nibble on pumpkin-flavored treats, the question is:

Will this autumnal flavor continue to reign supreme, or is its popularity about to fall like leaves from a tree?

Let’s break it down- The Pumpkin Spice Reality:

Market Growth:

  • The pumpkin spice market is projected to grow from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $2.4 billion by 2031. 🌶️ 🤯 ← our reaction!
  • This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2%, indicating strong sustained interest.

Brand Commitment:

  • Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ consistently reintroduce and expand their pumpkin spice offerings.
  • New pumpkin spice products continue to be introduced by several companies for fall 2024.

Cultural Anchors:

  • Pumpkin spice has become deeply associated with autumn, evoking nostalgia and comfort. Nostalgia is a major purchase driver with all age groups.
  • Pumpkin spice has a relaxing effect on people. Autumn = hygge = relaxation and cosy-ing up.
  • The flavor has expanded beyond coffee to various food, beverage, and personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, and even deodorants.

Strategic Marketing:

  • Seasonal flavors, including pumpkin spice, are crucial in driving fall sales. Scent it up!
  • The artificial scarcity strategy heightens demand and anticipation. LTOs rule.
  • Take advantage of the cozy time of year for many. Shorter days mean candles, and dropping temperatures mean sweater weather.

Challenges:

  • Earlier introduction each year could lead to consumer fatigue.
  • The rise of bold and new flavors might shift consumer interest away from traditional seasonal options.
  • Some consumers show resistance to the trend’s early introduction.

So, what’s the outlook for pumpkin spice’s continued popularity?

Here are our key takeaways:

  1. Historical sales data shows significant growth, suggesting sustained popularity.
  2. The emotional connection and cultural significance of pumpkin spice support its continued appeal.
  3. Product diversification has broadened its market reach beyond just beverages.
  4. Potential market saturation and changing consumer preferences pose challenges.
  5. Innovation and adaptation will be key to maintaining long-term popularity.

We’re giving the probability that pumpkin spice will maintain its popularity a tentative 83%

This forecast reflects the strong market growth, cultural significance, and consistent consumer demand we’re observing.

While challenges like potential fatigue and shifting flavor preferences exist, they’re unlikely to significantly derail pumpkin spice’s popularity in the near future.

The high probability is supported by projected market growth, continued brand investment, and the flavor’s deep cultural roots.

As long as companies continue to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, pumpkin spice is likely to remain a fall favorite.

WeightWatchers just announced the abrupt resignation of CEO Sima Sistani, effective immediately. This departure comes after two and a half years of Sistani leading the company through a significant transformation period.

The Ozempic Effect: Reframing Food Interactions

We predicted this shake-up in our recent Ozempic webinar, which was attended by over 150 participants from around the globe. Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are fundamentally reframing how many people interact with food. This shift is not something that can be ignored by any player in the food industry, large or small.

GLP-1 medications are creating a seismic change in eating habits, portion sizes, and food choices. Food companies, retailers, and weight management services, like Weight Watchers, must adapt their strategies to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Key Developments Under Sistani’s Leadership

  1. Digital Transformation
    • Shift from traditional weight loss model to digital weight health company
    • Embrace of new technologies and approaches – Weight Watchers observed the change and tried to maintain relevancy.
  2. Entry into Prescription Weight Loss Market
    • $106 million acquisition of Sequence, a telehealth service in March 2023.
    • Focus on facilitating prescriptions for weight loss drugs (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity).
    • Sequence was integrated into WeightWatchers as a new offering called WeightWatchers Clinic, a $99/month telehealth service that connects patients with providers who can prescribe weight loss medications.
    • The acquisition marked a shift in WeightWatchers’ business model from a traditional weight loss company focused on diet and exercise to a “digital weight health company” incorporating medical interventions.
    • Combining behavioural and medical approaches, WW aimed to create a comprehensive weight management solution by pairing its lifestyle modification programs, eat less and better, with Sequence’s clinical interventions.
  3. Financial Challenges
    • Stock price declined over 90% in the past year, trading below $1 per share.
    • Annual revenue dropped to $890 million in 2023, down 50% from 2018 peak.
    • 2024 revenue outlook lowered to at least $770 million.

Transition and Future Outlook

  • Tara Comonte, WeightWatchers board member and former Shake Shack executive, appointed as interim CEO
  • Board size reduction from nine to eight members
  • Company states focus on “improving operational and financial performance” during transition

Industry Implications

Sistani’s departure may signal broader challenges in the weight loss industry as it adapts to the rise of GLP-1 medications and changing consumer preferences.

Free Webinar Recording

To help you understand the full impact of GLP-1 drugs on the food industry, here’s a free recording of our Ozempic webinar. This session provides valuable insights into:

  • The mechanism of GLP-1 drugs and their impact on appetite
  • Changing consumer behaviors and food preferences
  • Potential long-term effects on the food and beverage industry
  • Strategies for adapting to this new paradigm

What’s Next for WeightWatchers and the Industry?

As WeightWatchers navigates this leadership transition, the entire food and weight management sector must grapple with:

  1. Adapting to the GLP-1 drug revolution
  2. Reimagining product offerings and portion sizes
  3. Developing new strategies to remain relevant in a changing market

As far as shifts go, this one is seismic and will change the food landscape significantly.

Turn Industry Disruption into Opportunity with 6 Seeds

As the food landscape undergoes this seismic shift, your company needs a partner who can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. 6 Seeds is uniquely positioned to help you navigate this new terrain:

  1. Unlock Potential: Our AI-powered market intelligence uncovers emerging trends and consumer behaviors, helping you stay ahead of the curve.
  2. Define Purpose: We’ll help align your products and brand with evolving consumer needs in the age of GLP-1 medications.
  3. Drive Profits: Our data-driven strategies and innovative product development ensure your offerings remain relevant and profitable.

Act Now: Don’t Let Your Company Fall Behind

The GLP-1 revolution is happening now. Don’t wait to adapt your strategy. Contact us today to:

  • Receive a free consultation on how GLP-1 drugs might impact your specific product lines
  • Get a customized roadmap for product innovation in this new landscape
  • Learn how to position your brand for success in the changing food market

Email [email protected] to turn these industry changes into your competitive advantage.