Hindustan Unilever has rebranded its “Healthy Nutrition Drinks” as “Functional Nutrition Drinks” (FND). The change follows the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s directive to e-commerce sites, which directs them not to list such products under the ‘health drinks’ category. This basically means that HUL brands like Horlicks and Boost will now fall under the new category.
The Department of Trade and Industry had earlier advised e-commerce platforms not to classify Cadbury Bournvita and similar drinks as “health drinks”. This is because the Food Safety and Standards Act does not have a “healthy drinks” category.
Earlier, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights said that the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act) 2006 did not define “healthy drinks”.
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked e-commerce websites not to include dairy products, cereals or malt-based drinks in the categories of “health drink” or “energy drink” as it is a misnomer that may mislead customers in error.
Hindustan Unilever to grow in FND
Hindustan Unilever sees a big chance for growth in the FND category. According to Tiwari, the company plans to acquire more customers, increase product usage and offer better products to encourage consumers to choose more advanced options.
The company also noticed that premium products, especially those for diabetes and women’s health, were selling better.
