Hindustan Unilever’s ‘health food drinks’ have been renamed functional nutritional drinks (FND) after the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry ordered e-commerce websites to remove drinks and beverages from the ‘heathy drinks’ category on their respective platforms. This indicates that the company, which has many brands such as Horlicks and Boost, has rebranded its ‘health drinks’ category and renamed its ‘health food drinks’ category as ‘functional nutritional drinks’.
“We have changed the labels of the category to FND which is a much better way to call it,” stated Hindustan Unilever’s chief finance officer, Ritesh Tiwari.
The category is under-penetrated and offers a significant opportunity for development, he said, adding that Hindustan Unilever would focus on increasing customers, usage and providing extra benefits to consumers who upgrade in the FND category. He also stated that the company is experiencing increased growth in its premium range, which focuses on diabetes and women’s health.
Previously, the National Commission for the Protection of Children stated that there is no definition for ‘health drinks’ under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered e-commerce companies not to categorize dairy, cereal, or malt-based beverages as ‘health drink’ or ‘energy drink’ since it is an incorrect term that may mislead customers.