Answer:

Weight control is complex lifestyle system of which diet is only one – though very important – element. It has never been our intention to flood the FMCG market with our products in a carpet bombing style. We have been contacted by many food manufacturers who wish to co-operate with us. We began introducing the Weight Control products into the market around the end of April. At present, we have 14 contracted partners with 70 products, covering practically all food categories. I cannot give you statistics yet, but I believe that most of our partners intend to maintain co-operation with us in the long run, because the number of health-conscious consumers is growing steadily. I have defined very strict criteria for the products which are to become part of the Weight Control program. I only allow the use of my name and logo on products which fully comply with my criteria, even in categories where a large volume of products are made from less healthy ingredients. Co-operation with our partners is based on regular meetings where we discuss issues of collective interest, like the communication strategy and promotional opportunities to be used in the future. Participants in the program have developed very good personal relations, which makes the co-ordination of interests easier. Once we have a working relationship in a product category, we do not accept new offers, even if there is a bigger market share behind the offer. On the other hand, we expect our partners to guarantee the required quality and nation-wide distribution. We are present in most of the retail chains.