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83% of Filipino consumers want food companies to use only cage-free eggs

The nationwide survey found that 83% of consumers believe eggs sourced by restaurants, supermarkets, packaged foods companies and similar should come only from hens living in cage-free environments. 80% said they were more inclined to patronize a food brand that sourced only cage-free eggs.

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A new national consumer survey carried out by leading APAC consumer research agency GMO Research has found that a large majority of Filipino consumers want food companies—including restaurants, retailers and packaged foods brands—to source their eggs from farms that use cage-free production methods. Tokyo-based GMO Research is one of the world’s ten largest consumer research agencies, with 55 million online consumer panelists across 16 APAC countries and markets. The survey, which randomly polled hundreds of respondents from across the Philippines, reflects the evolving attitudes of customers in seeking higher animal welfare and sustainability standards from the food brands they patronize.

The nationwide survey found that 83% of consumers believe eggs sourced by restaurants, supermarkets, packaged foods companies and similar should come only from hens living in cage-free environments. 80% said they were more inclined to patronize a food brand that sourced only cage-free eggs.

The survey also found a notable willingness to pay a price premium for the shift to cage-free eggs. 89% of respondents agreed with the statement that “The advantages of cage-free eggs in terms of food safety and quality are worth spending a little extra money on.” 76% of consumers were willing to pay 10-25% more for cage-free eggs in supermarkets, and 74% were willing to spend 5-10% more for a restaurant meal or packaged food product that used cage-free eggs.

Over the past several years an increasing number of major food brands in the Philippines, including Jollibee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Ascott, MetroMart, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp and Robinsons Hotels & Resorts, among others, have committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs in the coming years in response to evolving customer values.

“These new survey findings underscore how important it is for food companies to prioritize animal welfare and other ethical sourcing practices in their operations,” said Robyn Del Rosario, Sustainability Program Manager at Lever Foundation, an NGO that supports companies in the Philippines and across Asia on sustainable sourcing. “As consumer awareness and demand for improvements like cage-free eggs continue to rise, businesses can seize the opportunity to enhance their brand reputation by aligning their sourcing standards with consumers’ expectations.”

Concern for animal welfare appears to play an important part in consumer attitudes on the issue. The survey found that 95% of consumers agreed with the statement “Hens that produce eggs should not be kept in cages; they should have the freedom to walk and move around.” 99% believed that food companies should source both eggs and meat from a supply chain that adheres to humane standards of animal treatment. Concern for animal welfare wasn’t the only motivating factor though, with 31% of respondents citing the safety of cage-free eggs as a valuable advantage.

Cage-free egg production, in which hens are given the freedom to move in open indoor environments, improves animal welfare and significantly lowers food safety risks compared to caged egg production. Exhaustive research by the European Food Safety.

Authority found battery cage egg farms have up to 25 times higher rates of contamination by key salmonella strains compared to cage-free eggs, leading the EFSA to issue a recommendation for a complete ban on caged egg production across Europe. For individual consumers, the best way to protect egg-laying hens is by reducing or eliminating egg consumption.

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Watsons hosts PowHER Forum

This forum encouraged women to embrace their authentic selves while celebrating their strength, grit, and achievements.

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Watsons hosted its first-ever “Move with PowHER” Forum, an inspiring event dedicated to women’s wellness and empowerment. This forum encouraged women to embrace their authentic selves while celebrating their strength, grit, and achievements. It brought together women from diverse backgrounds—professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, and more—to connect, share experiences, and uplift one another. Through engaging discussions on physical, emotional, and mental wellness, career growth, leadership, and advocacy, Watsons aimed to empower women to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

A Platform for Authentic Conversation and Empowerment

The event opened with a keynote speech by Lynn Pinugu, co-founder of She Talks Asia, an advocacy platform dedicated to sparking meaningful conversations about women’s strength, mental health, and gender equality. Drawing from her personal journey as a mother, wife, and advocate, Lynn shared how embracing authenticity has shaped her life and inspired her to drive change. She highlighted how She Talks Asia helps women redefine empowerment by breaking societal barriers and embracing their unique identities.

Lynn’s message resonated deeply with Watsons’ brand promise of “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great,” which champions the uniqueness of every woman and celebrates both inner and outer beauty. She highlighted how She Talks Asia aligns with this vision by encouraging women to embrace their individuality, support one another, and actively contribute to their communities. Through initiatives such as scholarship programs, employee volunteerism, and sustainability efforts, Watsons inspires women to make a positive impact on society. Watsons aims to empower women to “Move with PowHER,” using their voices and talents to drive meaningful change, uplift one another, and confidently pursue their passions and achievements.

The forum featured insightful panel discussions that highlighted key areas where women are making a difference:

Physical & Mental Wellness:

Hazel Calawod, a sports occupational therapist, mental health professional, and coach of two-time gold Olympian Carlos Yulo, emphasized the importance of building physical and mental resilience. Drawing from her experience coaching elite athletes, she highlighted how mental toughness and physical strength are essential not only for peak performance in sports but also for navigating everyday challenges.

Women in Sports:

Nicole Dela Cruz, CEO of Women’s Run PH and an advocate for women in sports, discussed the significance of representation and resilience. She shared her journey of overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field, underscoring the vital role of mentorship and collaboration in empowering female athletes to pursue their passions.

Balancing Family & Work Life:

Sharon Decapia, SAVP of Watsons’ Marketing, PR & Sustainability, offered insights on balancing her roles as a corporate executive and mother. She emphasized that true empowerment involves embracing both family and career with purpose and confidence. Sharon provided practical advice on achieving personal and professional goals while prioritizing self-care and wellness, encouraging women to nurture themselves as they pursue their ambitions.

Women in Advocacy:

Lynn Pinugu returned to discuss the role of advocacy in driving social change. She emphasized how authentic conversations on mental health, gender equality, and self-empowerment break societal barriers, inspiring women to embrace their unique strengths and lead with purpose.

A key theme of the “Move with PowHER” forum was the importance of building supportive communities where women uplift one another. By nurturing these connections, Watsons continues to serve as a trusted partner, providing resources, products, and platforms that help women excel in all aspects of life.

The event redefined traditional notions of leadership, presenting it as a form of advocacy—whether for oneself, for other women, or for broader social issues. Attendees were inspired by stories of women leaders who are effecting meaningful change and discovered how they can also lead with purpose and passion. Through the “Move with PowHER” initiative, Watsons encouraged women to see leadership as a powerful opportunity to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

The forum also provided a vibrant atmosphere with interactive activities. Guests participated in a floral workshop where they created their own arrangements, reflecting the themes of growth and self-expression. Brand segments featured PH Care, Gynepro, Jeunesse, and partners like Modess, Charmee, Cleane, and Sisters, celebrating products that support women’s health and wellness.

“Move with PowHER” embodied Watsons’ brand promise, championing every woman’s right to look good, do good, and feel great. By celebrating individuality, Watsons inspires women to embrace their unique beauty and confidence. Through initiatives like scholarship programs, volunteerism, and sustainability efforts, Watsons encourages women to give back to their communities. By nurturing their success and well-being, Watsons fosters vibrant, empowered communities where women can thrive.

Visit your nearest Watsons store or shop through the Watsons App, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, to discover your favorite health, wellness, and beauty products.

As part of Watsons’ commitment to supporting women, Watsons offers a wide range of products and services designed to enhance their health, wellness, and beauty journeys. From skincare and cosmetics to vitamins and personal care essentials, Watsons provides everything women need to look good, do good, and feel great. For added convenience, customers can shop their favorite products through the Watsons App, available for download on the App Store and Google Play, or visit their nearest Watsons store.

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Not in the mood for sex after menopause?

Many women report a decline in sexual function, including desire, when transitioning through menopause. Such problems can contribute to poor self-image and negatively affect physical and emotional well-being.

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Many women report a decline in sexual function, including desire, when transitioning through menopause. Such problems can contribute to poor self-image and negatively affect physical and emotional well-being. A new study suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for mitigating sexual concerns during this period.  

Partially due to declining estrogen levels, 68% to 87% of peri- and postmenopausal women express sexual concerns. Despite such high prevalence and negative impacts, treatment options–particularly nonpharmacological ones–are quite limited. In response, researchers initiated a small study to evaluate the efficacy of a four-session individual cognitive behavioral therapy protocol for improving sexual functioning (eg, desire, arousal, pain, satisfaction). Secondary objectives included assessing body image, relationship satisfaction, menopause symptoms (such as hot flashes), depression, and anxiety during peri- and postmenopause.

The researchers found that participants in this study experienced a significant improvement in multiple areas of sexual functioning, body image and couple satisfaction, as well as a significant decrease in menopause symptoms, depression, and anxiety, and self-reported overall health. In addition, 100% of participants indicated they were very satisfied with the treatment and that it helped them cope with their symptoms more effectively.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study that has examined the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral therapy protocol specifically aimed to improve sexual concerns experienced during peri- and postmenopause,” says Dr. Sheryl Green, lead study author from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada. “Results suggest that this type of therapy leads to significant improvements across several important sexual concern domains, and we hope this study will provide the basis for larger randomized clinical trials in the future.”

“This study is important to women experiencing sexual health related issues and provides their healthcare professionals with another nonpharmacologic treatment option to discuss with their patients,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society.

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LIFEST: InsuRUNce 2024 slated on Oct. 12

Held in its second year, LUAP Insurance Festival or LIFEST is being held to commemorate the Life Insurance Consciousness Week, per Proclamation No. 1059, which declares the first week of October for the said observance.

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On October 12, 2024, the Life Underwriters Association of the Philippines (LUAP) and the Insurance Commission (IC) is set to host the biggest gathering of life insurance companies and the general public through its LIFEST: InsuRUNce 2024, a night run that will be held at Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City. 

Held in its second year, LUAP Insurance Festival or LIFEST is being held to commemorate the Life Insurance Consciousness Week, per Proclamation No. 1059, which declares the first week of October for the said observance. 

“We recognize the importance of the general public being able to be aware of the benefits of life insurance, which is the main reason why we have partnered with LUAP for this activity this year,” said Atty. Reynaldo A. Regalado, Insurance Commissioner. “We believe that LUAP, together with us at the Insurance Commission, have the leverage and influence to gather and unify life insurance companies in a significant activity such as this one.”

The LIFEST: InsuRUNce 2024 is a night run that includes three categories: pet run, kiddie run, and a regular fun run for running enthusiasts. Each category will be inclusive of a race shirt, race bib, and goodie bag. For the 3Km, 5Km, and 10Km run, additional glow sticks and neon socks will be provided. Pet and kiddie run will only cover 1Km. The run is open to the public via RaceYa: https://register.raceya.fit/event/lifest-2024

Awards and prizes will be provided for the 1Km Kiddie Run, 3Km, 5Km, and 10Km categories: Medals for top 3 male and female and a Top Senior runner for the 10Km category. For the 1Km Pet Run, the awards that will be provided will be: Best Dressed Award, Most Glamorous Dog, and Best Instagram Post. 

“As an association composed of life insurance companies in the country, we at LUAP have seen collaboration beyond company colors. LUAP Insurance Festival or LIFEST is a testament of our commitment to foster camaraderie among financial advisors no matter what their company colors are,” said Nonna Medina, 2024 LUAP National President. “For the second year, we want financial advisors to take a breather, have fun, and celebrate life.”

Registration to the fun run will end on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

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