Soy Sales Slow for First Time Since 2001

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http://www.mercola.com/2005/mar/16/soy_sales.htm

 

Soy Sales Slow for First Time Since 2001

 

 

SoybeansWhile soy sales grew by 18 percent from 2001 to 2002, it seems

the trend is slowing: sales grew just 6 percent from 2003 to 2004.

Some say the slowing trend is normal, but others in the soy industry

are growing antsy to come out with " another soy breakthrough product "

to keep the market strong.

 

New soy products have been introduced at a rate of 13 percent a year

from 2002 to 2004. The market grew after products like soymilk and soy

meat alternatives hit the mainstream, and after soy food labeling was

changed.

 

Labels have been allowed to advertise soy-based foods as heart healthy

since 1999, after studies showed soy may reduce the risk of heart

disease. Since then, industry groups like the Soyfoods Association of

North America are lobbying the Food and Drug Administration to allow a

claim saying that soy protein can lower the risk of certain types of

cancer (the petition is still under review).

 

Why the Soy Slowdown?

 

Some say the low-carb trend, which pushed meat protein, is partly to

blame for the slowing growth trend in soy sales. Further, claims that

soy was a reliable estrogen replacement for postmenopausal women have

been unfounded, which market analysts say may have caused some women

to give up on the products.

 

Still, products like soymilk and soy energy bars, which appeal to

mainstream markets, continue to sell well. Analysts say the soy market

will be steady for the next few years, but in order to " jump-start

it, " soy manufacturers will need to come up with some innovative new

products to reach out to the " occasional consumers. "

 

Salem Statesman Journal March 6, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

It is obvious that the processed food industry has a profound

influence on the obesity epidemic. A common strategy that the industry

uses is to market their products with claims of health improvement or

protection. Frequently this claim is not based in reality.

 

Even though soy-based products have moved into the mainstream--often

sitting side-by-side with frozen meats, milk and other foods in most

grocery stores--industry observers believe product sales could be a

lot better.

 

This anxiety is a little surprising, considering how good a job the

industry has done to deceive the average consumer into believing

processed soy products are actually good for you. In fact, one

consumer interviewed for the story strives to get 15 percent of her

daily protein intake from soy.

 

If you really want the inside scoop on soy, though, I cannot approve

Dr. Daniel's brand new book on soy, The Whole Soy Story more. This is,

without question, the single best compilation of fact to refute every

claim that soy advocates make. It should be required reading before

anyone be allowed to take another bite of tofu or soy protein powder

products. If you have any questions about soy you simply must read

this book.

 

So, before you believe news stories or marketing pitches that tout soy

as a near-perfect food, I urge you to review the many pages on my site

I've devoted to the dangers of processed soy products, including an

important article I wrote last year.

http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/21/soy.htm

Some of the hazardous effects of eating soy products may include:

 

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Increasing your risk of breast cancer

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Weakening your immune system

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Stunting the intestinal growth of your baby

 

Soy's few redeeming qualities are found primarily in fermented soy

products like tempeh, miso and natto and soybean sprouts. And

remember, processed soy should never be fed to infants, not even in

the form of soy infant formula.

 

Related Articles:

 

Why Soy Can Damage Your Health

 

Soy Myth Exposed: Soy is Not a Health Food

 

Don't Be Fooled--Calcium Content in Soy and Rice Milk Misleading

 

The Truth About Soy

 

Soy Formula Kills Three Babies

 

Experts Dispute JAMA Soy Infant Formula Study