Panera is a bakery cafe that has 1,800 locations in the U.S. and they are beginning to improve their menu with a new “Food Policy” with the intention to show their commitment to using clean and simple ingredients. Panera is joining the trend that several other places are doing as claiming to be a more healthy and wholesome alternative to fast food.
Panera says they will be removing flavors, artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives from all of their food by 2016. The reason for this could be the growing distaste people are showing for these ingredients reports The Huffington Post. Panera is working to jumpstart their business to try and fix their slow sales growth and they are going to start with a revamp of their food as well as eliminate the confusing way people order their food and switch their baking hours to during the day to create a “homier” feel in their cafes.
The Wall Street Journal talks about the new Food Policy from Panera looks to have their goal accomplished by 2016. “Panera was founded on the belief that quick food could be quality food” said Ron Shaich who is the CEO, chairman and founder of Panera.
The release of the “Food Policy” is underscoring how places position food as natural because they know it will be a marketing advantage. They know that the customers will feel better about what they are eating, even if it does not bring many nutritional benefits.
Panera is also saying that the new policy will make it easier for people to see the new ingredients and nutritional content of their food. Panera is hoping that sales will increase this year and with the new Food Policy a few years away from being completed, the future could be looking bright for Panera.