Junk food is out and healthy food is in. Well, that's how it goes for Walt Disney Co. from now on. The entertainment giant announced Oct. 16 that it would begin to license the names of Disney characters only to healthy foods. Disney has followed the trend of American food companies and restaurants that realize the American public wants healthier foods. The demand by the public for healthier choices has been so great that private equity companies have taken notice. Last year, New York-based private equity shop Charterhouse Group Inc. began an organic and natural bread company called Charter Baking Co.; it bought the Vermont Bread Co., Adams Baking Corp., Superior Bakery Inc. and Rudi's Organic Bakery, the largest organic bakery in the country. The numbers show that people are willing to opt for the healthier choice. Retail trade in natural and organic foods and beverages totaled $28.3 billion in 2005, according to estimates by Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com Inc. That's an almost 40% increase since 2002. So, don't be surprised if you see Mickey Mouse's face plastered on an organic milk carton as opposed to a chocolate candy bar ... — Gerald Magpily
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