It goes without saying that encouraging healthy eating should be prioritized in weight management programs. According to a JAMA Network study, WW (Weight Watchers) has increased individuals’ adherence with their weight loss goals by doing just that. The study found that those who enlisted in the weight management program achieved a substantial weight loss of 5% at three and twelve months.
At present, WW is currently being offered in Canada. WW’s weight loss plans are known for promoting personalized meal plans, which are underscored by their use of a Points® system. Points® is a science-backed system that was developed to help individuals understand nutritional data. With point tracking, members can be smarter about portion sizes and plan ahead to make space in their diets for their favorite foods. To motivate Canadians to use this system, WW has offered nutritious and delicious meal options through their various notable partnerships. Below are three worth learning about:
Arterra Wines Canada
WW, together with Arterra Wines Canada, announced the launch of On Point in 2021. Knowing that Canadians were searching for variety and wellness-centered beverages, Arterra Wines Canada’s VP of Marketing Andrea Hunt said during the launch, “We are excited to introduce a new better-for-you brand, On Point, with two delicious, balanced wines.”
In addition, Kevin O’Brien, General Manager of WW Canada, shared that red and white wine were among the top three beverages in the weight loss program’s app. As such, it was clear that many of the members wanted to incorporate wine into their lifestyles. O’Brien expressed that, “Collaborating with the country’s leading wine producers to create On Point enables us to deliver our members a wine that helps them stay true to their weight loss and wellness journey.”
Thus, the partnership provided Canadians with the first ever Points®-conscious wine, which has a value of three WW Points® per serving. The wine offers consumers a healthier option in terms of drink choices. Both the Smooth Red and Crisp White Variants have a point serving of 90 calories, one gram of sugar, and two grams of carbohydrates. Currently, On Point is available for purchase at Wine Rack and both in-store and online at LCBO.
Swiss Chalet
In the first quarter of 2021, a long-term partnership between WW and Swiss Chalet was established. The deal entailed a launch of new everyday menu items, which included popular Swiss Chalet classics such as the rotisserie chicken. The menu combined said favorites with a Points®-friendly curated selection of sides and beverages.
Swiss Chalet’s Senior Brand Manager Beatrice Robertson explained that the company was ecstatic to offer their meals as options for members of WW’s weight loss program. In a 2021 interview with Food in Canada Magazine, Robertson stated, “We understand a healthy lifestyle is about building healthy habits. We want to support our Guests along their wellness journey with real, tasty food that they can feel good about eating.”
“Swiss Chalet’s rotisserie classics are beloved by many of our members,” added WW’s VP of Finance & Commercial Development, Heather Stark. Swiss Chalet is well-known in Canada for its iconic Swiss-inspired rotisserie chicken and family-style dining experience. Now, through the Swiss Chalet mobile app and official website, individuals can enjoy their guilt-free meals either for delivery or pick up.
truLOCAL
WW’s collaboration with truLOCAL, which started in 2020, was its first meat subscription partnership in Canada. Similar to the collaboration with Arterra Wines Canada and Swiss Chalet, the deal with truLOCAL is based around WW’s Points® system. This allows the weight loss program to reinforce healthier eating habits to members by bringing locally produced meat right to their doorstep.
The very first truLOCAL x WW signature box contained 16 servings of protein alongside three Points® recipe cards and a $25 truLOCAL gift card. Today, members can create their own box according to what fits their lifestyle (this can be done at the custom truLOCAL & WW portal).
On the partnership, truLOCAL CEO Marc Lafleur discussed how the deal could happen all because the two brands shared similar values. That is, connecting people with more access to high-quality proteins that can assist them on their wellness journey. Interestingly, truLOCAL is also known for supporting the community, especially as all the products they sell are sourced locally from trusted farmers. This kind of support in the food sector isn’t out of the ordinary in Canada. In fact, with the Government of Canada’s recent investment in a trade certification program, it’s expected that small and micro businesses will gain better opportunities to bring their products to the market.
The three WW partnerships featured above showcase how collaboration with local Canadian businesses is connecting individuals to a healthier and more enjoyable way of eating.
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