Welltodo Today: The Billion Dollar Meditation Business, UK Adds Sugar Tax, Is Fitness First For Sale?

Today’s key global wellness news articles from around the world, impacting the industry and influencing the business of wellness.

Meditation has Become a Billion Dollar Business (Full Article: Fortune)

“The Fortune 500 is Zen-ing out on mindfulness apps, classes, and even wearable tech.”

“In 2015 the meditation and mindfulness industry raked in nearly $1 billion, according to research by IBISWorld, which breaks out the category from the alternative health care sector. But even that doesn’t count the revenue from the nearly 1000 mindfulness apps now available, according to Sensor Tower (top app Headspace recently raised $30 million and has been downloaded 6 million times), or the burgeoning category of wearable gadgets designed to help people Zen out (the popular Muse connected health and measures brain activity during meditation for $299).” Read more.

Jamie Oliver Wins, UK Adds Sugar Tax (Full Article: Forbes)

“Not long ago, Prime Minister David Cameron flatly ruled out a sugar tax. He seemed pretty adamant and unlikely to change his mind. Sure, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver repeatedly urged the British government to be bold with a sugar tax, which Mr. Oliver said would make a big difference in the health of British children. He made the case in Sugar Rush, calling for a three-year tax at 20% per liter.”

“The new British sugar tax will apply to drinks based on sugar content. The tax rate varies, with one rate for drinks with more than 17.7g per 12-oz can. A higher rate hits drinks with 28g or more.” Read more.

Why Nike and Adidas are Turning to Celebrities in 2016 (Full Article: Fortune)

“When the world’s largest athletic-gear company kicked off two days of media presentations this week to preview new, innovative gear that would hit shelves through 2016, Nike didn’t opt to start the event with remarks from LeBron James or any of the other professional athletes signed to the company.

“Instead, Nike brought out the 5’4″ actor-comedian Kevin Hart to hype up the crowd.”

“Nike truly believes if you have a body, you are an athlete,” said Hart.”

“The Nike-Hart relationship is one of many ties that athletic-gear makers have made recently with celebrities that aren’t professional athletes.” Read more.

Fitness First Hoists For Sale Sign as it Gets Back Into Shape (Full Article: The Telegraph Business)

“Fitness First is limbering up for a sale after its owners appointed a team of advisers to examine options for the recovering gym chain.”

“Harris Williams, an independent American investment bank, and HSBC have been hired by US private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management to look at a potential sale or break-up of the health clubs business, which has gyms spanning the UK to Australia.”

“Harris Williams is looking at Fitness First’s 73-club strong UK business. HSBC, meanwhile, is assessing the company’s operations in Asia, India, Australia and Germany. The appointment of two banks to look at the different divisions suggests a break-up is the most likely outcome.” Read more.