Marketing has a profound affect on the foods we eat and the beverages we drink, yet most of that marketing is for products we should avoid. BMSG monitors the media to help keep advocates informed of the tactics food and beverage companies use to target children, communities of color, and other groups that are particularly susceptible to the health harms these products cause. Below are archives of our monitoring.
Source: The California Endowment on July 11, 2012
The California Endowment put up a billboard at the Sacramento International Airport promoting water fountains as an alterative to sugar-sweetened beverages, especially in schools.Source: The Bay Citizen on July 10, 2012
Big Ag and Grocery set lobbyists to work opposing the resolution that September be Food Literacy Awareness Month in California. They criticize the health and environmental merits of organic produce and local eating, and they question the existence of food deserts.Source: Warc on July 10, 2012
A UK market research company polled thousands of people in 24 markets, finding that many believe banks, insurance providers and food companies should be subjected to stricter regulation.Source: Marketing Magazine UK on July 10, 2012
Innocent is partnering with Disney's Club Penguin, a virtual world for children, to promote its entire product range. Innocent does not sell whole fruit -- only smoothies, juice and purees.Source: The New York Times on July 09, 2012
As yogurt sales increase in the U.S. and soda becomes the target of policy reform, Pepsi will enter the yogurt market. According to Pepsi, yogurt is part of their "fun for you, better for you" strategy. Yogurt toppings include caramelized almonds and chocolate crunch balls.Source: PR Newswire on July 09, 2012
The company pumped vitamins and other supplements into its white bread and is marketing it to parents as a "smarter choice" for kids. The bread is now featured on "Wonder-izer," a website that suggests sandwich combinations -- using Wonder products, of course.Source: PR Newswire on July 09, 2012
The breakfast pastry brand wants to engage teens through its "Crazy Good Summer" campaign, which features contests, giveaways, and social media activities. Pop Tarts also recruited three bands popular with young people to promote the product.Source: American Beverage Association on July 09, 2012
The soda industry is trying to stall progress toward meaningful policy change that would create healthier food landscapes for consumers. It's doing so by playing the part of the concerned corporate citizen, criticizing the NYC soda tax as not being comprehensive enough.Source: 365black.com on July 09, 2012
In early July, Coca-Cola sponsored the Essence Music Festival, an enormous New Orleans-based music festival designed to appeal to African American customers. The lineup included Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, D'Angelo and other iconic performers. McDonald's cosponsored the event as a follow-up to the 365Black Awards. Among other promotions, they debuted new menu items at their festival booth and offered targeted giveaways and sweepstakes.Source: NPR on July 09, 2012
Truman Medical Center, Kansas City's main hospital for low-income people, is just one of many hospitals across the nation that houses fast food outlets and cafeterias with nutritionally poor foods. Truman CEO John Bluford points to economic reasons for hosting, and getting rid of, fast food.
