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: Puget Sound Business Journal on June 25, 2012
Several products in the Golazo line feature "Latino-influenced" flavors like Mandarina and Mango-Limon. Golazo packaging features soccer ball graphics and appeals to sports enthusiasts by branding itself as an energy drink, while downplaying its sugar content.Source: The New York Times on June 24, 2012
Cash strapped cities like Baltimore are selling ad space on public property including fire hydrants, school buses, and even pothole covers. Activist groups deride the move for enabling the private sector to co-opt public values.Source: Yale Rudd Center on June 22, 2012
Rudd Center researchers found that, while cereal companies improved the nutritional profile of most cereals marketed directly to children, they have actually increased kid-targeted advertising for their least nutritious options.Source: Progressive Grocer on June 21, 2012
The soup seller links having a CSR program with attracting consumers, particularly new and younger ones. They are also targeting this demographic with soups, beverages and snacks packaged for on-the-go eating.Source: Foodnavigator-usa.com on June 21, 2012
Pepsi will hone in on this demographic with teas and flavored soft drinks (which it calls "liquid refreshment beverages," or LRBs) that will be "catered for Hispanic tastes." Pepsi anticipates Latinos will account for 60% of growth in the LRB market, outpacing cola sales.Source: The New York Times on June 21, 2012
Food containers influence how much diners consume. In tests, people often misjudged portion sizes, underestimating the size of a 50-oz Big Gulp by 20 to 40 percent. This deflates McDonald's claim that its customers "can make the choices that are best for them."Source: The Denver Post on June 20, 2012
The big box store is using its Neighborhood Market concept to establish itself in areas that have (mostly) successfully resisted their domination in the past. Walmart no doubt benefits from its praise from Mrs. Obama's Let's Move campaign.Source: MarketWatch on June 20, 2012
The Coca-Cola Happiness Machine is part of a summer campaign to sell sugary drinks at its Atlanta headquarters. In addition to soda, the machine randomly dispenses prizes. The machine has been an international marketing tool for Coke since 2010.Source: Foodnavigator-usa.com on June 19, 2012
Nestle denies the allegations, made by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Berkeley Media Studies Group, saying they retail in adult-oriented venues. BMSG responded: "The Girl Scouts image appeals to children and so constitutes marketing to children."Source: Progressive Grocer on June 19, 2012
Already in anticipation of next Easter, the candy company is planning a Mystery Flavor sweepstakes as it "aims to boost sales" and "make the most of consumers' eagerness to discover new and extraordinary flavors."
