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: Progressive Grocer on June 07, 2012
Advertisers are constantly seeking ways to effectively market foods and beverages to the growing population of Latinos in the United States. This study of women's shopping habits shows that Latinas use a variety of retail channels, including digital deals and coupons, to find money-saving deals.Source: QSR Magazine on June 07, 2012
New York self-serve frozen yogurt company 16 Handles is one of many companies urging customers to choose frozen yogurt in June and to thereby "pay tribute to an industry and beloved product that is helping to put smiles on faces from the young to the young at heart."Source: USA Today on June 07, 2012
Responding to criticisms that sodas provide empty calories, a top Coca-Cola executive argues that sodas offer hydration and other benefits that are "essential to the human body." He concludes that Coke "[believes] in hydration," not empty calories.Source: Advertising Age on June 06, 2012
In order to "broaden its appeal and grab more female customers," Taco Bell is launching Cantina Bell, a menu based on fresher ingredients and smaller portion sizes.Source: The New York Times on June 06, 2012
The New York Times praised Disney for its plan to restrict junk-food advertising to kids. It cites health experts who link childhood obesity to overexposure to junk-food marketing and commends Disney's proposal as a step toward addressing the epidemic.Source: MediaPost on June 05, 2012
Denny's is expanding its use of digital marketing techniques with a new mobile app contest to promote its "Tour of America" menu. The contest promises winners free "Grand Slam Breakfasts" for life.Source: The New York Times on June 05, 2012
Disney announced it would adopt advertising standards for all of its kid-focused programs (on the TV, radio, and web). The standards will be based on recommendations proposed last year by federal regulators that apply mainly to cereal, soda and snacks marketed to kids.Source: Advertising Age on June 04, 2012
DreamWorks has begun a far-reaching marketing campaign to promote the release of "Madagascar 3," the latest installment in a popular children's franchise. McDonald's, Airheads, General Mills, and Kraft are just a few of the brands promoting the film.Source: Beverage World on June 04, 2012
Coke's Freestyle machine taps into customers' desire for variety and customization by allowing users to create unique mixtures using 125 different sparkling and still beverages.Source: Food Politics on June 01, 2012
Marion Nestle addresses the controversy over Mayor Bloomberg's proposed ban on the sale of large sodas, particularly arguments from The New York Times and others that educational strategies are preferable. She highlights the industry's long history of obesity-promoting tactics, and concludes: "Education? I'm for it if it's focused on educating the public how beverage companies really operate."
