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: MediaPost on Feburary 06, 2012
The results of the 2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index show that brand loyalty hinges on emotional, rather than rational, factors. Writer Karlene Lukovitz presents ranking highlights for key beverage, food and restaurant categories.Source: BrandChannel on Feburary 06, 2012
Marketers seize Black History Month as an opportunity to promote brands and products, including liquor, nicotine and soda, to African-American consumers. Reporter Mark J. Miller reviews industry examples such as Nike, Heineken and Coca-Cola's "Pay it Forward" campaign, which he notes is cobranded with Church's Chicken.Source: PR Newswire on Feburary 05, 2012
Actress and singer Vanessa Williams will provide the voice of the newest M&M's spokescandy, Ms. Brown, who was introduced during a Super Bowl spot. The launch is linked to several television and social media promotions.Source: Food Politics on Feburary 03, 2012
Marion Nestle summarizes the recent efforts of the U.K. food industry to avoid governmental regulation. She argues that these machinations underscore the futility of voluntary actions by the food industry and calls for regulation.Source: USA Today on Feburary 02, 2012
Mark Addicks, chief marketing officer for General Mills, plans to reinvent his company's packing for cereal, cake mix and yogurt using QR codes and apps. He says he hopes that his packaging plans will appeal to children through "visual surprises" and "pure entertainment."Source: MediaPost on Feburary 02, 2012
Coca-Cola's "Pay it Forward" contest ties into Black History Month and claims to "offer teens a chance to win 'apprentice experiences' with 'celebrity history-makers.'" Prizes include $1,000 Visa gift cards. The contest is being promoted through public service announcements with R&B artist Ne-Yo.Source: PR Newswire on Feburary 01, 2012
Kraft Foods has launched a new breakfast biscuit line with a high-profile Super Bowl commercial. Kraft is using a nutrition angle to promote the processed biscuits, which contain whole grain and are free from high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavors.Source: Chicago Tribune on Feburary 01, 2012
North Chicago's 'Be Well-Lake County' initiative aims to increase access to healthy food for Type 2 diabetics and others in food deserts. Other similar programs have emerged in which convenience stores participate in getting residents more access to healthy foods.Source: Foodnavigator-usa.com on January 30, 2012
Mass. Governor Deval Patrick proposes eliminating a sales tax exemption on soda and candy and using these funds for public health programs.Source: Foodnavigator-usa.com on January 30, 2012
Michelle Obama has partnered with Goya Foods to distribute nutrition resources to Latino parents. While announcing the collaboration at a supermarket in Florida, Mrs. Obama discussed parents' responsibility in helping children eat well; she also acknowledged the role that the economic downturn and limited access to supermarkets have played in fueling higher rates of childhood obesity in Latino communities.
