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 October 17, 2011
CSPI has filed a complaint against General Mills contending that the company has violated several state laws regulating deceptive advertising by using words like "naturally flavored" to advertise Fruit Roll Ups and other products.Source: QSR Magazine on October 16, 2011
Popeye's has designed a new limited-time online contest to increase its product availability. In the first week and a half, more than 4,000 people registered.Source: USA Today on October 16, 2011
An editorial in USA Today argues that the food industry's plan for self-regulation to "reduce unhealthy ingredients and make kids' food more nutritious" is sufficient. The article suggests that "politicians and bureaucrats . . . turn their attention to other matters."Source: Advertising Age on October 14, 2011
A report by the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies states that those corporations that target their marketing to Latinos are seeing greater revenues. General Mills and McDonald's were designated "leaders" because they spend more money to target Latinos, often through ads on TV or other videos.Source: Food Politics on October 14, 2011
Marion Nestle says she is concerned about the public health implications of the Hudson Institute's report on "better for you" foods. She says the study may force public health officials to "let food companies market their products any way they like" if they want these companies to make healthier items.Source: The Salt, NPR's food blog on October 13, 2011
A recent study from the Hudson Institute shows that companies who make "better for you" products enjoy "stronger sales growth ... and better company reputations," among other benefits, compared to companies who make fewer BFY foods.Source: QSR Magazine on October 12, 2011
As part of its collaboration with the "No Kid Hungry" campaign, the ArbyÛªs Good Mood Food truck delivers ArbyÛªs kidsÛª meals and snacks to schools and after-school programs in the Atlanta area.Source: MediaPost on October 12, 2011
Kellogg Company is working with seven Team USA athletes for a marketing campaign around the 2012 Olympics. The athletes on "Team Kellogg's" will appear in television, print, online, packaging, and point-of-purchase advertisements.Source: Food Politics on October 12, 2011
Marion Nestle summarizes reports on the House hearings on the IWG report recommendations. She says she is disturbed by the FTC's increasingly lenient position on the recommendations.Source: NPR on October 11, 2011
Given that Latinos are 19 percent more likely to purchase beer than the rest of U.S. consumers, beer makers continue to capitalize and target their marketing to Latinos. Much of the marketing is through "Spanish TV and radio, sponsorships of Major League Soccer events and concerts." A marketing consultant advises beer companies how to tailor to different Latino audiences, including bicultural audiences.
