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 Roanoke Times on July 18, 2011
In this editorial, The Roanoke Times in Virginia comments on food makers' push back against the federal government's marketing and nutrition guidelines for foods marketed to children. It notes that food makers acknowledge that only 12 of the 100 most consumed foods the U.S. would meet the criteria.Source: MediaPost on July 18, 2011
Coca-Cola is expanding its partnership with Black Entertainment Television (BET) in an effort to expand its audience among African American teens. Coke is sponsoring giveaways and contests, as well as expanded advertising on 106 & Park, a popular music variety show.Source: MediaPost on July 15, 2011
Domino's executives attribute the chain's comeback to both improved product, and social media integration.Source: MediaPost on July 15, 2011
In preparation for the London Olympics in 2012, Coke is recruiting young people to carry the torch. Users are encouraged to make an application video using a computer program that draws from their own social media presence.Source: The New York Times on July 14, 2011
The New York Times summarizes the food industry's most recent efforts to forestall federal regulation by updating the voluntary Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative regulations.Source: Advertising Age on July 14, 2011
Pepsi's "Summer Time is Pepsi Time" video has attracted a great deal of online attention. The ad is part of Pepsi's marketing push to reclaim sales after it fell behind both Coke and Diet Coke last year.Source: Advertising Age on July 14, 2011
The National Restaurant Association recently launched KidsLiveWell, a voluntary program designed to "spur chains to offer and promote healthier kids-meal options": many chains are participating, though McDonald's is noticeably absent. The initiative has drawn criticism from many advocates, and has attracted considerable media attention (stories appeared in Media Post, other trade press, and many local papers).Source: Food Politics on July 14, 2011
Marion Nestle is concerned that the Interagency Working Group's proposed nutrition standards for marketing foods to children are too lax. However, she says she does feel that the standards may have some merit, and encourages readers to file comments.Source: MediaPost on July 14, 2011
The online market of U.S. Latinos has grown significantly: Industry professional Lee Van advises retailers to capitalize on this growth by building online relationships with Latinos through Spanish-language content, customer support, and other outreach techniques.Source: All Headline News on July 12, 2011
Scientists hypothesize that caffeine, which manufacturers routinely add to sodas "for flavor", teaches kids to prefer certain sugar-sweetened beverages.
