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: PR Newswire on August 07, 2014
In a new campaign that targets bicultural Latina moms, Chef Pati teaches a new recipe every month using "Nestle La Lechera." Marketing Manager Priscila Stanton sums it up by explaining the motive behind the campaign: "We're delighted to collaborate with Pati Jinich who not only brings incredible recipes to the table, but is able to personally connect with our consumers, most of whom, like her, are bicultural Latinas living in the U.S."
Source: Media Post on August 07, 2014
In response to consumer requests for "more fruit" in Pillsbury Toaster Strudels, the company has launched a new gamevertising campaign with the Fruit Ninja App marketed to moms and Millennials. The popular game has players try to "virtually slice fruit images thrown onto thescreen," to win Toaster Strudel coupons.
Source: PR Newswire on August 06, 2014
Ronald McDonald returns to the greater Philadelphia region on his "It's Book Time with Ronald" show where he will visit four libraries in a campaign marketed to kids. The campaign encourages children to read, but also markets McDonald's unhealthy "Happy Meals." Once a child has read 10 books they can receive one free Happy Meal. This is a marketing tactic McDonald's uses to market their food to kids and appear as a socially responsible corporation.
Source: PR Newswire on August 04, 2014
McDonald's is looking to revamp their unhealthy french fries withmore flavoring - customers can choose from added seasoning flavorsof "Garlic Parmesan, Spicy Buffalo or Zesty Ranch." The special promotion is being tested in the Philadelphia region before it is released at all branches. McDonald's is also promoting the fries through prize giveaways and social network outreach.
Source: PR Newswire on August 04, 2014
Jell-O is using the beginning of football season to market to college students. As part of a limited time offer, the brand is partnering with 16 universities in a new promotion to "celebrate college teams around the country." Jell-O is selling "University Mold Kits" with their product so students can make university mascots and logos out of Jell-O.
Source: PR Newswire on August 04, 2014
To promote OREO Mini, Mondelez has launched a campaign "focused on the small gestures, things, and places in life." 50 small towns across the U.S will be receiving mini packages of OREOS. Senior Director OREO sums it up with, "OREO Mini Deliveries are our way of saying a little thanks to the people and places who help put a little bit of wonder into the big world every day."
Source: Alternet on July 30, 2014
The Center for Science in Public Interest recently awarded the "XtremeEating Awards," which highlights the unhealthiest menu items promoted by restaurantchains and fast food. At #1 is Red Robin's "A1 Peppercorn Burger with Steak Fries and Monster Salted Caramel Milkshake," which comes to "3,540 calories, 69 grams of saturated fat, 6,280 milligrams of sodium and about 38 teaspoons of added sugar."
Source: Ad Age on July 29, 2014
According to the report, the Latino media market continues to outpace overall growth in the U.S. advertising industry, "buoyed by marketers' growing interest in Hispanic millennials as consumers and trendsettters." Ad Age reports that Latino media spending rose by 8.1% to $8.3 billion. Companies capitalized on the 2014 World Cup to target Latinos: Kraft Foods, for example, used social media to promote it's "Flavor of the Championship" campaign.
Source: PR Newswire on July 24, 2014
Miller Lite is marketing to the Latino population in Texas by creating a contest to win tickets to Miller Lite's "Conciertos Originales." Miller Lite is hosting the concert to attract the large Hispanic population in Texas by featuring "electronica" music in order to market their product to concert-goers.
Source: Orange County Register on July 24, 2014
TGI Friday's has a promotion where they are offering unlimited $10 appetizers, however, the offer encourages overconsumption of unhealthy and high-sodium foods. According to a dietician quoted in this article, "a serving of the Tuscan Spinach Dip- a creamy, white-and-green sauce- includes 1,100 calories and 1,2500 milligrams of sodium. That's more than the half the sodium the Centers for Disease Control recommends a healthy person consume in an entire day."
