FFC Supports The Mission Of The Children’s Food And Beverage Advertising Initiative

July 23, 2014

FFC has joined with investment groups around the world to urge companies that market food      and beverage choices to children to join the Council of  Better  Business Bureaus’ Children’s Food and Beverage  Advertising    Initiative. This voluntary self-regulation  program  encourages food, beverage, restaurant, media,  and  retail  companies to do their part in combating the  childhood  obesity epidemic by developing and promoting  healthier  food and beverage options.

 Rates of childhood obesity have skyrocketed over the last  three decades. FFC believes that companies that provide  food and beverage options to children have a social  responsibility to consider the developmental vulnerabilities    of children when developing and marketing their products.  Advertising unhealthy food and drink opportunities to  children exposes companies to unnecessary reputational  risk, the threat of increased government regulation, and  higher costs. Fortunately, the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative offers companies the opportunity to take advantage of new and profitable consumer trends. Sales of healthier packaged foods increased by 6% annually from 2002-2008. Foods categorized as “better-for-you” or BFY, account for 70% of the sales growth within the packaged foods industry. FFC believes that advertising healthier food and beverage choices to children is the right thing to do. Joining the Children’s Food and Beverage

Advertising Initiative, is a good initial step in food and beverage companies doing their part in combatting the childhood obesity epidemic while embracing consumers’ shift towards healthier food and beverage options.

To view the letter, click here