General Mills Rice Chex cereal has been made the same way since 1937. Recently the notion of it being gluten-free appears a novelty and can be found as the top description on any label or web search of the brand. What has changed in the increased promotion of companies’ accessibility to food sensitivities is the increase in a wider range in customers. Some companies, such as Udi’s, have focused most of their efforts recently on creating gluten-free foods. Not only is access to gluten-free items being put into the public mind, but also the notion that gluten-free is a step to creating a healthy lifestyle. Good PR is appealing to everyone, and everyone loves a new diet trend. It’s a way to become excited and motivated about losing weight. Still, eating pounds of rice instead of slices of bread truly doesn’t make the largest weight difference. But if the diet blogs and cookbooks say it will, then people will continue to try and to buy. Phrases such as “cleanse” and “detox” have infiltrated the brains of thousands of Americans to the point where the first step in curing an illness is now to go gluten-free. What these thousands of Americans are not being told is the serious health implications that come with not getting the correct nutrients. They feel the benefits of decreased processed foods and increased natural items such as fruits and vegetables. It is the same health advice that has been given for years except it is hidden under expensive packaging and a nice label. To those with gluten intolerance or allergies there is no complaining about the increased awareness and the abundance of food that appears every day. I thank PR professionals everywhere for giving me a hamburger bun worth eating again. But to those who find no real medical complications with eating a breadstick, I say put down the $6.00 Trader Joe’s cookie and savor the authenticity of wheat in moderation. Edited by Katharina Elberti, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2014-2015
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Is it just me, or does the number of jewelry, chocolate and flowers ads increase around this time every year? It makes me crave an entire bag of Hershey Kisses. Valentine’s Day is traditionally a romantic holiday devoted to celebrating your loved ones. You might exchange cards or surprise that someone with flowers. Or chocolates, jewelry, a giant teddy bear or some combination of the above. In recent years, Valentine’s Day has shifted toward commercialism, at least in my eyes. Cookware company Williams-Sonoma shared Valentine’s Day Pinterest wishes with customers via culinary flair printables (see right). Candy companies release “new” treats that are wrapped in pink foil and stamped with a rose or heart. I turned on my TV last night and the first commercial was from a flower company advertising a “special Valentine’s Day deal for your special someone.” Why all the advertisements? Because it works. Here are some fun facts: each year, nearly 8 billion Sweethearts Conversation Hearts are produced in the U.S. In 2010, Americans spent $375 million on flowers for their loved ones, $17 million on roses alone. Nearly $367 million is spent on pets each year. Dogs and cats need Valentines, too. And lastly, this year, Americans are expected to spend over $750 million on chocolate. That’s a lot of chocolate. It may be frustrating to see these ads all the time, but from a marketing standpoint, it’s genius. Companies and corporations picked an ideal time to capitalize on consumers and get them to spend. Red roses signify love and passion, making them a perfect gift for your honey. Flower retailers know this and use it to their advantage. Valentine’s Day is one of the heaviest chocolate-consuming holidays in the U.S., behind Christmas and Easter. Did corporations aid in this feat? There’s a good chance, I think. Total Valentine’s spending in 2013 reached $18.6 billion, an increase from 2012’s $17.6 billion. The average American spends about $134 a year on Valentine's Day gifts, according to the National Retail Federation. I’m interested to see what 2014 brings, and to see what the treats of choice are this year. Which companies and retailers will win out? We will know Feb. 15. The debate remains whether Valentine’s Day is a legitimate holiday, whether or not we need a special holiday to celebrate loved ones. If they’re that special, shouldn’t we celebrate them every day? But that’s a different conversation. Regardless of your feelings toward the holiday itself, companies will capitalize on Feb. 14, because it will work. And they know how many women love chocolate and flowers. I know I do. Edited by Melanie Ford, Webmaster and Editor-in-Chief 2013-2014 |
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