Coca-Cola is amping up its health efforts and expanding distribution of low-calorie drinks around the world to combat criticism that its sugar-packed beverages are contributing to obesity problems. The initiative, which will extend the company’s calorie-labeling system to the front of all packages, will enhance its support for physical activity programs. Coca-Cola also restated its promise not to market to children under 12 years old. Company representatives have not disclosed any information on timing or costs related to the health push.

Coca-Cola is amping up its health efforts and expanding distribution of low-calorie drinks around the world to combat criticism that its sugar-packed beverages are contributing to obesity problems. The initiative, which will extend the company’s calorie-labeling system to the front of all packages, will enhance its support for physical activity programs. Coca-Cola also restated its promise not to market to children under 12 years old. Company representatives have not disclosed any information on timing or costs related to the health push.

A survey conducted by executive search consulting firm Spencer Stuart reveals that CMO tenure rose to an average of 45 months in 2012. While the figure is a modest increase from 2011, the average CMO tenure in 2012 is nearly double what it was in 2006 when it was at a low of 23.2 months.

Last week we saw how Don Draper would age in 40-plus years. Today Don Draper is fast forwarding from the 1960s to the 1980s through the 80s Don Draper Twitter account, where Don markets classic products of the decade. 

Vimeo has launched Brand Creative Fund, its “brand-enabled” content platform. It connects brands with filmmakers from the Vimeo community to create storytelling videos. The first partnership features automaker Lincoln’s “Profile By Design” film series (above).

(via Co.Create)

Has Nike lost its edge? Last month’s controversial Tiger Woods ad was in contrast to the excitement Nike campaigns once stirred, according to the New York Times. “As we continue to grow in size, it’s important we stay connected. If you take away the toys and the noise, it’s about having a relationship,” says Davide Grasso, VP of global brand marketing at Nike.

Has Nike lost its edge? Last month’s controversial Tiger Woods ad was in contrast to the excitement Nike campaigns once stirred, according to the New York Times.

“As we continue to grow in size, it’s important we stay connected. If you take away the toys and the noise, it’s about having a relationship,” says Davide Grasso, VP of global brand marketing at Nike.

T-Mobile is aggressively attempting to lure customers from rival carriers like AT&T and Verizon as it begins to market the iPhone.

The company is offering a trade-in program for older iPhones from other carriers. In exchange, customers won’t have to put money down for a new iPhone 5, instead of a $99 upfront payment. Those customers would also get a reduced monthly rate, with T-Mobile giving out credits of up to $120 that can be used to pay off the phone. Still, even with T-Mobile’s cheaper and less restrictive phone plans, analysts point out that the company’s main impediment is that its network coverage is not as broad as those of its competitors.

T-Mobile is aggressively attempting to lure customers from rival carriers like AT&T and Verizon as it begins to market the iPhone.

The company is offering a trade-in program for older iPhones from other carriers. In exchange, customers won’t have to put money down for a new iPhone 5, instead of a $99 upfront payment. Those customers would also get a reduced monthly rate, with T-Mobile giving out credits of up to $120 that can be used to pay off the phone. Still, even with T-Mobile’s cheaper and less restrictive phone plans, analysts point out that the company’s main impediment is that its network coverage is not as broad as those of its competitors.

On this week’s podcast, Gideon Fidelzeid, Lindsay Stein, and Brittaney Kiefer discuss Dach’s Walmart exit; Alison Brod’s Burger King win; the Vatican announcement of the new pope on Twitter; and the FTC marketing guideline revisions.

mrwolfdog:

My first deed as Old Spice Director of Marketing is to tell the world that I am Old Spice’s Director of Marketing. Done. Now I will make Old Spice wildly, wildly successful among humans. Also, what is a Tumblr? Is he powerful?

Meet Old Spice director of marketing Mr. Wolfdog, who was enlisted to promote its new Wild collection - something he knows a lot about. If he could only stop eating his colleagues…

MSLGroup has partnered with SocialChorus to launch a new influencer relationship management product at SXSWi. The platform is designed to allow users to target influencers, share content with them, and track interactions. The above infographic shows how social engagement is driven by a group of influencers knows as “The Power Middle.” Click the image to see the full infographic. 

MSLGroup has partnered with SocialChorus to launch a new influencer relationship management product at SXSWi. The platform is designed to allow users to target influencers, share content with them, and track interactions. The above infographic shows how social engagement is driven by a group of influencers knows as “The Power Middle.” Click the image to see the full infographic. 

USA Network used “video paint” technology throughout the streets of Austin to tease the June premiere of its newest drama series “Graceland” at SXSW. The interactive digital video installations popped up in surprise locations across downtown Austin. Consumers were handed a digital roller  to ‘paint’ “Graceland” themes and images.

The technology was developed by Sweatshoppe, a new multimedia performance collaboration that uses custom software along with video projection and electronic paint rollers to create the illusion that the user is painting videos and creating a real-time video collage.