Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, ADVERTISING NEWS: Confectionary companies commit to children’s advertising initiative, (Mar 16, 2016)

By Michael Menzhuber, J.D., LL.M.

A new self-regulatory initiative that promotes responsible advertising to children was announced today by the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB), in partnership with the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

Under the new Children’s Confection Advertising Initiative (CCAI), participating companies agree to not advertise directly to children under age 12 or to advertise their candy in school to children from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The CCAI is modeled after another CBBB-administrated self-regulation program, the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), according to the announcement.

The following six companies are charter participants of the CCAI: Ferrara Candy Company; Ghirardelli Chocolate Company; Jelly Belly Candy Company; Just Born Quality Confections; The Promotion in Motion Companies, Inc.; and R.M. Palmer Company. They join the following six other confectionary companies that are CFBAI participants that do not advertise directly to children: American Licorice Company; Ferrero USA; The Hershey Company; Mars, Incorporated; Mondelez International; and Nestle.

FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez applauded the new initiative as a welcome addition to the CBBB’s existing CFBAI.

“The commitment by six confectionery companies to refrain from advertising in elementary schools and in media targeted at children is a positive step,” said Ramirez. “I also hope that this new partnership with the National Confectioners Association will encourage other smaller candy companies to participate.”

Companies: Ferrara Candy Company; Ghirardelli Chocolate Company; Jelly Belly Candy Company; Just Born Quality Confections; The Promotion in Motion Companies, Inc.; R.M. Palmer Company

News: Advertising ConsumerProtection