Food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil and the interaction of the public with this type of advertising. METHODS: We analyzed the 10 most popular videos from the 25 YouTube most-watched channels with content aimed at children in the country in 2018. The presence of general advertising, food brands and food services was identified. When there was advertising in the videos, the foods and their respective brands were described, the first being classified according to the NOVA system. In cases of advertising of a specific food brand without its product having been displayed or mentioned, the classification was carried out according to the predominance of that company products. The number of visualizations and interactions ("likes" and "dislikes") was also collected. RESULTS: General advertising was identified in 45.6% of videos, while food and food service advertising was present in 12.9% and 1.6% of videos, respectively. Food advertisements were mostly represented by ultra-processed products (n = 30; 93.8%). In channels led by Kid YouTubers, there was a higher frequency of general advertising, food and food services in the videos. In these channels, the advertisements of food in general and ultra-processed foods were respectively 2.79 and 2.53 times higher than in videos of channels not led by Kid YouTubers. The number of times videos were tagged "liked" was higher in videos with food advertising (1.67 × 105) compared to videos without food advertising (1.02 × 105), p = 0.0272. CONCLUSION: YouTube is a potential medium for children's exposure and interaction with ultra-processed food advertising. The results of this analysis reinforce the importance of enforcing regulations prohibiting children's advertising on this platform.

Food advertising aimed at children and adolescents in Brazil: a longitudinal analysis of denouncements in CONAR. / Publicidade de alimentos direcionada à criança e ao adolescente no Brasil: análise longitudinal de denúncias no CONAR.

Scientific evidences show that self-regulation models fail to protect children and adolescents from commercial exploitation. In Brazil, the "Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária - CONAR" is the entity that proposes guidelines for the products advertising and services to regulated sector. The aim is to analyze the denouncements of food advertising aimed at children and adolescents sent to CONAR between 2010 and 2020. The denouncements were described regarding the type of product and service, authorship (consumers/companies or CONAR), and CONAR decision (archiving/penalties). Descriptive and association analyzes were performed. Ninety-eight denouncements were identified, 74.8% of ultra-processed foods. There was an oscillation in the submission of denouncements over the years, with a general decline trend. Consumers were more frequent among the denouncements (58.6%) and 53.3% of total were penalty. Denouncements sent by CONAR or companies were more frequently penalized than those sent by consumers. There was a predominance of denouncements of advertisements for ultra-processed foods and low application of penalties. There was a lack of isonomy in CONAR decision pattern on advertisements.

Evidências científicas mostram que os modelos de autorregulação falham na proteção de crianças e adolescentes da exploração comercial. No Brasil, o Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária (CONAR) é a entidade que propõe ao setor regulado as diretrizes para a publicidade de produtos e serviços. O objetivo é analisar as denúncias de publicidade de alimentos direcionada à criança e ao adolescente enviadas ao CONAR entre 2010 e 2020. As denúncias foram identificadas quanto ao tipo de produto e serviço, autoria (consumidores/empresas ou CONAR) e decisão do CONAR (arquivamento/penalidades). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de associação, identificando-se 98 denúncias, 74,8% de alimentos ultraprocessados. Notou-se oscilação no envio de denúncias ao longo dos anos, com tendência geral de redução. Consumidores foram mais frequentes (58,6%) entre os autores das denúncias e 53,3% do total foram penalizadas. As denúncias enviadas pelo CONAR ou empresas foram mais frequentemente penalizadas do que as enviadas pelos consumidores. Houve predominância de denúncias de publicidades de alimentos ultraprocessados e baixa aplicação de penalidades. Notou-se falta de isonomia no padrão de decisão do CONAR sobre as publicidades.

Publicidade de alimentos direcionada à criança e ao adolescente no Brasil: análise longitudinal de denúncias no CONAR / Food advertising aimed at children and adolescents in Brazil: a longitudinal analysis of denouncements in CONAR

Resumo Evidências científicas mostram que os modelos de autorregulação falham na proteção de crianças e adolescentes da exploração comercial. No Brasil, o Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária (CONAR) é a entidade que propõe ao setor regulado as diretrizes para a publicidade de produtos e serviços. O objetivo é analisar as denúncias de publicidade de alimentos direcionada à criança e ao adolescente enviadas ao CONAR entre 2010 e 2020. As denúncias foram identificadas quanto ao tipo de produto e serviço, autoria (consumidores/empresas ou CONAR) e decisão do CONAR (arquivamento/penalidades). Foram realizadas análises descritivas e de associação, identificando-se 98 denúncias, 74,8% de alimentos ultraprocessados. Notou-se oscilação no envio de denúncias ao longo dos anos, com tendência geral de redução. Consumidores foram mais frequentes (58,6%) entre os autores das denúncias e 53,3% do total foram penalizadas. As denúncias enviadas pelo CONAR ou empresas foram mais frequentemente penalizadas do que as enviadas pelos consumidores. Houve predominância de denúncias de publicidades de alimentos ultraprocessados e baixa aplicação de penalidades. Notou-se falta de isonomia no padrão de decisão do CONAR sobre as publicidades.

Abstract Scientific evidences show that self-regulation models fail to protect children and adolescents from commercial exploitation. In Brazil, the "Conselho Nacional de Autorregulamentação Publicitária - CONAR" is the entity that proposes guidelines for the products advertising and services to regulated sector. The aim is to analyze the denouncements of food advertising aimed at children and adolescents sent to CONAR between 2010 and 2020. The denouncements were described regarding the type of product and service, authorship (consumers/companies or CONAR), and CONAR decision (archiving/penalties). Descriptive and association analyzes were performed. Ninety-eight denouncements were identified, 74.8% of ultra-processed foods. There was an oscillation in the submission of denouncements over the years, with a general decline trend. Consumers were more frequent among the denouncements (58.6%) and 53.3% of total were penalty. Denouncements sent by CONAR or companies were more frequently penalized than those sent by consumers. There was a predominance of denouncements of advertisements for ultra-processed foods and low application of penalties. There was a lack of isonomy in CONAR decision pattern on advertisements.

A Scoping Review of Observational Studies on Food and Beverage Advertising on Social Media: A Public Health Perspective.

Popular social media platforms have been actively used by ultra-processed food companies to promote their products. Being exposed to this type of advertising increases the consumption of unhealthy foods and the risk of developing obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Thus, monitoring commercial content on social media is a core public health practice. We aimed to characterize the methods used for monitoring food advertising on social media and summarize the investigated advertising strategies via a scoping review of observational studies. This study is reported according to the MOOSE Statement, and its protocol was registered with the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration nº. CRD42020187740). Out of the 6093 citations retrieved, 26 met our eligibility criteria. The studies were published from 2014 to 2021, mostly after 2018. They focused on Australia, Facebook, strategies aimed at children and adolescents, and advertising practices of ultra-processed food companies. We grouped strategies in eight classes: post features (n = 18); connectivity and engagement (n = 18); economic advantages, gifts, or competitions (n = 14); claims (n = 14); promotional characters (n = 12); brand in evidence (n = 8); corporate social responsibility or philanthropy (n = 7); and COVID-19 (n = 3). We found similarities in the investigation of strategies regardless of the type of social media. Our findings can contribute to the designing of tools for monitoring studies and regulatory mechanisms to restrict the exposure of food advertising.

Food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil / Publicidade de alimentos em canais do YouTube direcionados à criança no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil and the interaction of the public with this type of advertising. METHODS We analyzed the 10 most popular videos from the 25 YouTube most-watched channels with content aimed at children in the country in 2018. The presence of general advertising, food brands and food services was identified. When there was advertising in the videos, the foods and their respective brands were described, the first being classified according to the NOVA system. In cases of advertising of a specific food brand without its product having been displayed or mentioned, the classification was carried out according to the predominance of that company products. The number of visualizations and interactions ("likes" and "dislikes") was also collected. RESULTS General advertising was identified in 45.6% of videos, while food and food service advertising was present in 12.9% and 1.6% of videos, respectively. Food advertisements were mostly represented by ultra-processed products (n = 30; 93.8%). In channels led by Kid YouTubers, there was a higher frequency of general advertising, food and food services in the videos. In these channels, the advertisements of food in general and ultra-processed foods were respectively 2.79 and 2.53 times higher than in videos of channels not led by Kid YouTubers. The number of times videos were tagged "liked" was higher in videos with food advertising (1.67 × 105) compared to videos without food advertising (1.02 × 105), p = 0.0272. CONCLUSION YouTube is a potential medium for children's exposure and interaction with ultra-processed food advertising. The results of this analysis reinforce the importance of enforcing regulations prohibiting children's advertising on this platform.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a publicidade de alimentos em canais do YouTube direcionados à criança no Brasil e a interação do público com esse tipo de publicidade. MÉTODOS Foram analisados os 10 vídeos mais populares dos 25 canais do YouTube com conteúdo dirigido ao público infantil mais assistidos no país em 2018. Identificou-se a presença de publicidade geral, de marcas de alimentos e de serviços de alimentação. Quando houve publicidade nos vídeos, os alimentos e suas respectivas marcas foram descritos, sendo os primeiros classificados segundo o sistema NOVA. Nos casos de publicidade de uma marca de alimentos específica, sem que o seu produto tenha sido exibido ou mencionado, a classificação foi realizada segundo a predominância dos produtos dessa empresa. Coletou-se, também, o número de visualizações e de interações ("gostei" e "não gostei"). RESULTADOS A publicidade geral foi identificada em 45,6% dos vídeos, enquanto a publicidade de alimentos e de serviços de alimentação esteve presente em 12,9% e 1,6% dos vídeos, respectivamente. Os anúncios de alimentos foram representados em sua maioria por produtos ultraprocessados (n = 30; 93,8%). Em vídeos de canais liderados por youtubers mirins, observou-se uma maior frequência de publicidade geral, de alimentos e de serviços de alimentação. Nesses canais, as veiculações de publicidade de alimentos em geral e de alimentos ultraprocessados foram respectivamente 2,79 e 2,53 vezes maior do que nos vídeos de canais não liderados por youtubers mirins. O número de vezes em que os vídeos foram marcados com "gostei" foi maior nos vídeos com publicidade de alimentos (1,67 × 105) em comparação aos vídeos sem publicidade de alimentos (1,02 × 105), p = 0,0272. CONCLUSÃO O YouTube é um potencial meio de exposição e interação de crianças com a publicidade de alimentos ultraprocessados. Os resultados desta análise reforçam a importância de fazer cumprir a regulamentação de proibição de publicidade infantil nessa plataforma.

Global case study of digital marketing on social media by a top soda brand.

The Big Soda segment is central in modern food systems, and they invest heavily in digital marketing, but little is known about it. We aimed to analyze the digital marketing on Facebook of the soda brand with a major worldwide reach. Countries were described in terms of soda brand presence and popularity on Facebook according to countries' socio-demographic index (SDI) and the market share of soda brand (%MS). From 149 countries, 57.0% had soda brand's Facebook page among the top five in the number of followers within the beverage segment. Among them, digital marketing was described by the number of the page followers, the number of posts, and the number of interactions (likes, comments and shares) that each post received by Facebook users. Also, we analyzed the characteristics, and the use of marketing strategies on posts in a random sample of 10% (n = 1217) of all posts. We found that soda brand's popularity on Facebook was higher among countries with higher SDI and higher %MS. Also, the number of users that engaged with soda brand's posts was higher among countries with lower SDI and higher brand's %MS. The brand's posts focus on young adults, display of brand's products and glorification of its attributes. Other identified features include sport-related thematic and appeals to socialization and healthy eating. In addition, posts' characteristics differed with countries' characteristics. Soda brand digital marketing varies according to countries' characterization and maintains the brand position on the global marketing of beverages.

The concentration of power of transnationals food and beverage corporations across the entire food system chain has contributed to unfavorable outcomes in the health and diets of the population. The reasons may be due to the low-nutritional value of the foods and beverages produced by these transnationals and the wide promotion of these products through marketing strategies. These two points are important stages of modern food systems. The marketing practices of these companies influence the food choices of individuals. They are attracted by the high level of persuasion employed through different strategies, especially in the digital environment. Strategies in the digital environment are widely available and accessed by individuals in every country in the world. For this reason, we focus on understanding the digital marketing of an important soda brand with a major worldwide reach to understand its particulars. We show that this top big soda brand uses digital marketing to promote its products globally and presenting particularities aligned with the socio-demographic conditions of the countries and regarding its market share. These results show that monitoring the behavior, especially on digital media, of large food and beverage companies is essential to advance policies that regulate market practices to protect individuals from their externalities in the field of global public health.

Sponsorship by food and beverage companies in soccer: an analysis of the 2019 Copa América.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the sponsorship by food and beverage companies of the teams participating in the 2019 Copa América Soccer Cup and associate this sponsorship with characteristics of the teams and their respective countries. METHODS: The sponsors of the 10 teams participating in the 46th edition of the Copa América were identified. These entities were classified into (i) food companies, (ii) alcoholic beverage companies, and (iii) other segments. The food companies were classified according to their products, according to the NOVA classification. In addition, data on the number of titles previously won by the teams in the Copa America and the World Cup were obtained, as well as data on the countries' Human Development Index, annual per capita sales of ultra-processed foods, and annual per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages. RESULTS: A total of 89 sponsorships were identified for the 10 teams studied, some of these supporting two or more teams. Eighteen percent of the sponsors were food companies, with 12.4% being ultra-processed foods. The alcoholic beverage category represented 7.9% of the sponsors. Ultra-processed beverage and alcoholic beverage companies sponsored seven of the 10 teams studied. We noted higher participation of ultra-processed foods company sponsors in teams from countries with higher Human Development Index, sales of ultra-processed foods, and number of Copa América and World Cup titles. The sponsorship by alcoholic beverage companies was higher for teams from countries with lower Human Development Index, alcohol consumption, and number of Copa América and World Cup titles. CONCLUSION: A significant presence of ultra-processed food and alcoholic beverage companies as sponsors of South American soccer teams was noted, along with the fact that sport performance characteristics of the teams and socioeconomic and market issues of the countries are associated with the occurrence of sponsorship.

Sponsorship by food and beverage companies in soccer: an analysis of the 2019 Copa América / Patrocínio por empresas de alimentos e bebidas no futebol: análise da Copa América 2019

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To identify the sponsorship by food and beverage companies of the teams participating in the 2019 Copa América Soccer Cup and associate this sponsorship with characteristics of the teams and their respective countries. METHODS The sponsors of the 10 teams participating in the 46th edition of the Copa América were identified. These entities were classified into (i) food companies, (ii) alcoholic beverage companies, and (iii) other segments. The food companies were classified according to their products, according to the NOVA classification. In addition, data on the number of titles previously won by the teams in the Copa America and the World Cup were obtained, as well as data on the countries' Human Development Index, annual per capita sales of ultra-processed foods, and annual per capita consumption of alcoholic beverages. RESULTS A total of 89 sponsorships were identified for the 10 teams studied, some of these supporting two or more teams. Eighteen percent of the sponsors were food companies, with 12.4% being ultra-processed foods. The alcoholic beverage category represented 7.9% of the sponsors. Ultra-processed beverage and alcoholic beverage companies sponsored seven of the 10 teams studied. We noted higher participation of ultra-processed foods company sponsors in teams from countries with higher Human Development Index, sales of ultra-processed foods, and number of Copa América and World Cup titles. The sponsorship by alcoholic beverage companies was higher for teams from countries with lower Human Development Index, alcohol consumption, and number of Copa América and World Cup titles. CONCLUSION A significant presence of ultra-processed food and alcoholic beverage companies as sponsors of South American soccer teams was noted, along with the fact that sport performance characteristics of the teams and socioeconomic and market issues of the countries are associated with the occurrence of sponsorship.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Identificar o patrocínio por empresas do setor de alimentos e bebidas das seleções participantes da Copa América de Futebol 2019 e associar esse patrocínio a características das seleções e de seus respectivos países. MÉTODOS Foram identificados os patrocinadores das 10 seleções participantes da 46ª edição da Copa América de Futebol. Essas entidades foram classificadas em empresas i) de alimentos, ii) de bebidas alcoólicas e iii) de outros segmentos. As empresas de alimentos foram classificadas de acordo com seus produtos, segundo a classificação NOVA. Além disso, dados sobre o número de títulos anteriormente conquistados pelas seleções na Copa América e na Copa do Mundo foram obtidos, assim como dados do índice de desenvolvimento humano, de venda anual per capita de alimentos ultraprocessados e de consumo anual per capita de bebidas alcoólicas dos países. RESULTADOS Um total de 89 patrocínios foram identificados para as 10 seleções estudadas, alguns desses apoiando duas ou mais equipes. Dezoito por cento dos patrocinadores eram empresas de alimentos, sendo 12,4% de alimentos ultraprocessados. A categoria de bebidas alcoólicas representou 7,9% dos patrocinadores. As empresas de bebidas ultraprocessadas e as de bebidas alcoólicas patrocinaram sete das 10 seleções estudadas. Notou-se maior participação de patrocinadores de empresas de alimentos ultraprocessados em seleções de países com maior índice de desenvolvimento humano, venda de alimentos ultraprocessados e número de títulos de Copa América e Copa do Mundo. Já o patrocínio por empresas de bebidas alcoólicas foi maior em seleções de países com menor índice de desenvolvimento humano, consumo de álcool e número de títulos em Copa América e Copa do Mundo. CONCLUSÃO Evidenciou-se uma presença significativa de empresas de alimentos ultraprocessados e de bebidas alcoólicas como patrocinadores das seleções sul-americanas de futebol e que as características de desempenho esportivo das seleções e questões socioeconômicas e de mercado dos países se associam à ocorrência do patrocínio.

Advertising patterns of a fast-food chain on social media in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advertising patterns on the posts of a fast-food chain in Brazil on three social media platforms in 2019. DESIGN: An exploratory cross-sectional study. SETTING: Advertising strategies on the posts of a major fast-food chain on their official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts. The strategies were investigated according to the INFORMAS protocol for food promotion monitoring. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify advertising patterns in each platform. PARTICIPANTS: 305 advertisements. RESULTS: Four advertising patterns were identified in the PCA of Facebook and Instagram. In both platforms, the components for kids and product exaltation were similar. On Facebook, a pattern corresponding to economic appeal was identified as price and discount, while on Instagram, this pattern also included a practical approach. On Facebook, the fourth component was named celebrity, while on Instagram it was celebrity/innovation since on this second social media the component also included the 'new brand development' variable. On YouTube, three advertising patterns were identified in PCA. Similar to the other platforms, the first and the second patterns were called for kids and price and discount, and the third component referred to both celebrity and commemorative dates. CONCLUSIONS: The advertising patterns of the fast-food chain on three social media platforms were commonly directed to children and addressed price, discounts and the celebrities' universe. The findings of this study corroborate other data in the literature regarding unhealthy food advertising on social media. This study discusses the urgency of regulating food advertising content on this medium.

[Sponsorship by the food and beverage industries in Brazilian professional soccer: an obstacle to the promotion of healthy eating]. / O patrocínio de empresas do setor de alimentação e bebidas no futebol brasileiro: um obstáculo para a promoção da alimentação saudável.

Sponsorship by ultra-processed food and beverage companies is a common marketing practice in sports, capable of influencing consumers, with unknown effects in Brazil. The study aimed to identify the profile of food and beverage companies sponsoring professional soccer teams in Brazil and to associate the occurrence of this sponsorship with the teams' characteristics. The sample included companies from these industries sponsoring 20 major league soccer teams competing in the Brazilian Championship in 2018. The food companies were identified according to the products based on the NOVA classification, and information was obtained on the number of championships they had won in Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the state championships; time since the club was founded; region of Brazil; number of fans; and revenues from sponsorship/advertising and sale of TV rights. A total of 280 sponsors were identified, with repeat sponsors between teams, of which 11.5% were from the food industry, featuring ultra-processed products (9.4%) and 6.7% of ultra-processed beverages. Sponsorship by ultra-processed producers was more prevalent among teams that had won more championships in the Brazilian National Cup and Copa Libertadores and among those with more fans and higher revenues from sponsorship/advertising and sale of TV rights. The study revealed the significant presence of manufacturers of ultra-processed foods and beverages as soccer team sponsors, especially for the more popular teams that had won more championships, thus posing an obstacle to the promotion of healthy eating.

O patrocínio de empresas de alimentos e bebidas ultraprocessados é uma prática de marketing comum no esporte, capaz de influenciar os consumidores, e que é desconhecida no Brasil. Nesse cenário, objetivou-se identificar o perfil do patrocínio de empresas do setor de alimentação e bebidas de clubes de futebol no Brasil e associar a ocorrência desse patrocínio a características dos clubes. A amostra contemplou as empresas desses setores patrocinadoras dos 20 clubes da Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro em 2018. As empresas de alimentos foram identificadas quanto ao perfil de seus produtos segundo a classificação NOVA, e foram obtidas informações a respeito do número de títulos na Copa Libertadores da América, no Campeonato Brasileiro e nos campeonatos estaduais; tempo de história; região do Brasil; número de torcedores e receitas de patrocínios/publicidade e de direito de transmissão na TV. Foram identificados 280 patrocinadores, com repetição de patrocinadores entre os clubes, dos quais, 11,5% eram do setor de alimentos, com destaque para os ultraprocessados (9,4%), sendo 6,7% de bebidas ultraprocessadas. O patrocínio pela categoria de ultraprocessados foi mais prevalente entre os clubes com maior número de títulos no Campeonato Brasileiro e na Copa Libertadores da América e entre aqueles com maior número de torcedores e volume de receitas de patrocínios/publicidade e por direito de transmissão de seus jogos na TV. Assim, evidenciou-se presença significativa de empresas de ultraprocessados como patrocinadores dos clubes de futebol, sobretudo entre os clubes com maior número de vitórias em campeonatos e popularidade, configurando-se como um obstáculo à promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável.

El patrocinio de empresas de alimentos y bebidas ultraprocesados es una práctica común de marketing en el deporte, capaz de influenciar a los consumidores, y que es desconocida en Brasil. En este escenario, el objetivo fue identificar el perfil del patrocinio de empresas del sector de alimentación y bebidas de clubes de fútbol en Brasil, y asociar la ocurrencia de este patrocinio con las características de los clubes. La muestra analizó las empresas patrocinadoras de estos sectores en 20 clubes de la serie A del Campeonato Brasileño en 2018. Las empresas de alimentos se identificaron respecto al perfil de sus productos, según la clasificación NOVA, y se obtuvo información en cuanto al número de títulos en la Copa Libertadores de América, en el Campeonato Brasileño y en los campeonatos estatales; recorrido histórico; región de Brasil; número de hinchas e ingresos por patrocinios/publicidad, así como de derechos de transmisión en la TV. Se identificaron a 280 patrocinadores, con patrocinadores repetidos entre clubes, de los cuales un 11,5% eran del sector de alimentos, destacando los ultraprocesados (9,4%), siendo un 6,7% el de las bebidas ultraprocesadas. El patrocinio por la categoría de ultraprocesados fue más prevalente entre los clubes con mayor número de títulos en el Campeonato Brasileño y en la Copa Libertadores de América y entre aquellos con mayor número de hinchas y volumen de ingresos por patrocinios/publicidad, así como por derecho de transmisión de sus juegos en la TV. Así, se puso en evidencia la presencia significativa de empresas de ultraprocesados, como patrocinadoras de los clubes de fútbol, sobre todo entre los clubes con mayor número de victorias en campeonatos y popularidad, convirtiéndose en un obstáculo para la promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable.

Use of persuasive strategies in food advertising on television and on social media in Brazil.

We analyzed the use of persuasive advertising strategies by 18 food brands on TV and Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in Brazil in April 2018. Advertising strategies were investigated from three groups: power of advertising strategies (n = 10) (e.g., use of licensed character, celebrities, awards, etc), use of the prize offering (n = 9) (e.g., pay 2 take 3 or more, gifts or collectable, limited edition, etc), and use of brand benefit claims (n = 8) (e.g., messages that exalt sensory-based characteristics such as flavor, taste, aroma and recommend how to use/consume the product, etc). Almost 90% of the brands were ultra-processed foods producers and they carried 52 ads on TV and 194 posts on social media platforms. A higher frequency of the strategy 'cartoon/company owned character' was found on TV ads (19.2%; p < 0.0001) in comparison to social media platforms (0% on the three platforms) while the presence of 'famous sportsperson/team' prevailed on YouTube (41.4%) in comparison to TV (19.2%), Facebook (10.9%) and Instagram (9.1%), p < 0.0001. On YouTube ads, the claims 'sensory-based characteristics' (86.2%), 'suggested use' (51.7%), and 'emotive claims' (31.0%) were more commonly seen in comparison to the other media, while the claims about 'new brand developments' (23.1%), 'price' (9.6%) and 'suggesting to children and the whole family to use the advertised product' (21.1%) prevailed on TV. Ultra-processed food brands are the main food companies that advertise on Brazilian TV and social media and the message transmitted by these brands varies in each media according to the advertising strategies that are used.

Digital food environment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Brazil: an analysis of food advertising in an online food delivery platform.

Online food delivery (OFD) platforms guarantee access to food during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic when commercial food establishments are closed and access to food retail is controlled. The present study aimed to describe the advertisements published in an OFD platform in Brazilian capitals, during the 13th and 14th weeks of the pandemic. Data collection occurred on 1 d of the week and 1 d of the weekend and during lunch and dinner time. A random sample of 25 % of the advertisements (n 1754) published in this period was classified in accordance with the presence of food groups and to the use of marketing strategies. Sandwiches, ultra-processed beverages, traditional meals or pasta were the most common food groups shown in the advertisements. Free delivery prevailed in advertisements of ice cream, candies or salty packages snacks and pizza (P < 0·01). Combos were more frequently shown in the advertising of natural juices or smoothies, ultra-processed beverages, sandwiches and pizzas (P < 0·01). Messages about healthiness were more seen among natural juices or smoothies, vegetables and traditional meals and pasta advertisements (P < 0·01) and less seen in sandwiches (P = 0·02) and pizza advertisements (P < 0·01). Economy messages were rare in advertisements of traditional meals or pasta (P < 0·01) and more common in ultra-processed beverages (P = 0·03) and ice cream, candies or salty packages snacks (P < 0·01) advertisements. The OFD platform promoted unhealthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil due to the expressive presence of unhealthy foods advertising.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for the food information environment in Brazil.

The food information environment includes food advertising disseminated in various media. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the shutdown of schools, universities, non-essential commerce, public leisure areas, bars, restaurants, among others, the food information environment has changed in Brazil. People spent more time at home which led to greater exposure to television and internet advertising content. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the food production sector has invested in new ways to advertise their products that include advertising messages of support, empathy and solidarity, as well as social responsibility campaigns looking for self-promotion such as food donation and financial aids. Sponsoring online events promoted by Brazilian musicians on social media was also enhanced during the pandemic and allowed food companies to become part of the consumer's leisure and entertainment moments. The advertising strategies adopted by the food industry during the COVID-19 pandemic are used to generate market demands, influence the consumer purchase decision and increase their loyalty to the supplier brands. Consequently, individuals may have been more vulnerable to excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods during this health crisis. This commentary aims to describe the changes in the food information environment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and propose a pathway to promote a healthier food information environment after this health crisis. Perspectives for promoting a healthier food information environment after the pandemic are also discussed, focusing on regulating food advertising with a shared responsibility between government, the food industry, the academy and civil society.

O patrocínio de empresas do setor de alimentação e bebidas no futebol brasileiro: um obstáculo para a promoção da alimentação saudável / Sponsorship by the food and beverage industries in Brazilian professional soccer: an obstacle to the promotion of healthy eating / El patrocinio de empresas del sector alimentario y bebidas en el fútbol brasileño: un obstáculo para la promoción de la alimentación saludable

Resumo: O patrocínio de empresas de alimentos e bebidas ultraprocessados é uma prática de marketing comum no esporte, capaz de influenciar os consumidores, e que é desconhecida no Brasil. Nesse cenário, objetivou-se identificar o perfil do patrocínio de empresas do setor de alimentação e bebidas de clubes de futebol no Brasil e associar a ocorrência desse patrocínio a características dos clubes. A amostra contemplou as empresas desses setores patrocinadoras dos 20 clubes da Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro em 2018. As empresas de alimentos foram identificadas quanto ao perfil de seus produtos segundo a classificação NOVA, e foram obtidas informações a respeito do número de títulos na Copa Libertadores da América, no Campeonato Brasileiro e nos campeonatos estaduais; tempo de história; região do Brasil; número de torcedores e receitas de patrocínios/publicidade e de direito de transmissão na TV. Foram identificados 280 patrocinadores, com repetição de patrocinadores entre os clubes, dos quais, 11,5% eram do setor de alimentos, com destaque para os ultraprocessados (9,4%), sendo 6,7% de bebidas ultraprocessadas. O patrocínio pela categoria de ultraprocessados foi mais prevalente entre os clubes com maior número de títulos no Campeonato Brasileiro e na Copa Libertadores da América e entre aqueles com maior número de torcedores e volume de receitas de patrocínios/publicidade e por direito de transmissão de seus jogos na TV. Assim, evidenciou-se presença significativa de empresas de ultraprocessados como patrocinadores dos clubes de futebol, sobretudo entre os clubes com maior número de vitórias em campeonatos e popularidade, configurando-se como um obstáculo à promoção da alimentação adequada e saudável.

Abstract: Sponsorship by ultra-processed food and beverage companies is a common marketing practice in sports, capable of influencing consumers, with unknown effects in Brazil. The study aimed to identify the profile of food and beverage companies sponsoring professional soccer teams in Brazil and to associate the occurrence of this sponsorship with the teams' characteristics. The sample included companies from these industries sponsoring 20 major league soccer teams competing in the Brazilian Championship in 2018. The food companies were identified according to the products based on the NOVA classification, and information was obtained on the number of championships they had won in Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian Championship, and the state championships; time since the club was founded; region of Brazil; number of fans; and revenues from sponsorship/advertising and sale of TV rights. A total of 280 sponsors were identified, with repeat sponsors between teams, of which 11.5% were from the food industry, featuring ultra-processed products (9.4%) and 6.7% of ultra-processed beverages. Sponsorship by ultra-processed producers was more prevalent among teams that had won more championships in the Brazilian National Cup and Copa Libertadores and among those with more fans and higher revenues from sponsorship/advertising and sale of TV rights. The study revealed the significant presence of manufacturers of ultra-processed foods and beverages as soccer team sponsors, especially for the more popular teams that had won more championships, thus posing an obstacle to the promotion of healthy eating.

Resumen: El patrocinio de empresas de alimentos y bebidas ultraprocesados es una práctica común de marketing en el deporte, capaz de influenciar a los consumidores, y que es desconocida en Brasil. En este escenario, el objetivo fue identificar el perfil del patrocinio de empresas del sector de alimentación y bebidas de clubes de fútbol en Brasil, y asociar la ocurrencia de este patrocinio con las características de los clubes. La muestra analizó las empresas patrocinadoras de estos sectores en 20 clubes de la serie A del Campeonato Brasileño en 2018. Las empresas de alimentos se identificaron respecto al perfil de sus productos, según la clasificación NOVA, y se obtuvo información en cuanto al número de títulos en la Copa Libertadores de América, en el Campeonato Brasileño y en los campeonatos estatales; recorrido histórico; región de Brasil; número de hinchas e ingresos por patrocinios/publicidad, así como de derechos de transmisión en la TV. Se identificaron a 280 patrocinadores, con patrocinadores repetidos entre clubes, de los cuales un 11,5% eran del sector de alimentos, destacando los ultraprocesados (9,4%), siendo un 6,7% el de las bebidas ultraprocesadas. El patrocinio por la categoría de ultraprocesados fue más prevalente entre los clubes con mayor número de títulos en el Campeonato Brasileño y en la Copa Libertadores de América y entre aquellos con mayor número de hinchas y volumen de ingresos por patrocinios/publicidad, así como por derecho de transmisión de sus juegos en la TV. Así, se puso en evidencia la presencia significativa de empresas de ultraprocesados, como patrocinadoras de los clubes de fútbol, sobre todo entre los clubes con mayor número de victorias en campeonatos y popularidad, convirtiéndose en un obstáculo para la promoción de la alimentación adecuada y saludable.