Starting in 1994, Disney character Fud Wrapper from the EPCOT attraction Food Rocks taught consumers about nutrition by reminding them to “always eat with moderation,” when choosing healthy foods versus sweet snacks. The character explained the importance of a balanced diet with grains, protein, dairy, fruits and vegetables but noted that consuming a little bit of sweets and other junk foods is acceptable in small doses. More than 10 years after the attraction’s closing in 2004, the American Beverage Association (ABA) is touting a similar message for beverages in order to encourage greater consumer health.
The Washington, D.C.-based organization joined forces with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which was founded by the American Heart Association and The Clinton Foundation, as well as The Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group to support the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment, which includes a goal to reduce beverage calories consumed per person nationally by 20 percent by 2025.