The Food Advertising Unit (FAU) was set up in 1995 under the auspices of the Advertising Association, as a centre for information, communication and research on the issue of food and soft drink advertising to children. Above all, the FAU aims to raise the quality of the debate surrounding advertising to children by providing pan-industry leadership and a forum for dialogue to inform industry awareness and best practice in food advertising and marketing communications.
FAU membership is composed of multi-national food companies, agencies and the media, offering a holistic representation of the food and soft drink advertising industry in the UK.
The role of the advertising industry
Food advertising and health is an important debate, in which the advertising industry can make a positive contribution in the interests of society. The FAU is supportive of efforts to address issues relating to diet, physical activity and health, and our members are committed to playing a positive role.
However, food marketing is not the fundamental driver of diet quality, or the overall health of society. Many factors are involved in the process of becoming overweight or obese and therefore the problem is one which demands a holistic rather than piecemeal approach.
The FAU can be part of the solution by:
• Promoting responsible implementation and adherence to the spirit and letter of the codes.
• Promoting media literacy programmes like Media Smart and member CSR initiatives.
• Commissioning new research to inform and advance the debate.
FAU Membership Benefits:
• Regular updates on issues relating to food advertising, particularly food and soft drinks promotions to children
• Bi-monthly industry stakeholder meetings
• A voice in the debate within Whitehall, Westminster and the media
• Rapid response to relevant media coverage
• Advice on current Government thinking
• A coordinated public affairs strategy
• Member representation at relevant Government and industry events
• The latest research on changes in food and soft drink advertising
• New insights on obesity-related issues
For more information contact Tom Bage at tom.bage@adassoc.org.uk