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Proof we advertisers can sell anything… 

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Bottled Water has to be the ultimate proof that marketing can sell anything. When you look into it you have to wonder how stupid the public really are. They certainly don’t check out their facts and even when you tell them they go into denial.

 

I came across a great report on 20:20 (American ABC news channel) on bottled water. It really does prove we marketing people can sell anything for 100 times the price, in US alone they sell over 4b dollars of water a year. Yet across the other side of the world millions have none.

 

Bottle water is almost an urban myth in that many consumers think it’s better for you or tastes better than tap. That it’s safer. Seems test after test proves that what we think and what is reality is not the same.

 

In fact it can harbour bacteria and minerals that may not be so good for you. We’ve probably all seen a water cooler that is left in the light go green inside. One report in America revealed that 1/3 of water violated industry standards. One brand had arsnic in it.

 

The report on 20 20 sums up just how fickle the public are. As one consumer says, ”I’m the only one in my household who dares to drink tap water.” Seems the bottled water industry have managed to sell the public a big lie. Many consumers say they think bottled water is cleaner and safer and healthier. Experts and taste sessions seem to prove the opposite is true.

 

But it’s all coming apart as there’s a backlash towards bottled water. There’s also a big trend away from plastic bottle towards refillable ones with slogans on like: “Friends don’t let friends drink from plastic.”

 

Check out these videos. The Penn & Teller one is very funny.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2KUCgvemjM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzOOvC803rc&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfPAjUvvnIc

 

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October 17, 2009 10:55 AM
 

A survey a few years ago found New York tapwater one of the cleanest sources of water in the world.

 
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Arnold on ethical marketing

Ethics is the fastest growing area of marketing. From green campaigns to greenwash. It's hot. It's complicated. And most companies get it wrong.
 

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CHRIS ARNOLD

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