Unilever pledges to restrict marketing efforts to children

Unilever is self-imposing restrictions on how it advertises food to children in compliance with governmental restrictions in Europe and elsewhere.

The firm promised that from the beginning of next year, it will no longer advertise its food or beverage items to youngsters under the age of 16.

That includes no data collection on children under the age of 16, no use of influencers, celebrities, or social media stars who are under the age of 16 or predominantly appeal to children of that age, and no commercial marketing in schools unless specifically asked.

Recognizing the influence that social media and influencer marketing can have on children's choices, Unilever believes it's critical to raise the bar on responsible marketing to a minimum age of 16 years old across both traditional and social media, according to Matt Close, Unilever's president for ice cream.