Michael Phelps and Kelloggs Controversy

Olympian Michael Phelps to Be Featured on Packages of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes(R) and Kellogg’s Corn Flakes(R) Cereal

I have a pretty good idea that this will have a huge impact on Kellogg’s revenues as kids clamor to purchase these boxes of cereal with their hero on them.  I think having heroes is awesome as long as they represent the values that we want to see emulated in our children. 

I do have a problem with Kelloggs though.  The boxes of cereal Phelps will be featured on are all sugary, high fructose laiden junk food. 

As an advocate of health and fitness, Phelps should’ve insisted on being placed on boxes of healthier cereals to encourage children to make better choices.  I’m rather disappointed in him. 

“As an Official Sponsor of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team and a proud sponsor of Phelps, it is only fitting that Kellogg Company feature this world-class athlete on its iconic boxes of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes cereals,” said Marta Cyhan, Vice President, Global Promotions, Kellogg Company. “Michael embodies the values behind our Frosted Flakes Earn Your Stripes(TM) program. He knows that winning is not just about the glory that comes with gold medals, but about good sportsmanship, working hard and being your best.”

We know very well that olympians do not make Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes a regular part of their diet and I find it rather disgusting that Kellogg’s would stoop so low to increase their sales than by using our innocent children.  Childhood obesity is a major problem in our company and its the sleezy marketing of these big companies that are to blame.