McDonald's health drive to exploit Olympics link

McDonald's is putting its sponsorship of the Athens Olympics at the heart of its drive to promote healthy eating and exercise with a campaign featuring sprinter Darren Campbell and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies.

Television and radio activity developed by Leo Burnett will use the strapline 'Every step counts' to reinforce the idea that even simple forms of exercise - such as climbing stairs and walking - contribute to keeping fit.

It will be supported by magazine advertorials and trayliners in restaurants.

Campbell and Davies will feature in promotional material offering hints and tips on keeping active.

The campaign will support the launch of a healthy meal option called Go Active!, which will be available throughout August to back McDonald's Olympic sponsorship. Promotional activity has been created by The Marketing Store, with media planning and buying by OMD.

The campaign is part of a wider global initiative called 'Healthy Active Lifestyle', which will promote balanced diets and exercise. Last month McDonald's answered government calls for the food industry to advertise responsibly by creating a £1m educational campaign for children featuring brand icon Ronald McDonald (Marketing, 23 June).

Last week McDonald's UK chairman and chief executive Andrew Taylor quit after 25 years at the company. Peter Beresford, executive vice-president for McDonald's Japan, will replace him.

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Advertising Intelligence Market Reports.

Find out more

Enjoying ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s content?

 Get unlimited access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s premium content for your whole company with a corporate licence.

Upgrade access

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an alert now

Partner content