Unilever demands influencer marketing business clean up its act

In an effort to rebuild trust with consumers, the CPG company says it will take steps to make its advertising more transparent. Part of that, the company says, is “cleaning up the influencer ecosystem” by not working with social influencers who pay for followers or likes, noting that this practice has become increasingly common as brands rely on these influencers to speak on their behalf and are often willing to pay more for posts by people with more followers. Points North Group, which analyzes influencer marketing, estimates that for those with between 50,000 and 100,000 followers, about 20 percent of them are bots. Unilever CMO Keith Weed also called on social media platforms to take action to fix the fraud issue. Read more at The Wall Street Journal...

A third of children use alternative medicines

One-third of children under the age of 19 regularly use dietary supplements or alternative medicines, according to a new study published in JAMA Pediatrics using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They most commonly take multivitamins, vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and melatonin. Multivitamin use declines with age, though—30 percent of children under 5 take them, while only 16 percent of adolescents use them, according to the study. Read more at The New York Times…

In North Carolina, plant-based milk isn’t milk, but only if other southern states agree

A measure prohibiting plant-based beverage makers from calling their products “milk” if it doesn’t come from an animal passed in North Carolina as part of the General Assembly’s Farm Bill. But an amendment tagged on late in the game means the measure won’t be enforceable until 10 other states adopt similar policies. The amendment was supported by retailers and others who argued that the state can’t fly solo when it comes to labeling regulations. Read more at Forbes…

Wegmans, Publix top list of shoppers’ favorite grocery chains

For the third straight year, Americans polled by Market Force Information voted Wegmans as their favorite grocer. Known for its large stores, fresh produce and reasonable prices, Wegmans took the top spot from Trader Joe’s in 2016 and tied with Publix last year for the top spot. Market Force’s rating score grocers based on how customers rated their most recent shopping experience and how likely they are to refer others to the chain. Read more at Supermarket News…

Pogue’s Run Grocer to close

The nonprofit cooperative grocery store in Indianapolis says sales are at an “all time low” and that it cannot sustain itself. Opened in 2010 with help from state and federal grants, the store brings fresh and organic food to an underserved area. Read more at Indy Star…