Nestlé Waters challenges Canadians to rethink their drink

Nestlé Waters Canada is trying to convince Canadians to “rethink your drink” by swapping sugary beverages for Nestlé Pure Life Sparkling Water as part of a seven-day challenge. Teams are visiting office complexes in the Greater Toronto Area and inviting employees to participate in the challenge with free cases of Nestlé Pure Life Sparkling Water in Lemon Lime, Peach Mango Pineapple and Raspberry-Lime flavours. The take-away message is that while soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices are high in sugar and calories, sparkling water is sugar- and calorie-free. “Research tells us that it takes a minimum of seven days to change a habit like this,” says Leny Ortuno, senior marketing manager at Nestlé Waters Canada. “By sampling employees in their work environment, we are reaching them in a place and time where they have established routines.” The goal is to get consumers into the habit of rethinking their drink and switching one sugared beverage per day for a healthier alternative, Ortuno says, noting that as much as one-third of Canadians’ daily sugar intake can come from beverages. Tap water can also serve as a healthier alternative, Ortuno admits. Many employees brown bag it and “by dropping off samples in office kitchens and fridges, we are able to integrate more easily into the daily routines of many.” The campaign has enlisted Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, as its spokesperson. At Sparkling7DayChallenge.ca, Canadians can pledge to swap one sugary beverage for one sparkling water for seven consecutive days and receive $1 off a case of Nestlé Pure Life Sparkling Water. Participants in the challenge can share their experiences on the Nestlé Pure Life Canada Facebook page for a chance to win prizes such as fitness bands, athletic equipment and athletic wear. The seven-day challenge is set to wrap up at the end of August. This article first appeared on MarketingMag.ca