The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
LISTOWEL STANDS UP FOR THE COCA COLA TRUCK
IT may have rolled into Listowel to an enthusiastic welcome, but there are now calls for the Christmas Coca-Cola truck to be banned.
The comments appeared in a recent British Medical Journal article where two public health officials described the promotion of the Coca-Cola truck as ‘counterproductive’ in the fight against obesity due to the promotion of sugary drinks. The officials made the comments following the truck’s recent visit to Derry - one of 10 stops nationally that included Listowel.
Listowel went ‘coke crazy’ in December as local businesses decorated shop windows with the internationally famous brand and the extravaganza was a welcome boost to trade as the truck’s visit coincided with the reopening of newly developed William Street, which traders say had put strain on local trade throughout 2016.
However, the health officials claim Coca-Cola’s marketing of the truck is something that ‘goes into overdrive’ with local media regurgitating press releases of its tour and promoting it ‘as a Christmas tradition’ - something they say should now be banned.
Responding to the claims, Damian O’Mahony of the Listowel Traders Association, said calls for a ban were excessive and he very much hoped the truck would return to Listowel again as it created a unique Christmas atmosphere.
“As a treat these things are okay and I’d certainly do headstands if I thought the truck would return again next year,” said Damian.
“It created a wonderful atmosphere and it’s all about moderation and responsible parenting. I didn’t see any children consuming vast amounts of coke; in fact, people working on the truck were handing out coke to the adults only, not the children. Coke promote their product spectacularly well and it’s up to each of us, as consumers and individuals, how we respond. But we’ll certainly be looking to have the truck visit us again this year,” he added.