KFC and McDonald’s cause a ruckus in New Zealand

Advocates of good health have lined up the fast food giants in their sights as these brands sponsor New Zealand’s popular rugby leagues.

In New Zealand, critics of fast food are up in arms. They say that fast food brands are guilty of a cynical move to addict children. Some even refer to KFC’s pairing with Rugby League World Cup as a public health tragedy.

The Rugby League World Cup 2017 will allow KFC to advertise on the video referee board during try referrals and through virtual signs on the field. The World Cup said it would also work with the chain to create ways for fans to interact with the brand in the lead-up to the games. Obesity experts don’t like the idea at all with recent examples to back their outrage.

In New Zealand, there has been a general outcry about Gatorade’s (a Pepsi brand) ‘partnership’ with the New Zealand All Blacks team. There have also been instances when New Zealand players chose to avoid appear in KFC’s promotions.

KFC has this to say about rugby and its products. "We're both about gathering family and mates to enjoy something, whether it's a meal or a great game." The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will be held in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea from October 26th to December 2nd, 2017. Surprisingly, the website of the Rugby World Cup 2017 event does not have the KFC brand name up yet.

Source : http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/331943/fast-food-and-sport-a-popular-combo-deal