CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - December 9, 2008) - Starting in January, Extra gum will appear on
NBC's "The Biggest Loser" for a fourth season to help contestants reduce
snack cravings as they strive to maintain a healthier lifestyle. In tandem
with this season's appearance and part of a continued commitment to
encourage smart snacking decisions, Extra gum conducted a survey to better
understand when and why snack urges strike. The survey revealed more
Americans snack at 3 p.m. than any other time in the afternoon.[i]
Knowing that many snack choices are not necessary and can lead to
consumption of unwanted calories, Extra gum partnered with celebrity
trainer Bob Harper of "The Biggest Loser" to offer some smart snacking
solutions. "My clients always tell me that the afternoon is their toughest
time of day when it comes to snack cravings, and they typically reach for
snacks even if they aren't hungry," said Harper.[ii] "To get through those
tough times, I suggest chewing a stick of long-lasting Extra sugar-free gum
because research shows that Extra helps reduce snack cravings."
Snack time confessions
The recent snack survey revealed consumer "confessions" that address the
root causes of American snacking. For starters, 58 percent of those sampled
(and 71 percent of the women polled) admit to reaching for a snack simply
because "it's there." Even for the most conscious calorie-counters,
mindless afternoon munching can undermine a healthy routine, with a third
of those surveyed revealing they don't even think about the consequences of
snacking until after they've eaten it.
"Consumers tell us they're looking for products that make it easier to
maintain overall health and wellness in a time when that is not always
easy," said Wrigley Vice President of North American Gum Marketing Paul
Chibe. "Small steps, like enjoying the long-lasting flavor of Extra gum
instead of giving in to unnecessary snack cravings, can add up to
significant calorie savings and help you achieve weight management goals."
Be prepared to face tough temptations and keep a pack Extra gum handy to
help avoid the drivers of 3 p.m. snack attacks:
-- Daytime TV: Between talk shows, soaps and game shows, 71 percent of
adults admit having the urge for snacks while watching TV
-- After school snacks: Sixty-three percent of moms feel tempted to
indulge when their kids are snacking
-- Midday boredom: Trying to kill time leads 47 percent of adults to
snack
-- Office cravings: Thirty-nine percent of adults report wanting snacks
during meetings and while working at their desks
-- Anonymity: One in 10 adults sneak away for a secret afternoon snack
3 PM Snackdown™ Challenge
Extra gum wants to help you tackle your snack cravings and stick to your
weight management goals with a chance to win the "3 PM Snackdown
Challenge." The grand prize winner will find out what it's really like to
be on "The Biggest Loser" during five one-on-one sessions of a personal
fitness plan with Harper. Visit
www.Extra3pmsnackdown.com to enter, for
official rules and free entry instructions. No purchase necessary. Void
where prohibited. Contest ends April 30, 2009. You must be 18 years old and
a legal U.S. resident to enter.
About the Survey
The national telephone survey was conducted among 1,000 adults ages 18 and
older in November 2008.
Bob Harper
Personal trainer Bob Harper is one of the most in-demand fitness experts,
recognized around the world. Certified with the American Fitness Training
of Athletics and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, he uses
internal motivation and life counseling as inspiration for his clients,
incorporating mind, spirit and body. His comprehensive approach has lead to
success after success. Best known for working miracles on the hit NBC show
the "Biggest Loser" and the "Biggest Loser Australia," Bob Harper is author
of the book "Are You Ready!" and a trainer to the stars as well, motivating
Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Ellen DeGeneres, among others. Watch him
on "The Biggest Loser," Tuesday nights at 8/7c on NBC.
About the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company (
NYSE:
WWY)
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company is a recognized leader in confections with a wide
range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies,
lollipops, and chocolate. The company has operations in more than 40
countries and distributes its world-famous brands in more than 180
countries. Three of these brands -- Wrigley's Spearmint®, Juicy Fruit®,
and Altoids® -- have heritages stretching back more than a century. Other
well-loved brands include Doublemint®, Life Savers®, Skittles®, Big
Red®, Boomer®, Pim Pom®, Winterfresh®, Extra®, Starburst®,
Freedent®, Hubba Bubba®, Orbit®, Excel®, Creme Savers®, Lucas®,
Eclipse®, Airwaves®, Solano®, Sugus®, Lockets®, P.K.®, Cool
Air® and 5™. Wrigley is headquartered in Chicago, IL and operates as a
subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, based in McLean, VA. Mars is a
$27-billion, family-owned company that produces some of the world's leading
confectionery, food and petcare products and has growing beverage and
health & nutrition businesses.
© 2008 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. All Rights Reserved. Extra and 3 PM
Snackdown Challenge are trademarks of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. The 3 PM
Snackdown Challenge is sponsored by Wrigley. NBC and "The Biggest Loser"
are not affiliated or involved with the 3 PM Snackdown Challenge.
[i] Wrigley 3pm Snackdown Study. StrategyOne. November 2008.
[ii] Data on file.
Contact Information: For more information, contact:
Jennifer Jackson-Luth
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
(312) 645-8876
jennifer.jacksonluth@wrigley.com
Lauren Pankhurst
Edelman on behalf of Wrigley
(312) 233-1290
lauren.pankhurst@edelman.com