Canadians read this - Americans can too of course

[HEyHEY]

Okay, I got this release in my email this morning...... is this a company trying to run for office or something - I'm confused.

TORONTO, May 19 /CNW/ - In response to a growing appetite for more
options in the upcoming federal election, Unilever Canada is proud to announce
the launch of The Carb Options(TM) Party of Canada. This new party, which was
officially launched across the country today, is committed to offering all
Canadians more options at all times - from the voting booth to the grocery
store.
"We know that Canadians are hungry for more options in all aspects of
their lives, and we're committed to responding to this growing crisis,"
explained Geoff Craig, Carb Options Party member and Marketing Director,
Unilever Canada. "The Carb Options Party, and the Carb Options line of
products, offer Canadians a set of zesty new options for a carb conscious
tomorrow and a tastier today."
On May 5, a Leger Marketing poll revealed that 80 per cent of Canadians
feel that they have "limited" or "no" options in the upcoming federal
election. In addition, over one third (39%) of respondents said that they
didn't know of any current party leaders who could offer real options for
Canadians.
The party's platform focuses on the introduction of 15 new Carb Options
products, a great tasting new line of products that have been specifically
formulated for use as part of a carb-conscious lifestyle.
"The Carb Options Party is a bold new voice on the political scene, and
the Carb Options line of products is a delicious new addition to grocery store
shelves. I am confident that both offerings will resonate with Canadians,"
said Craig. "I hope we can count on your support."
There are 15 products in the Carb Options line of products, including
zesty salad dressings, juicy marinades, rich, nutty peanut spreads, refreshing
lemon iced tea mix, and tangy BBQ sauces, all endorsed by well-known brands
including Hellmann's(R), Knorr(R), Lipton(R) and Skippy(R).
During the election campaign, Carb Options Party candidates will be
campaigning in major city centres across the country. At all campaign stops,
Canadians will have a chance to learn more about the party's platform and the
new line of products.
To learn more about this new party, visit www.carboptions.ca.

About Unilever Canada
Unilever is one of the world's largest consumer products companies with
annual sales of approximately (US) $48 billion in 2003. It produces and
markets a wide range of foods and home and personal care products. Unilever
operates in around 100 countries around the globe and employs approximately
250,000 people.
In Canada, Unilever sales were just over C$1.6 billion in 2003. It
employs over 2,200 people across Canada. Unilever is best known in Canada by
brands such as Becel(R), Lipton(R), Red Rose(R), Slim-Fast(R), Hellmann's(R),
Knorr(R), Breyers(R), Popsicle(R), Bertolli(R), Sunlight(R), AXE(R),
Vaseline(R), Vim(R), Q-Tips(R), Dove(R), Suave(R) and Degree(R).

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available
on the Canadian Press Photo Network/

[eyesroll]

1. Ugh. I hate it when press releases try to get cute.

It looks like Unilever is trying to sell low-carb products via an election metaphor. (One of the beer companies here is trying to do the same thing, but it's a little more clear.)

Why we need low-carb mayo (! There's NO FREAKING CARBS in real mayo) and peanut butter (regular, unsweetened natural peanut butter has about the same amount of carbs, and far fewer "sugar alcohols" and chemicals as the branded stuff) is beyond me....

[Pab Sungenis]

2. It's a joke.

Not unlike when cartoon characters run for President in the States. They're using your upcoming Federal election for publicity for their new product.

Or, they could just be trying to fill the gap left since the Rhinocerous Party fell apart.