The initiative calls on the Federal Council to amend the Price Disclosure Ordinance. In advertising, prices and discounts should no longer have to be communicated on every advertising medium. References to digital sources - such as QR codes or URLs - should suffice.

The majority of the National Council's Legal Affairs Committee (RK) agreed with the proposal. It found that the consumer protection concern of making prices transparent could be better achieved with electronically retrievable information than with small print.

According to the RK, there are now around twenty practical brochures on the implementation of the Price Disclosure Ordinance. The ordinance has become so complex that it is hardly understood anymore, the commission noted.
 

A minority rejected the motion. Advertising without a price is already permitted today, said spokesperson Lisa Mazzone (Greens/GE). The ordinance also leaves advertisers room for flexibility in their design.

The Federal Council also found the motion to be misguided and insisted on "clearly legible" price information. In its eyes, and also in the eyes of the minority, it is questionable whether consumers are served if they have to stand very close to a poster in order to read a QR code or URL on their cell phone.

Economics Minister Guy Parmelin added that the regulations on price disclosure would be continuously updated in consultation with the cantons and industries. If prices are advertised for products, consumers must know what they are actually paying for what. (SDA)

Socialbakers publishes a comprehensive report on the most important social media trends of the second quarter of 2019.

The report reflects the current state of the social media world and provides key insights into platform engagement, cost per click (CPC) and click-through rate (CTR) trends, top converting ad placements and the latest data on influencer marketing.

"The data for the second quarter of 2019 shows that marketers who are not investing the majority of their efforts in paid social media optimization, benchmarking and maximizing cross-channel visibility are falling behind," explains Socialbakers CEO Yuval Ben-Itzhak in a statement. "The importance of intensive monitoring and optimization of paid strategy across channels and ad accounts becomes clear when you look at the numbers on which strategies and content are having a positive impact and where there is room for improvement going forward."

Although marketers have increased their overall budget on Instagram, for more than 140,000 brand profiles analyzed in the report, more than 60 percent of all ad spend is still allocated to the Facebook News Feed, rather than diversifying within Instagram into Feed, Stories, Suggested Videos and Instream Videos. (The top 5 ad placements based on relative ad spend were selected for analysis).  

• Mobile remains the decisive platform for brands. Ads are seen 95.1% of the time on mobile devices, but only 4.9% on desktop.
• Of the 50 top brands analyzed on Facebook and Instagram, the top 50 brands on Instagram now have the same target group size as the top 50 brands on Facebook. However, the majority of user engagement takes place on Instagram. (The data refers specifically to the target group of the top 50 company profiles and not to the total number of users on the platform)
• Instagram performs best for fashion and beauty, while the Facebook News Feed continues to lead the way for e-commerce and retail brands.
• Influencer marketing continues to grow. Among the more than 3 million influencer profiles analyzed, the number of Instagram influencers who promote brands and have written posts with #Ad (advertising label) increased by 33% compared to Q2 2018.

For the 50 most important company profiles analyzed on Instagram and Facebook, the target group was almost identical (measured by the number of followers on Instagram and page likes on Facebook). This is an important milestone for Instagram and shows how important the platform has become for brands. While the target group sizes are identical, the majority of user engagement takes place on Instagram. Instagram performs best for fashion and beauty, while the Facebook News Feed continues to lead the way for e-commerce and retail brands.

In addition, Instagram interactions remained constant over the past year. Meanwhile, interactions according to the mean value (median) for Facebook posts are 3.3% behind the level of June 2018.

Although marketers have increased their spending on Instagram, Facebook News Feed still accounts for more than 60 percent of all advertising spend. The Instagram feed ranks second here with 20 percent. The rest of the top 5, including Instagram Stories, Facebook Suggested Video and Facebook Instream Video, combined reach around 10 percent.

The Socialbakers report also shows that around 30 percent of ad spend is invested in non-performing content that scores a C or D for post quality (an average to below average score as determined by Socialbakers AI).

While MarTech and AI are helping companies to better invest their budgets in the most appropriate content - Socialbakers AI rated 62% of posts as A+ or A - there is still room for improvement. With the flood of data and sometimes resulting disorientation, it is important to have a tool that helps to choose the best path and avoid wasting budgets.

Based on almost 50,000 Instagram brand profiles, "Carousel" is the leading format for organic interactions with more than 120 per post. However, the "Carousel" format is only used in 15-18 percent of cases. Based on more than 140,000 Facebook brand profiles analyzed, "Live" is by far the leading format for interactions, but is only used in 4 percent of posts.

The data shows that by using a popular format, brands can avoid wasting resources on posts that don't resonate with their audience. As the figures show, there is plenty of untapped potential with Instagram Carousel and Facebook Live. This offers marketers an easy way to increase engagement with their content.

The number of Instagram influencers who promote brands and have written posts with #Ad increased by 33% in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018. This is a big jump. This includes influencers who actually use the #Ad advertising label; however, influencers do not always include the #Ad label in sponsored posts.

"For marketers who need to know which ad spend performs best, book better converting ad placements and partner with top influencers, we're pointing them in the right direction with our Q2 Trend Report," explains Socialbakers CEO Yuval Ben-Itzhak. "Now more than ever, it's critical for brands to use data-driven insights to develop smarter social media strategies that address the latest trends and opportunities."

With the Naturage product line, the more than 120 drugstores and pharmacies in the Dr. Bähler Dropa Group offer their customers a diverse range of home-made natural remedies such as spagyric essences, herbal tinctures and individual tea blends. "With Naturage, we are building a bridge between ancient knowledge and state-of-the-art naturopathy," explains project manager Johnny Schuler.

This bridge-building played a key role in the design of the new brand identity: "The connection between tradition, nature and modernity should be made tangible in the branding and packaging," says Art Director Roland Dill. "Fine illustrations of medicinal plants form the starting point. The woodcut-like scraperboard illustrations by English artist Bill Sanderson are reminiscent of old craftsmanship and make reference to the medical textbooks of the Middle Ages."

In combination with the natural cardboard as a carrier medium and the simple, contemporary design, the Naturage brand immediately expresses this blend of nature, tradition and modernity in the packaging, on the website and in all other means of communication.

In the first part of its deliberations on the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes on Tuesday, the small chamber fully followed the lead of its preliminary deliberations in the Health Committee. This is a compromise on the Federal Council's proposals, which the National Council will then have to decide on.

Template with a long history

The first attempt at a new Tobacco Products Act failed due to advertising bans: Parliament rejected the law in 2016. At the second attempt, the Federal Council initially also envisaged advertising restrictions. However, following criticism during the consultation process, it removed these.

According to the Federal Council's draft, the current law on advertising restrictions should remain in place. There is currently a ban on tobacco advertising on radio and television. Advertising for tobacco products aimed specifically at young people is also prohibited.

No ban on billboard advertising

The Council of States is now proposing an additional ban on tobacco advertisements in newspapers and magazines as well as advertising on the Internet. Tobacco sponsorship of international events is also to be banned.

The law that failed in 2016 also provided for both. However, there were also plans at the time to ban billboard advertising for tobacco products and commercials in cinemas throughout Switzerland. Both are already banned in some cantons, but permitted in others.

WHO-compliant rules

Councillor of States Joachim Eder (FDP/ZG) said on behalf of the Commission that the amendments created the conditions for ratifying the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. "The doors would thus be wide open." Due to the lack of restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, Switzerland has not yet been able to ratify the convention.

Effective protection of children and young people and compliance with the minimum requirements of the Convention are the top priority for the majority, said Eder. With a view to the Convention, the Council of States also wants to ban sales promotion through the free distribution of tobacco products. It wants to oblige the tobacco industry to disclose expenditure on advertising, sales promotion and sponsorship.

Stricter sponsorship regulations

The Council of States also wants to write into law that events and activities organized by the federal government, cantons and municipalities may not be sponsored by the tobacco industry. This decision was taken by 23 votes to 19.

Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis was recently criticized because a cigarette manufacturer was scheduled to sponsor Switzerland's appearance at Expo 2020 in Dubai. In the end, the Department of Foreign Affairs renounced the money from the tobacco multinational.

Hardly any fundamental resistance

On Tuesday, there were only a few sporadic references to an "attack on the free market economy" from the conservative representatives. This argument still stood out in the debate three years ago and led to the temporary collapse of the bill.

There is now a broad consensus that the new law should raise the barriers to tobacco advertising so that young people do not start smoking. It would also make an effective contribution to reducing healthcare costs, said Commission spokesperson Eder.

Initiative wants to go further

According to a recent study by the ZHAW, tobacco consumption in Switzerland leads to medical costs amounting to CHF 3 billion. This corresponds to 4 percent of total healthcare expenditure. Production losses due to tobacco consumption amount to a further 2 billion.

As in 2016, the Left Party unsuccessfully pushed for stricter rules. It called for a ban on all advertising that could reach minors. This provision would fulfill the main objective of the popular initiative "Yes to protecting children and young people from tobacco advertising", which was submitted last week with 113,500 signatures.

Sales ban still under discussion

Further chapters of the bill and the overall vote are expected to take place in the third week of the session. This will include a ban on the sale of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes to minors. Some cantons currently have an age limit of 16. Three cantons have no age limit.

The Federal Council's proposed regulation of e-cigarettes and tobacco products such as snus will also be a topic of discussion. All e-cigarettes - whether nicotine-free or containing nicotine - are to be subject to the Tobacco Products Act. (SDA)

Cancer brings great challenges. Challenges that those affected and their relatives do not have to overcome alone. The Zurich Cancer League is there to provide comprehensive support in all everyday matters - from practical assistance and financial support to legal and administrative clarifications. With the current campaign, the Zurich Cancer League is drawing attention to this important range of services. 
Having already developed and implemented the umbrella brand identity for the Swiss Cancer League and the breast, skin, prostate and colon cancer themes, MetaDesign also supports the cantonal and regional leagues in their brand management.

Cordula Sanwald, Head of Communications at the Zurich Cancer League: "For the campaign, it was important for us to communicate a very concrete offer that helps people affected by cancer to cope with their everyday lives. We are happy to have MetaDesign at our side as an experienced partner who has known our organization for a long time and understands the subject matter."

Alexander Haldemann, CEO MetaDesign: "The fact that we are also able to support the cantonal and regional leagues with brand management in addition to the umbrella organization gives the brand the right continuity and presence. We appreciate the trust and the close partnership."

The idea of the innovative Zügelkisten comes directly from the living environment of the target group: Every year, almost a quarter of a million young Swiss people aged 18-26 move into a new apartment. In the process, young people are constantly on the lookout for new interior design ideas and "do-it-yourself" tips for building furniture. After all, their budget is limited. So it's the perfect opportunity to convey the core message with a relevant offer: Mobiliar understands the needs of the young target group and is the perfect partner when it comes to the topics of "living" and "moving". For example, customers have been able to obtain free moving boxes as part of Mobiliar's youth offer for several years now.
 

The campaign builds on this existing offer: Rein boxes were developed that can be assembled into a complete furniture set after the move. Twelve crates are used to create two lounge chairs, a low table and a side table. These are obtained by simply cutting out the marked parts from the boxes and connecting them with the adhesive strips provided. In doing so, the assembly works completely intuitively by following the graphic design. A practical way to continue using the boxes after the move. And at the same time a real eye-catcher in any home.

The innovative rein boxes are promoted with an integrated campaign. The idea of the crates, which become furniture, is dramatized in both moving and static images. The ads are played out at numerous online and offline touchpoints relevant to the target group. These direct users to a landing page through which they can win the boxes (limited edition). The campaign started at the beginning of September and was on-air for the whole month.

There were a number of challenges to overcome in the development of the moving boxes. On the one hand, the final shape of the furniture was significantly limited by the format of the moving boxes. Secondly, the stability of the crates was not to be compromised by the pre-punching of the furniture parts. And at the same time, the furniture had to be aesthetically pleasing and become a must-have in the target group. A central point here was the development of the graphic design. This had to work in three different dimensions: On the pull box itself, when flat and folded, as a plan for assembling the furniture, and on the finished furniture, where the design provides an individual look.

The focus of the appearance, which was created by Festland and realized by Haas Werbemanufaktur, is the special bond between the utility company and its customers. The eye-catchers are life-size figures of people from Buchs, who convey the EWB's range of services with striking messages and personal stories. You can find out more at the exhibition bar ("üsere Chat-Room"), where you can get personal advice from the EWB team. At the photo booth, visitors to the trade fair also have the opportunity to immortalize their visit on selfies and share them on social media with the hashtag #üseriWIGA.  

The exhibition stand is an integral part of the new brand design, which was also created by Festland. The brand presence on social media and the accompanying sales promotion for the WIGA were also designed by EWB in collaboration with the agency from Eastern Switzerland.

Examples from the present and the past explain how discussions about privacy reflect social change and the political climate, as well as the moral codes of the times. 
Privacy is a human right. However, what we understand by "privacy" in everyday life is individual and depends on interests. Residents, companies and authorities do not always agree on where privacy begins and where it should end. One thing is certain: the concept of privacy is constantly changing, even in the digital age. Social change, technical innovation and new business models go hand in hand.

Stilgraf's concept for the scenographic realization of the exhibition theme makes use of the ambivalence surrounding this topic. The tendential dissolution of privacy is reflected in the core element of the exhibition: the booths. These form the backbone of the exhibition and symbolize the contradiction of private & public with the non-opaque beam construction. Another core element of the exhibition is the installation in the courtyard - a chandelier with 56 fake surveillance cameras. These are symbols of the contradictions in dealing with privacy: for some they mean protection and security, others see them as a threat to their privacy.

Curated by Sarah Genner and Christian Ritter, the exhibition is a cooperation between the Cultural Department of the City of Zurich and the Collegium Helveticum. The exhibition runs from September 19, 2019 to February 29, 2020.
 

"We are delighted that we were able to convince Mastercard of our expertise so that we can now work with them to tackle the challenges in the increasingly disruptive and therefore exciting financial services environment," said Patrick Milo, Managing Partner of Grip, in a statement. 

For his new role, the 46-year-old, who holds a federal diploma in marketing, brings with him experience from printing and communications companies, where he held various management positions. For the past six and a half years, he has been responsible for the transformation of the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (BBL) from a procurement service provider to a comprehensive consulting service provider for online and offline publications. Together with his team and internal customers, he supported and procured a wide variety of multichannel projects for the federal administration, from agency procurement to distribution. 

With his experience and proven leadership qualities, he brings with him all the prerequisites to align the marketing, communication and sales processes of Schulverlag Plus with the requirements of the developing market and to actively help shape the transformation processes, according to a statement.

Around a quarter of the Swiss population suffers from sleep disorders (FSO). This has far-reaching consequences for health, society and the economy. Gorilla and Health Promotion Switzerland commissioned Kreienbühl and Vogler to develop an awareness-raising campaign to inform those affected that there are simple tips to combat sleep problems.

We've all been there: lying awake. And suddenly it's two o'clock in the morning and your head is still spinning. You just can't fall asleep. Then lying awake becomes a horror. This is the central idea behind the campaign developed by Kreienbühl and Vogler.

Well-known lullaby titles are presented in a completely different way: With horror fonts. This shows how bad it can be if you can't sleep. In the accompanying film, a young man is sung to sleep by a doom metal band.

On the microsite Find-sleep.ch sufferers can find tips and solutions on how to get a good night's sleep.

When it comes to sustainable vacations and leisure plans, SBB RailAway makes it easy to leave your suitcase in the cupboard for a beach vacation and pack your rucksack for a local mountain tour instead. With countless offers, the subsidiary of the Swiss Federal Railways beckons you to "Hiking in Switzerland" and offers discounted combined deals for picturesque day trips in all four parts of the country.

In a social media campaign for SBB RailAway, TheIndustry has now captured what it can look like to enjoy the last late summer rays of your own staycation against a spectacular Alpine backdrop. Three routes were staged in elaborately produced videos: The Walenpfad (Engelberg), the Five Lakes Hike (Pizol) and the Brienzer Rothorn (Brienz) are shown in all their beauty in the clips and ensure a wanderlust true to the slogan "Leave everyday life behind you with SBB RailAway".

The Zurich agency was able to draw on its network of freelance content producers for the film production, and TheIndustry then distributed the finished videos via its own "Swiss Influence Network". This network of social media channels on Facebook and Instagram has over one million followers and reaches up to 500,000 users in Switzerland every week.

The posts and stories achieved remarkable organic values: 400,000 reach, over 150,000 video views and above-average engagement rates.