I agree with you on the comparative study of Atkins vs. South Beach. That would make for an interesting write-up. I’d be interested not only in the philosophies, but also in the business alliances the two companies forged. I’ve seen some Kraft products labeled as South Beach foods and I know Atkins has private label products and even a “certification” some restaurants use on certain menu items.

Thanks for the great comments Scott!

As a marketer, I’ve admired the way the South Beach people lifted Atkins’ best ideas but also put a softer spin on it, and made money where Atkins manufactured controversy. They obviously knew how to brand themselves in ways Atkins never did, or wanted to do. Although if you read his book, Robert Atkins was a good copywriter. Still, he never compromised and never made peace with the nutritional establisment, even though he changed their minds over time.

There is a very good study somewhere in all of ths — two companies presented themselves. One was original and innovative, but brusque and dismissive of the establishment; it filed for bankruptcy. The other has a plan that’s very similar but softer, and appears more to buy into established, low-fat dogma. It is more acceptable to the mainstream. It seems to have prospered.