UN Unilever NV

New Research Uncovers the Stinky Truth about Bar Patrons' B.O. CHICAGO, July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- As more cities around the world pass smoke-free legislation in their bars and restaurants, patrons are wrinkling their noses at an alarming truth: the smoke may have been masking equally offensive odors. Speculating that patrons themselves could be partly to blame for new, unpleasant smells, AXE, the male grooming brand and maker of all-over deodorant bodysprays, partnered with world-renowned scent scientist Alan Hirsch, M.D., to reveal what's behind "bar funk." Through a series of scientific tests at a popular Chicago bar/restaurant, Dr. Hirsch discovered that while the odor of cigarette smoke is gone, equally offensive aromas that were previously hidden have surfaced. The tests also showed that bar patrons were a major cause of the stink. Sweat was one of the top odor contributors to the "bar funk" and in addition to armpit odor, smells from patrons' backs, heads and abdomens were also potent. While these tests were conducted in only one bar, the results could shed light on why other smoke-free establishments are also experiencing "bar funk." KEY FOUL FINDINGS Using scientific odor-gauging instruments, Hirsch performed two tests: 1.) "ambient odor concentration" test to quantify how bad the smoke-free bar smelled; and 2.) "head-space analysis" test on six randomly selected male patrons to locate the sources of their smell. SMELLY LOCATIONS: HOW THEY STACK UP* -- Swine Production Site (60) -- SMOKE-FREE BAR (50) -- Animal Rescue Facility (30) -- Men's Room (15) -- Industrial Site (7) *Based on ambient odor intensity levels, 60 being most smelly, zero being least smelly WHERE THE SMELLS CAME FROM* 1. Back 2. Head 3. Abdomen 4. Underarms *Ranked highest to lowest, based on tests of six randomly selected male patrons TOP ODOR CONTRIBUTORS AT THE TESTED SMOKE-FREE BAR/RESTAURANT* 1. Must/Earth/Mold 2. Urine-like 3. Sour/Acid Vinegar 4. SWEAT/BODY ODOR *Top four of 46 odors picked up by the "nasal ranger" test THE SOLUTION? With B.O. as a main contributor to the funk identified through Dr. Hirsch's tests, AXE wants to help ease this sweaty epidemic by reminding guys that in addition to underarm deodorants, using an all-over deodorant bodyspray may help them stay fresh all night long and avoid contributing to the "bar funk." INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES Dr. Hirsch is available to discuss this study and demonstrate his methods using his "nasal ranger" equipment. ABOUT DR. HIRSCH Alan Hirsch, M.D., is a neurologist, psychiatrist and nationally recognized smell and taste expert. He is also the founder of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. ABOUT UNILEVER Unilever (NYSE:ULNYSE:UN), one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life. In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico -- generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2006. For more information, visit http://www.unileverusa.com/. Contact: Dan Cohen, Edelman Emily Zielinski, Edelman 312-240-2750 312-233-1293 DATASOURCE: Unilever CONTACT: Dan Cohen, +1-312-240-2750, , or Emily Zielinski, +1-312-233-1293, , both of Edelman, for Unilever Web site: http://www.unileverusa.com/

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