Less than Sterling Answers from Mott's Applesauce

I called Mott's yesterday (actually the Dr Pepper Snapple Group) with questions regarding the ingredients of Mott's various applesauces, which I discussed yesterday.

The tone of the call was pleasant, but I felt like the person I spoke with wasn't the most interested in my questions. Maybe it was the detailed nature of my questions, but something just felt off.

Regarding the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup in Mott's Original Applesauce, no reason could be given for calling Original "original" when it's not possible that the original Original contained high fructose corn syrup. In addition, the year of the move to high fructose corn syrup "is not in the database."

As for the possibility of replacing the petroleum-based artificial colors found in the flavored varieties (mango peach, mixed berry, etc.) with natural colorants, the response I received was, "I'm sure they are looking into it." My question as to why artificial colors are needed when the flavored varieties have seemingly colored fruit purees as ingredients was never addressed.

The Consumer Relations representative did say she would submit my unanswered questions to I'm not sure who. It usually takes about three weeks to receive answers and I gave her my email address and phone number.

I'm sure if I was a portfolio manager at a hedge fund with a 12 percent stake in the company (ticker symbol DPS) there would be a different phone number I could call to get immediate answers.

And if, by chance, someone working for Dr Pepper Snapple Group is reading this (companies track online commentary; someone at General Mills read my post last week about Yoplait Trix Yogurt) send me an email (rob@thedelicioustruthblog.com). Speak to you soon.