THIS JUST IN:
Absolut has issued a statement regarding the Absolut / Mexico Ad furor, here is the website :
absolut.com/in-an-absolut-world-according-to-mexico
..and their statement:
In an ABSOLUT World according to Mexico
Posted Friday, April 04, 2008, 5:26:34 PM
The In An Absolut World advertising campaign invites consumers to visualize a world that appeals to them -- one they feel may be more idealized or one
that may be a bit "fantastic." As such, the campaign will elicit varying opinions and points of view. We have a variety of executions running in
countries worldwide, and each is germane to that country and that population.
This particular ad, which ran in Mexico, was based upon historical perspectives and was created with a Mexican sensibility. In no way was this meant
to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect
immigration issues. Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal.
As a global company, we recognize that people in different parts of the world may lend different perspectives or interpret our ads in a different way
than was intended in that market. Obviously, this ad was run in Mexico, and not the US -- that ad might have been very different.
By Paula Eriksson, VP Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits
Following there copout statement, is a comments section, about 20 comments per page, right now there are 34 pages of comments!!!
Many pissed off people are weighing in and hammering Absolut right now!!!
Got the VP of Comm to respond, not too shabby.
These comments are entertaining:
4/5/2008, 3:47 AM - Quote this comment
How to Wreck a Brand 101. You can now be assured that your products will never be purchased again in my house due to your arrogance and stupidity. The
lame excuses posted are not cutting it. We live in a global economy, and your company is now proven to be overwhelmingly anti-American, just admit it.
Perhaps the biggest brand destruction in marketing history?
by Dave Williams
4/5/2008, 3:46 AM - Quote this comment
I'm devistated to find out you own Chivas Regal. It is the only Wiskey brand I buy, at least until today.
If you print a retraction and a proper apology I will consider buying it again but as it is now I'll have to tell my friends to refrain from
purchasing Chivas for me for any occasion.
by Peter I
4/5/2008, 3:46 AM - Quote this comment
My "Absolut" world now has none of your products in it. There are way too many alternative (and superior) products to support such blatant
anti-Americanism with even a penny of my money.
by Tom
[edit on 4-4-2008 by battlestargalactica]