Is that Catchup on your face?

Thanks to all the LinkedIn members who are responding to Ori’s question: “What are your best examples of irrational decision-making in the workplace?” Keep them coming. We’re still sorting through all the stories, but wanted to share a funny one brought to our attention by Michael Duffield. Watch this gender-bending commercial, which aired in England. When viewers were offended by the same-sex peck, Heinz decided to pull the commercial, triggering new complaints that the company catered to homophobic interests. Either way, Heinz was playing not to lose. Does this create innocuous (and boring) commercials? Was Heinz acting irrationally (either by airing the commercial or pulling it)? Tell us what you think.

2 Responses to “ Is that Catchup on your face? ”

Comments:

Felix Obes says:
June 28th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

I think the commercial is focused on a particular audience, which are those who actually buy ketchup. And those who did not, are now paying attention to it.

These groups will vary it´s composition with geography. It will be interesting how it works out. And one more thing. I reckon it´s the first I´ve seen using this approach to promote a worldwide distributed brand.

Great Work!

Juliet Johnson says:
June 30th, 2008 at 3:51 am

Actually, I think it’s just a poorly executed commercial. Doesn’t matter that there’s a gay kiss, there’s no info about the product. Why’s the “mom” was American… all to set up the line “with a New York Deli flavor”?

What’s the point of having a deli guy as the mom - There are no comments about how great the sandwiches are or how fabulous the mom is, so why bother?

The throw to ‘Oliver’ - Please, sir, can I have some more - is a nice, familiar opening, heightened with a similarly looking kid, but…if Heniz mayo makes your parents into those 2 I don’t want it.

Not worth the laugh, which btw also doesn’t support the tag.

Using controversy to promote a brand may be new but surely the commercial should speak to the brand aswell?