Next, tell us about a comparable product of today, and provide us with comparison and contrast information.
READ the blogs of classmates to learn more about the post war era as a time of great economic "boom"!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Week # 3: Post War PRODUCTS Then & Now
Next, tell us about a comparable product of today, and provide us with comparison and contrast information.
READ the blogs of classmates to learn more about the post war era as a time of great economic "boom"!
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The Kit Kat first originated in York of the United Kingdom as a box of chocolates in the 1920’s known as Kit-Cat. However, it eventually became discontinued and did not re-surface until the 1935 as a chocolate bar known then as a snack that a man could take with him in his packed lunch. It was called “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp,” and it was purchased for the price of 2d, which was about two pennies. Rowntree was the candy company who trademarked the names Kit-Cat and Kit-Kat. In 1937, Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp became known as the Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp. This was also when Rowntree started advertising the “Break” concept that goes along with the Kit Kat even today. During WWII, the Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp switched to just the Kit Kat, and the recipe had changed to dark chocolate due to food shortages. After the war, it returned to the original milk chocolate recipe, and kept its name as the Kit Kat.
ReplyDeleteEventually, especially during the 1950’s, the Kit Kat began to become a worldwide known chocolate crisp bar. It was known for its slogan “Have a break, Have a Kit Kat.” In 1988, Rowntree was bought out by Nestle, which continued to give it availability all over the world except in North America, because the Hershey Co. had distributed, and continues to distribute the Kit Kat bar in North America. Nestle has been criticized for changing the flour used in the original recipe as well as changing the wrapper to plastic verses the widely known foil wrapper. There were other flavors that have been attempted, such as orange, mint, caramel and even Kit Kat Chunky. They still today are trying new variations of the bar, but none of which have really taken off quite like the original Kit Kat. Japan has tried many variations of the Kit Kat bar, which in my opinion, sound really off the wall. For example, they have tried Apple Vinegar, Cantaloupe, and even Cola & Lemon Squash.
In October 2010, Kit Kat celebrated its 75th anniversary. The traditional candy bar today measures four bars each at one centimeter wide by nine centimeters long, but it started in the 1930’s as two bars. In the UK, in 2010, a new manufacturing plant was opened, and they produce over 1 billion Kit Kats a year. Today, the Kit Kat in the United States is advertised with its famous jingle: “Give me a break. Give me a break. Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar.” It is still one of the most popular candy bars.
BAND AID BRAND
ReplyDeleteregistered trade mark
of Johnson & Johnson
Band Aids were first invented in 1921 by Earl Dickson. As he noticed that his wife was constantly cutting her fingers in the kitchen. He made them by applying gauze to the middle of adhesive tape and then applying it to a piece of crinoline to keep it sterile. He then took his invention to his boss, James Johnson who decided to manufacture the product, and made Earl Vice-President of Johnson & Johnson. Although at first Band Aids were not huge sellers for the company.
Here is a time line for the Band Aid Brand Bandages though out the time line.
1921 Band Aids were first made by hand. They were about 3inches wide and 18inches long they cost around 2cents per carton of 15. They only sold about 3,000 dollars worth that first year.
Because they were not an instant success, they decided to distribute them to Boy Scout troops for free to help promote their product.
By 1924 they had began to make them by Machine.
1938 introduced the fully sterilized Band Aid.
To aid in the War effort, millions of Band Aids were sent over seas in 1942.
In 1951 Band Aid introduced the first plastic strip.
Also in 1951 they came up with the first decorative Band Aid, calling them stars and strips.
1957 the clear Band Aid was introduced.
1958 the First Clear Vinyl Band Aids were Produced.
Then it seemed the the Band Aid took a rest from new innovation, creation and modification until,
1994 when Band Aid Brand Sports adhesives were introduced.
In 1995 Band Aid celebrated it's 75th Anniversary.
1997 Band Aid produced the Antibiotic Bandage.
2000 produced advanced healing Bandages.
2001 marked the production of Band Aid Brands 100 billion Band Aid.
2002 introduced the liquid Band Aid.
2007 Band Aid Brand brings back there Jingle “ IAM STUCK ON BAND AID BRAND CUZ BAND AIDS STUCK ON ME.
Which was written by the infamous Barry Manilow.
For what I could find for Prices were
2cents
10cents
39cents
49cents
as it stands to day a box of thirty regular Band Aid Brand bandages cost a little over $3.00. But if you would like anything fancy like, Dora, Spider Man, Princess, to the ones with antibiotics you'll spend $4.00 dollars or more and receive almost half of the regular plain bandage.
I also added links that show many commercials, the history, and many picture of the boxes through-out time. Before Band Aids were invented if you had a cut you would have to apply gauze and cut your own tape to bandage the womb. Throughout history Band Aids have helped us by being able to quickly patch up a small scratch or scrape. It has also help by it invention of the antibiotic bandage insuring to help prevent infection of surface wounds.
http://savetz.com/bandaid/
http://savetz.com/bandaid/commercial1.php
http://savetz.com/bandaid/commercial2.php
http://www.bandaid.com/brand-heritage
http://www.bandaid.com/brand-heritage/history-info
Lucky Strike is a brand of American cigarettes, often referred to as “Luckies” that derives from "luck". There used to be a superstition that "Luckies" cigarettes can bring luck to the one who smoke them. This cigarette brand is considered to be one of the most known smoking tobaccos. This brand of cigarette is in demand everywhere in the globe. Any person who has a Lucky Strike cigarette packet in his pocket is considered to be rich. The brand was first introduced by R.A. Patterson Richmond, Virginia in 1871 as a cut-plug tobacco for chewing and the flowing year was applied on cigarettes manufactured.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately in 1905, the company got sold to American Tobacco Company. In 1917, the brand started using the slogan “It’s Toasted” to inform consumers about the manufacturing method in which the tobacco is toasted rather than sun-dried, which makes the tobacco taste better. This is what makes this brand distinctive and unique. Also the message "L.S.M.F.T." ("Lucky Strike means fine tobacco") was introduced on the package in the same year.
In the late 1920, as the market of men-oriented cigarettes was very tight, American Tobacco Company concentrated on women. They intentionally selected green color for the packs of Lucky Strike cigarettes, as this color was very fashionable and popular among American women. They employed Hollywood celebrities to promote Lucky Strikes. One typical ad said, "Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet." Sales of Lucky Strikes increased by more than 300% during the first year of the advertising campaign. And in 1929 manufacturers of Lucky Strike cigarettes organized a feminist march, “Torches of Freedom”, where women walked along the main streets of New York, proudly carrying green packs of Luckies. Sales went from 14 billion cigarettes in 1925 to 40 billion sold in 1930, making Lucky Strike became the leading cigarette brand nationwide.
The wars always were the best time for promotion of alcohol and cigarettes. So, when the World War II began in Europe, Lucky Strike rapidly came on the spot. In a famous advertising campaign that used the slogan "Lucky Strike Green has gone to war", the company claimed the change was made because the copper used in the green color was needed for World War II. In 2006, Reynolds American, the last owner of Lucky Strike trademark discontinued the brand due to consumer switched to other brands. However, it is still selling in many countries outside of the U.S. being marketed by British American Tobacco.
In the past, the cigarette companies were able to advertise largely regulation-free. However, the cigarettes advertising had been challenge by growing anti-smoking campaigns and smoking laws. According to Time.com, the FDA Tobacco Regulation Bill, which provides the U.S. government with extensive power to regulate tobacco products, is a major step for federal regulation of cigarette manufacturers. The bill compels tobacco companies to eliminate potentially misleading labels like "light" and "mild," regulate a product's ingredients and increase the size of the warning labels on cigarette packs.
Peter Pan Peanut Butter
ReplyDeleteI found a 1962 commercial for peter pan. “P- Nuttiest” peanut butter of them all! Here is the link to it http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollywoodplace/4796606877/
E.K. Pond was the original name of the Peter pan peanut butter when it was introduced in 1920 by Swift and Company. In 1928 Swift and company renamed the peanut butter to Peter Pan. The peanut butter was originally packaged in a tin can with a turnkey that allowed the can to be opened and reclosed. The company later changed to a glass jar because of World War II and the metal shortage. Peter Pan in 1988 was the first peanut butter company to start packaging with a plastic jar.
In the 1950’s peter pan brand used tinker bell as a mascot. Later the company started using Disney character Peter Pan as the mascot for the brand. Provided below are a few slogans used by the Brand
*P-Nuttiest
*Picky people pick Peter Pan peanut butter, it's the peanut butter picky people pick
*Clap your hands! If you believe in peanut butter, you gotta believe in Peter Pan!
Peter pan is still sold in grocery stores across the country. I found another commercial from 1982.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVE4IVAe1Z8
When comparing the commercials from 1962 to 1982 they have almost the same theme. They both are about children having a good time with a great treat. Both videos showed the product being spread onto a piece of bread close up to show the smooth creaminess of the peanut butter. This product has been around for a long time and I believe it will be around for many more. It’s all about brand loyalty!!!
All information found on Peter Pan website and Wikipedia for Peter Pan. Video’s found on flickr and youtube.
Ajax cleanser is a powdered household and industrial cleaner introduced by Colgate-Palmolive in 1947. Its slogan was "Stronger than dirt!,"give a distinctive mythical character of Ajax. The slogan was used again for its Ajax Laundry Detergent, when introduced in the early-1960s, with an armed knight riding a white horse. In addition, a widely mocked commercial in the late-1970s/early-1980s declared, "Armed...with Ajax!" In the UK character actress Ann Lancaster appeared on the "It cleans like a white tornado" television advertisements.
ReplyDeleteOther Ajax products included Ajax Bucket of Powder, an ammoniated power floor cleaner, introduced in 1943; Ajax Laundry Detergent in 1964; Ajax Window Cleaner with Hex ammonia in 1965, and a short-lived spray cleaner in 1960. The last successful Ajax line extension, Ajax for Dishes, debuted in 1971; now known as Ajax Dishwashing Liquid, it and the flagship powdered cleanser are the only two Ajax products sold to consumers by Colgate. The brand name continues on a line of institutional detergents, cleaners and disinfectants. Colgate-Palmolive Company sold the U. S. and Canadian rights to the Ajax brand name on laundry detergents, as well as to other laundry products as Fab and Cold Power, to Phoenix Brands in 2005. Ajax Laundry Detergent was available in a liquid formula, with and without bleach alternative, beginning in the mid 1980s.
Company History:
Colgate-Palmolive Company's growth from a small candle and soap manufacturer to one of the most powerful consumer products giants in the world is the result of aggressive acquisition of other companies, persistent attempts to overtake its major U.S. competition, and an early emphasis on building a global presence overseas where little competition existed. The company is organized around four core segments--oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition--that market such well-known brands as Colgate toothpaste, Irish Spring soap, Softsoap liquid soap, Mennen deodorant, Palmolive and Ajax dishwashing liquid, Ajax cleanser, Murphy's oil soap, Fab laundry detergent, Soupline and Suavitel fabric softeners, and Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. Colgate-Palmolive has operations in more than 200 countries and generates about 70 percent of its revenue outside the United States.
Price
1970's 15 cents
today's $1.75
Commercial
1950 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LX8h7fBkF0
today's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0xBeAqsiOw
The video snippet I choose in class was the one in featuring Pee Wee Reese, of the Brooklyn Dodgers, talking about how a clean shave will make a teenage boy feel better about himself.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-gmoyG2PT8
The Gillette Super Speed Double Edge Safety Razor of the 1950’s was the primary Double-edge (DE) safety razor sold by Gillette and comprised the bulk of safety razors made and sold in the country. The idea of a double-edged blade was patented by King Camp Gillette around 1901 and sold starting in 1904. Numerous single-edge razors were in production then, so Gillette's advertising included a description of how many "shaving edges" per box, rather than razor blades per box. Gillette's move to sell razors to the US military, as it was mobilizing troops for World War I, cemented Gillette's place as the US sales leader in shaving, and thus DE blades occupied a place as at least the first among equals, if not the outright dominant shaving system, on the market for perhaps 60 or more years. Gillette was incredibly popular after both WWI and WWII. The men who did not use them before leaving for the military, became lifetime users after military life. The blades were much easier to use, cheaper, and expendable when compared to the competitors of that era.
Gillette created the "razor and blades" model of production and sales. The manufacturer sold the razor itself for minimal or no profit, only to reap profits on razor blades for many years. Gillette's use of patents has provided them with at temporary monopoly position as provider of razor blades/cartridges as they introduce new models of razors.
If we fast forward 60 years, Gillette does not seem to have changed much on the advertising. The company focuses more on men than teenage boys, as you can tell with their catch phrase “The Best a Man Can Get.” However, the product line has gone through several upgrades though out the years.
I compared the old razor to today’s Fusion Power Razor. You can purchase this razor at Walmart for $8.94 and a 6 pack of replacement cartridges is $23.26. The Gillette Super Speed Double Edge Safety Razor and the handy traveling case cost $1.29 in 1950; in 2009 the same product would cost about $11.37 and the 5 pack replacement blades would cost about $5.00. I used various inflation calculators online to come up with this new price.
The Gillette Fusion Power razor advertisement claims it gives the user a shaving performance a man needs to look his very best. The battery powered razor allows the shaver to gently glide across his face with less friction and less irritation. A microchip in the razor ensures a constantly perfect shave every time.
Gillette is still the top razor blade company in the United States. The company got into legal trouble in 2005 because it kept on claiming each new product was the “best ever.” The Connecticut District Court determined that Gillette's claims were both "unsubstantiated and inaccurate" and that the product demonstrations in Gillette's advertising were "greatly exaggerated" and "literally false."
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4097/
I find these posts REALLY enjoyable to read:) Thanks so much for posting! Tom, not sure what happened, Alex lost a blog post as well. Hm.
ReplyDeleteHere it is again.. The History Of Kool-Aid/Perkins Background
ReplyDeleteKool-Aid was made in 1927 by a fascinated inventor named Edwin Perkins. He was always into chemistry and enjoyed inventing things.
When his family moved to southwest Nebraska at the turn of the century, young Perkins experimented with home-made concoctions in his mother's kitchen. Edwin's father opened up a General Store in Hendley, Nebraska. It was in the store that Edwin became entranced with a new dessert mix introduced by a childhood friend (and future wife) Kitty Shoemaker. The powdered dessert came in six delicious flavors and was called Jell-O. Edwin convinced his father to carry the dessert line in his store.
Another product that was proving to be popular was a concentrated drink mix called Fruit Smack. Fruit Smack, like Jell-O, came in six delicious flavors. The four-ounce bottle made enough for a family to enjoy at an affordable price. However, shipping the bottles proved to be costly and breakage was becoming a problem as well. In 1927, Perkins developed a method of removing the liquid from Fruit Smack so the remaining powder could be re-packaged in envelopes (which Perkins designed and printed) under a new name to be called Kool-Ade. (He later changed the spelling to Kool-Aid.)
The product, which sold for 10¢ a packet, was first sold to wholesale grocery, candy and other suitable markets by mail order in six flavors; strawberry, cherry, lemon-lime, grape, orange and raspberry. In 1929, Kool-Aid was distributed nation-wide to grocery stores by food brokers. It was a family project to package and ship the popular soft drink mix around the country.
By 1931, the demand for Kool-Aid was so strong, other items were dropped so Perkins could concentrate solely on Kool-Aid. He moved the entire production to Chicago for more efficient distribution, to be closer to supplies and to be able to expand even further if necessary.
Interesting fact...During the Great Depression, Perkins cut the price in half to just 5¢ a packet, a "luxury" most families could afford. Young entrepreneurs sprung up across the country setting up Kool-Aid stands. While most of the profits were consumed by the youngsters, it was something most children enjoyed. Perkins introduced off-shoots of Kool-Aid including pie fillings and ice cream mixes. These products never really took off with the public. During World War II, fruit acid and dextrose rationing prevented any expansion. After the war, the demand for Kool-Aid was so great that Perkins had to expand the factory and by 1950, 300 production workers produced nearly a million packets of Kool-Aid each day.
In 1953, Perkins announced to his staff that he was selling Kool-Aid to General Foods. Within a year, the popular Smiling Face Pitcher was introduced in print advertisements. Root Beer and Lemonade flavors were added to the original six flavors in 1955 and pre-sweetened Kool-Aid was developed in 1964 and redeveloped in 1970. Kraft Foods acquired General Foods and became the new owners of Kool-Aid.
Before 1964, did you know Kool-Aid was unsweetened, and you had to add sugar in the mix to create deliciousness? (as seen in 1950s commercial).
Kool-Aid was a hit in the post-war years. People, especially children, were fond of the smiling and talking pitcher Kool-Aid. It "brought friends together," as seen in the 1960s commercial with bugs bunny and the Monkees. Even today, Kool-aid "singles" as they are called today, are worth the same since they have be invented (5-10 cents an individual pack). The plastic bottled Kool-Aid container prices vary. They come in 6,8,or 12 pack (reasonably priced). The product has remained the same since Edwin Perkins created this delightful drink!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TppRjknOryk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5FdTlfSKPw
Got these posts:)
ReplyDelete