As we previously reported, the UK Advertising Standards Agency received almost 200 complaints about the Heinz Deli Mayo ad which features 2 men in a relatively tame goodbye kiss. Apparently, Heinz didn't expect such a negative response, and less than 1 week after the ad first aired, Heinz has pulled it. The Guradian reports that Nigel Dickie, director of corporate affairs for Heinz UK, said:
"It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognise that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it ... The campaign for the new Heinz Deli Mayo product, which was due to run for five weeks, was meant to be humorous and that the company apologized to anyone who felt offended."
What surprises me is the fact that Heinz didn't expect the rash of complaints.
See more on: 
comments (3)Previously: FUZE Goes From Glass to Plastic Bottles
Next: Tyson's Case Against the USDA Dismissed. No More Raised Without Antibiotics Label
Go to: Main Page
~SK said:
Sadly, I think the point Heinze Marketing was trying to make was NOT one really of forward thinking. I'd put money on the theory that it was to say "It's like having a New York Deli in your Kitchen." Just a thought. Whatever the reason, its a cute add. Too bad they didn't have the intestinal fortitude to keep it running, even if they just redirected the focus of the add, which would be easy, given the right captioning.
Tanya Taylor, PhD
said:
Honestly I never even got the "deli" reference. I thought they were just making a sandwich. Actually - I didn't even get that it was a mayonnaise ad at first either. But it was a ballsy move on their part.
- Arbys and Wendys Have More in Common Than You Think
- Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers is a Hit
- Food Commercials We Love: PomX Iced Coffee - What the Flock
- A Sign of the Times: Suze Orman Joins Got Milk? Mustache Campaign
- Countdown to Starbucks New Piadini Sandwich
- Food Wars: Krispy Kreme vs Dunkin Donuts
- High Fructose Corn Syrup Television Commercials
- Pringles Restaurant Cravers
- Dannon Is Introducing New Activia Intensely Creamy Yogurt
|| Archives ||
- On Tyson Chicken Fun Nuggets Tanya Taylor, PhD said: testing ... more »
- On Dr Pepper Launches New $35 Million Dollar Ad Campaign to Let You Know the Best Way to Drink Dr. Pepper - Slowly nancy said: so, what is it?? What is the song called that is played in t ... more »
- On What You Should Be Eating: NASFT 2008 sofi Awards for Outstanding Speciality Foods and Beverages Acai Berry Detox said: I'm always into discussions on anything organic, so this rea ... more »
- On Gummi Lighthouse Candy. When Good Candy Gets a Bad Design John Williams said: Pretty nice site, wants to see much more on it! :) ... more »
- On Dr Pepper Launches New $35 Million Dollar Ad Campaign to Let You Know the Best Way to Drink Dr. Pepper - Slowly Christopher said: Thanks for the link to the WSJ article, Tanya; I must have b ... more »
Neena said:
While "nearly 200" people may have complained, I'm curious about how many people complimented Heinz for their "forward thinking" advertisement.
I find it refreshing when I see inter-racial couples or same-sex couples in ads...and not the media standard safe-bet couple/family. I would actually complain to have the ad brought back.