Which bird was featured in Guinness advertisements?

Introduction

Guinness, the famous Irish stout, has been a household name for over 250 years. The brand is known not only for its distinctive taste but also for its iconic advertising campaigns. One of the most memorable features of Guinness advertisements is the use of animals, particularly birds. In this article, we will explore which bird was featured in Guinness advertisements and the story behind it.

The Guinness brand

Guinness is a brand of stout beer that was first brewed in Dublin, Ireland in 1759. Its unique taste is derived from a blend of roasted barley, hops, water, and yeast. Over the years, Guinness has become one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved beers, with a loyal following in over 150 countries.

The famous Guinness advertisements

Guinness has a long history of creative and memorable advertising campaigns. From the iconic “Guinness is Good for You” slogan of the 1920s to the “Surfer” commercial of the 1990s, Guinness has consistently pushed the boundaries of advertising.

The bird in the Guinness advertisements

The bird that was featured in Guinness advertisements is the Toucan. The Toucan is a colorful bird native to Central and South America. It is known for its large, colorful bill, which can be up to half the length of its body.

The story behind the bird

The Toucan was first introduced in Guinness advertising in the 1930s. At the time, Guinness was looking for a way to stand out in a crowded marketplace. They hired the advertising agency S.H. Benson to create a campaign that would capture the attention of consumers.

The bird’s name and characteristics

The Toucan used in Guinness advertising was named “Toucan Sam.” He was known for his distinctive appearance, with his bright orange bill and colorful feathers. Toucan Sam was created by the advertising agency Leo Burnett in 1963.

The significance of the bird in Guinness advertising

The Toucan became synonymous with Guinness advertising and was featured in numerous campaigns over the years. The bird was used to convey the idea that Guinness was a refreshing and exotic drink. The colorful bird was also a way to capture the attention of consumers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

The impact of the bird on Guinness sales

It is difficult to measure the impact that the Toucan had on Guinness sales. However, the bird was an important part of the brand’s advertising campaigns for many years and helped to create a distinctive image for Guinness.

The bird’s legacy in advertising

The Toucan remains one of the most iconic animals in advertising history. It has been featured in numerous campaigns over the years, including those for Froot Loops cereal and the Brazilian airline Gol. The Toucan’s colorful appearance and distinctive bill continue to capture the attention of consumers.

Guinness advertisements without the bird

In recent years, Guinness has moved away from using animals in its advertising campaigns. Instead, the brand has focused on more emotional and human-centered themes, such as the “Made of More” campaign.

Conclusion

The Toucan has played an important role in Guinness advertising history. The colorful bird helped to create a distinctive image for the brand and capture the attention of consumers. Although Guinness has moved away from using animals in its advertising campaigns, the legacy of the Toucan lives on.

References and further reading

• Guinness. (n.d.). About Guinness. Retrieved from https://www.guinness.com/en-us/our-story/
• McKenna, J. (2018, December 13). The Toucan and Guinness: A love story that lasted for over 80 years. The Irish Times. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/the-toucan-and-guinness-a-love-story-that-lasted-for-over-80-years-1.3732784
• Toucan Sam. (n.d.). Froot Loops Wiki. Retrieved from https://frootloops.fandom.com/wiki/Toucan_Sam