Growing Female Vodka Market

A Dummy's Puppet's Ramblings - from Chip Martin, Mannequin American

How Many Types Of Vodka Do We Need?

Proximo Spirit recently announced that singer Lil' Kim will front a campaign for the company's Three Olives vodka brand which is introducing a new flavor, Purple.

But really, will yet another "Ladies Only" vodka make it? Diva Vodka (above) was packaged with real Swarovski Crystals on the bottle (emulating a stripper pole?). That women-targeted brand crashed and burned along with several others over the past couple of years.

Now Van Gogh Vodka has vaulted into the market with Van Gogh Blue. The brand already has social media support behind it (a facebook page and twitter account) and an advertising campaign with an edgy sense of humor. "Come unbottled with the only premium triple wheat vodka that's guaranteed to be smoother than most of the men you meet out at the bars."

Van Gogh Vodka is already a well established brand and this particular release is the eleventh vodka from the distillery. Also they have a very large US distribution, not to mention ad advertising budget of one million dollars. These facts coupled with the social media efforts may just make this female-specific vodka work.

So put away those wine spritzers, girls, and raise a glass of Van Gogh Blue.

Amusing TV Spots That Caught My Glass Eyes

Foot Locker

Double entendres abound in the 30 second "Art Class" spot for Foot Locker. The spot features a purportedly nude male model, being described by students. Some funny lines. Click here to watch.

Burger King

It's not unusual for Nascar stars to show up in their sponsors' ads, but how many will work a shift flipping burgers as Tony Stewart appears to have done for Burger King? And Tony has a good sense of humor, which comes through in the two-minute video. Some guests recognize him, even though he looks like a regular schlub behind the counter; others don't.

The video received 1.8 million views last week. It's part of Burger King's "Sign & Race" campaign, which allows fans to enter to have their signature placed on the Burger King logo on Mr. Stewart's car, and share the image on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to see the entertaining video.

Starburst

Starburst has been advertising itself lately as a contradiction ... a solid candy that's also juicy, like a liquid. The tag is used in a new 30 second commercial in the U.K. where a zombie claims, "You're boring me to death, and I'm already dead." I love it when a product mocks itself. Click here to see the ad.

Aging Nudists Defy Gravity

To raise money for a breast cancer charity, 102 British nudists made a bouncy attempt to break the World Record for naked rollercoaster riding at Essex's Adventure Island amusement park. Image via Splash. That means there already was a world record for naked rollercoaster riding, right?! Here are my questions:

1.    Who was the first person who thought that was a good idea?

2.    How did he/she convince a rollercoaster owner to let them ride naked?

3.    Why wasn't I invited?

Marketing at Airports

Las Vegas does some the best ambient marketing. Above, part of a Lance Burton illusion rotates on a luggage carousel.  It generates attention, inquisitive touches and photos. I'm guessing it also generates ticket sales.