Absolut Apologizes for Mexican Ad

Posted by Shabana on April 9, 2008
Filed under: Mexico, News

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Absolut Ad

Absolut Vodka has apologized for running an ad depicting the southwestern states of the US as part of Mexico as part of its ”In an Absolute World” campaign which depicts ideal situations.

In the ad, the US Mexican border is outlined as it was before the US Mexican war of Independence in which the regions that now consist of Texas, California, Utah and New Mexico were ceded by Mexico.

The ads were only released in Mexico and ran for about two months, but were seen as provocative enough to ruffle feathers north of the border. As images of the ad flashed across the Web, American protestors left angry messages on blogs and internet sites calling for a boycott of Absolut Vodka.

Advertising pros admit however, that the ad is a spark of pure genius when you consider the target market. The loss of those territories centuries ago, is an emotional topic for many Mexicans, and the ad touches a nerve.

Absolut however insists that its intention was never to insult anyone. No, of course not. Nothing like a little controversy to kick off a campaign.

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Comments

Mark Schoneveld
April 9th, 2008 - 2:05 pm

Can you imagine? I think the ad is radical. Awesome. People forget history so quickly.


Mike Richard
April 9th, 2008 - 2:15 pm

I agree, Mark.

Even setting the political/historical angle aside, it’s a brilliant ad. One that I would expect from Absolut.


Glenn Dixon
April 9th, 2008 - 2:52 pm

As a life-long Texan, I want to know which idiots are actually upset about this?


Rene
April 9th, 2008 - 4:13 pm

As a 3rd generation Mexican American, I LOVE it!


ivan
April 9th, 2008 - 8:04 pm

Borrowed interest. Dos Equis Beer has done the same exact ad: http://adsoftheworld.com/media....._geography


Mike Richard
April 10th, 2008 - 9:58 am

Hm, that’s interesting, Ivan.

Coincidence? If not, it’s pretty low especially for a company like Absolut with a history of great ads.