So this is what the British Potato Council are spending our money on. An advertising campaign with Nell McAndrew in her smalls.
WHAT? Who the hell is running the British Potato Council these days, Benny Hill? Shame on them. I have particularly prudish views when it comes to the use of sexy women to sell mundane products. I thought that this sort of thing ended in the 1970's when Pan's People split up. They don't even do this sort of thing to sell penis-substitute sports cars at the Motor Show any more. I've said it before and I'll say it again, agriculture is not just bad at marketing, it is supershit. We are in the dark ages.
I would hate to sterotype but isn't the shopping for most households done by females? Is this the sort of picture that encourages busy mums to grab a bag of potatoes. Perhaps lesbians have been turning to rice and pasta and the BPC deduced that this was the most effective campaign. I suspect not. More likely the campaign was designed by a sad, frustrated, male, middle-aged, middle-class, white middle manager. It will almost certainly be a huge hit with farmers.
OK this will get a bit of publicity, like this in the Mirror, but is this really the right approach? It will provide Ms McAndrew with a lot more publicity than the potatoes. Typical of the BPC to launch it at a time in the season when potatoes are at their most expensive, most unpredictable inquality and when imports have got their highest market penetration.
When farmers behave as though every consumer is or should be like them, they are actively turning half of the population off their produce.
I'm with you. But not everyone is:
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Community/forums/p/16468/88173.aspx#88173
What are you talking about? Clearly, (as all women will glean from this clever advert) I too could be as glamorous and beautiful as Nell if I buy British spuds.
Obviously, the more I eat, the more chance there is of me looking more like her, so I'm going to buy a few sacks tomorrow. While I'm waiting to develop similarly shapely legs, I'll store the spuds in my bath and cavort amongst them like Nell. It looks like she's having a cracking time.
I smell irony. Have decided to publish your comment anyway although I'm worried that the thought of the Longer View Muse TM "cavorting" in potatoes may be too powerful an image for some readers. I cannot take responsibility for any over-excitement caused.
ca·vort Audio Help /kəˈvɔrt/ –verb (used without object)
1. to prance or caper about.
2. to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry.
[Origin: 1785–95, Americanism; earlier cavault
Had you used the word "romp", I may have needed to censor your comment.
Actually I was hoping to become the face of British potatoes. This is not, I should point out, the same thing as being Mr Potato Head. That is a different thing.
! It appeals to the customers of the ad agency, not the consumers. Much as I appreciate Nell, it reminds me of the dads army approach to marketing that Uk agriculture stays with..
I love the idea of you having detachable angry eyes and a selection of moustaches. I've seen a Darth Vadar Mr Potato Head too - he had his own light sabre. It'd be something to aspire to...
Talking of spuds - I've been meaning to tell you that our cats have taken a shine to the box of new potatoes you gave me. If you turn your back they steal them and then chase them around the floor. I am sure it will feature on CatChat soon. Bet you can't wait...
So you all know about Nell's BPC work but did you know that Wayne Rooney is the new face for Spudulike?
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