Absolut-ly Not a Smart Move

The Sweedish maker of Absolut vodka is running an ad campaign in Mexico that features a map of North America as it existed before the US LEGALLY obtained territories that once belonged to Mexico. The map has the words In an Absolut world across it. The whole idea is to play to the Mexican market and get the tequila drinkers to drink more Absolut vodka.

Unfortunately, the ad is an insult to the United States and has caused an uproar among those who have seen it, many of whom vow to never drink Absolut again. I don’t like the ad but there is a part of the associated story that indicates those in the South West might be offended but the rest of us are unaware of history and that assumption bothers me more. I guess they mean the revised history that says we stole this land rather than acquiring it through war or by purchasing it.

I hope that Absolut knows what it is doing because it seems to me that there are more customers here to lose than there are there to gain. In the real world the market makes the choices and Americans can absolutely hurt the vodka company more than Mexico can help it.

Big Dog

If you enjoy what you read consider signing up to receive email notification of new posts. There are several options in the sidebar and I am sure you can find one that suits you. If you prefer, consider adding this site to your favorite feed reader. If you receive emails and wish to stop them follow the instructions included in the email.

8 Responses to “Absolut-ly Not a Smart Move”

  1. Patsy says:

    It’s amazing how disrespectful Europeans can be to Americans. I wonder how many of us will never buy another drop of Absolut Vodka after this. You’re right Big Dog, they’ll lose a lot more American customers than they’ll gain in Mexico with this disgraceful ad.

  2. Schatzee says:

    I’m so glad I’m a Jack Daniels kind of lady. I will absolutely being choosing another type of vodka.

  3. Patsy says:

    Isn’t that the nastiest ad campaign you’ve ever heard of? Talk about fallacious garbage, oozing with contempt for America. Demonstrating a total lack of empathy for the current resentments of illegal Mexican immigrants. Absolut Vodka’s advertisement appeals to and attempts to use the ignorance of those who unaware of the historic, lawful acquisition of former Mexican land by the USA. This ad campaign is morally repugnant.

  4. nanc says:

    is it a good time to buy stock in jose cuervo?

    nanc’s last blog post..Terror Tourism

  5. Adam says:

    The US accounts for 50% of the vodka sales. Still, it might be wise to consider the sentiment about Mexico and the Texas/California region as a factor that outweighs US public outrage over the map. These sales wizards aren’t idiots, and the average American doesn’t care.

    Adam’s last blog post..A Hillary Clinton Stalwart?

  6. Dukehoopsfan says:

    Absolut vodka was just sold to Pernod-Ricard,a French company. How fitting it would seem to boycott another now French owned product. I am in the business and know many restaurant/bar owners who are planning to discontinue the brand for other premium vodkas.

    They marketing folks at Absolut have shown their brazen contempt and disdain for America. Now we have the opportunity to vote with our dollars and return the sentiment.

  7. Big Dog says:

    There is no sentiment that outweighs US outrage. If you insult any part of this country you insult the country.

    And what sentiment? The company is playing to the emotions of Mexicans who think we stole their land. We bought and paid for it. Mexico had too many debts to keep it so we bought it. Texas had declared its independence years before becoming part of the US.

    Perhaps it is the folks at Absolut who do not know history. In any event, there are plenty of places that will stop selling the stuff. I would like to see a big dent in their profits…

  8. Rosemary says:

    I’ll take a VIRGIN Mary with a shot of Tanguery (sp?) on the side. (Tanguery is gin.) Even though I don’t drink (anymore), I’d like to do this in honor of my disgust of this company! How do I get in touch with them? Do you have a phone number or an e-mail address? 😉

    Rosemary’s last blog post..Good on you, Sarkozy!