News briefs: Hershey, Wrigley and Cadbury
Wrigley's credit rating is improved by analyst; and internet viewer
vote the Cadbury gorilla ad the best commercial of 2007.
Hershey reconsiders "drug like" packaging US chocolate firm Hershey said Friday it is considering changing the packaging used for its Ice Breakers Pacs, after accusations that the pouches look like those used to sell street drugs such as crack cocaine, according to the Associated Press. "It was certainly never our intention to create any confusion with this product," said company spokesperson Kirk Saville. "We take consumer and community feedback seriously and are acting quickly to address concerns." The breath mints first hit the news early last week, after Philadelphia councilman Juan Ramos denounced the products, claiming that even federal drug squads had difficulty in distinguishing them from class A drugs. According to the Associated Press, the media and political furore prompted law enforcement agencies across the country to denounce the mints, with one officer writing letters of complaint to several elected officials. Analysts downgrade Wrigley credit rating Market analysts today cut US-based gum manufacturer Wrigley's rating to 'equal weight' from 'overweight', after the company's strong performance in international operations, according to the Associated Press. Strong sales of Wrigley gum resulted in shares closing at $65.32 on Monday, above the target price of Lehman Brothers analyst Andrew Lazar. "William Wrigley is the most global of the U.S.-based packaged food companies we follow and, with strong growth continuing in its European and emerging markets businesses on top of ongoing foreign exchange favorability, we continue to appreciate the company's advantaged positioning," Lazar said. However, volume weakness in North America may prevent the stock from rising further, he warned. Cadbury gorilla ad voted best in 2007 The Cadbury television commercial, featuring a gorilla playing the drums to a Phil Collins, has been voted this year's best advert in an online poll. The 90 second ad won the award after the website TellyAds.com named the top 20 commercials, based on how many times each clip was watched online. The advert was first played on August 31 on Channel 4, and features a gorilla drumming to Phil Collins' The Air Tonight as part of the 'glass and a half' campaign for Dairy Milk. Fans of the Cadbury gorilla advert have also set up more than 30 Facebook groups to show their appreciation for the advert. According to the Guardian, the fifth most popular advert is also for a chocolate bar - this time Snickers - featuring Mr T from the A-Team throwing the chocolate bars at whining football players.
