Business Wars Cereal Wars - Cereal Offenders | 4
Jul 24, 2019
In the late 1950s, General Mills scrambles to create animated characters to compete with the likes of Kellogg’s and Post. The introduction of quirky personas like the Trix rabbit showcases innovative marketing strategies. As General Mills launches Lucky Charms, Post faces setbacks with space-themed cereals. Meanwhile, a nutrition advocate confronts the industry about misleading claims in a heated Senate hearing. The podcast highlights the tension between sugary cereals and the emerging demand for healthier options, marking a turning point in breakfast culture.
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Kid-Focused Marketing
- Create characters kids love to drive cereal sales.
- Kids, not parents, choose cereals, so cater to them.
A Frugal Deal
- General Mills secured a deal with animator Jay Ward for a low price of $8,500 per episode.
- Ward's desperation and access to cheaper Mexican animation studios made this possible.
Creative Differences
- Jay Ward and Bill Scott met with Gordon Johnson to discuss the Rocky and Bullwinkle show.
- Disagreements arose over target audience and episode length.