History: America's most lovable legume will continue to sport his timelessly fashionable attire as Kraft Foods' Planters brand heads into its second century of business.
As part of its year-long 100th anniversary celebration, Planters asked people to vote on whether Mr. Peanut should don a new accessory - a pocket watch, cufflinks or bow tie - or if he should keep his classic image. More than half a million opinions were offered, and a majority of voters love the dapper icon just the way he is.
Votes were collected throughout the year on the planters.com website and during the cross-country Planters centennial Nut- Mobile tour.
Mr. Peanut, the Planters mascot for 90 years, originated in
1916 when Virginia schoolboy Antonio Gentile's anthropomorphic peanut won first place in a contest to design a Planters symbol. A commercial artist added the top hat, monocle, cane and gloves, and a star was born.
The brand's year-long celebration included a birthday party in New York's Times Square on May 1, the unveiling of a Mr. Peanut statue on Atlantic City's boardwalk and the cross-country NutMobile tour. The famous Planters billboard in New York's Times Square, where Mr. Peanut and Planters have greeted New Yorkers since the 193Os, also has been updated (but not restyled) to reflect the vote outcome.
Planter's is the flagship brand for the Salted Snacks Category of Kraft Foods Inc. Many of Planters products qualify to carry Kraft's "Sensible Solution" flag, which indicates that these products meet specific "better-for-you" nutrition criteria on a per serving basis.
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