Tobacco and Alcohol Branding - Ethical or Unethical?
Introduction
Alcohol Branding
Tobacco Branding
Take Away
Context
For years, drugs and alcohol advertising has been the source of great controversy. There is no doubt that both drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on people and teens in particular.
However, whether advertising is contributing to the use of alcohol and tobacco in a harmful matter is perhaps the most controversial part of the discussion.
It seems that in both alcohol and cigarette branding, for every negative argument against the advertising, there is one that counters it.
Introduction
Smirnoff Ice is a very popular brand design that is now the number one brand of vodka in the world.
The company came under heat by running print ads that advertised alcopops which many thought defined the product as a ‘gateway beverage’ promoting their drinks as fun, sexy, cool and less risky to consume.
Studies were conducted as to the advertising of this brand, but these were largely inconclusive as well. While one side shows the product as unethical, the flipside shows logical reasons why the report has no solid results.
Alcohol Branding
Cigarettes are perhaps even more controversial than alcohol as many believe there are more harmful effects in smoking.
A four year battle ensued between the public and tobacco companies in the late 90’s which culminated in an agreement mandated that tobacco companies pay the government $206 billion over a 25 year period and perform all other actions enacted by the Agreement.
Many of the provisions caused companies to take a more ethical approach towards marketing, especially in consideration of the youth.
Tobacco Branding
So it seems that the argument of whether cigarette and alcohol branding and advertising is ethical or not is one that goes back and forth.
However, the key is finding a package design company that knows what they are doing so that marketing presents the brands as being aware of possible risks and promoting safe use that does not blatantly appeal to youth.
A good branding company like Lien Design is aware of some of the pitfalls cigarette and alcohol advertising might fall into. This helpful knowledge is all part of why they are the leaders in the Packaging Design And Branding industry and California’s go-to when it comes to promoting your brand.
Take Away