Coca Cola Controversy

Coca-Cola began marketing back in 1887, when they released coupons for free samples of the beverage (World of Coca-Cola, 2015). During their 129-year history, there have been over fifty slogans used in the United States, Canada and the UK, with many more versions around the world. The first, from their founding year was simply “Drink Coca-Cola”, although some of their most famous slogans include: “The Pause that Refreshes”, “It's the Real Thing” and their most recent slogan “Open Happiness” (Coca-Cola Company, 2012). Each of these slogans define something in particular about Coca-Cola and who they are as a brand, of these three alone, refreshing, real (honest) happiness (fun and enjoyment) are all words which are either in the slogan itself

These slogans all depict imagery of Scotland and what is it to be Scottish, as Scots are well known for dealing with the harder side to life with a positive attitude and sense of humour (Clarke, 2012). Some level of controversy has always surrounded Irn-Bru’s television adverts. One advert in particular, first shown in 2000 and repeated in 2003, parodies 1950s entertainment, showing a mother playing the piano and her husband and two children singing beside her, ending with the mother singing, “even though I used to be a man” raised several complaints about it being offensive to the transgender community. More recently, as part of the “Irn-Bru Gets You Through” campaign, all of the adverts have been fairly cheeky and crude, although generally this could be said to be a part of Scottish humour, especially in Glasgow and in particular the advert featuring baby Fanny. A more family friendly advert and Irn-Bru’s most famous is the parody of the animated film the snowman, with the lyrics changed to depict a slightly different story to the

It has also been a sponsor of Scottish rugby since 2014 (Scottish Rugby, 2014) also that year, A.G. Barr (the manufacturers of Irn-Bru) had the honour of becoming the official supporter of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games (Glasgow2014, 2014).

For a number of years, Irn-Bru has sponsored the Glasgow Carnival (Irn-Bru Carnival), Europe’s largest indoor family funfair. Now in it’s 94th year and with over 158,000 visitors annually, it is considered to be a must visit for Glaswegians and visitors alike during the festive season (QD Events, 2015). This only adds to the community spirit of the Irn-Bru brand, it’s really saying to its customers “come on down to the festive tradition of carnival and celebrate with