E-Mail Response from Absolut Vodka

E-mail from V & S Absolut Spirits | April 9, 2008 | Paula Eriksson, VP Corp. Comm.

[Maceman]

Thank you for your email.

We appreciate that you contact us to share your opinion. At ABSOLUT we are used to active reactions to our advertising, and we want our consumers to share their opinion - positive or negative. We have a policy to always reply to all emails individually, but due to the large amount of emails concerning the In an ABSOLUT World Mexico ad, we are unfortunately not able to answer all emails individually at this moment.

We acknowledge the reactions and debate and want to apologize for the concerns this ad caused. We are truly sorry and understand that the ad has offended many persons. This was not our intention.

The ad has been withdrawn as of Friday April 4th and will not be used in the future.

In no way was the ad meant to offend or disparage, or advocate an al! tering of borders, lend support to any anti-American sentiment, or to reflect immigration issues.

To ensure that we avoid future similar mistakes, we are adjusting our internal advertising approval process for ads that are developed in local markets.

Again, we are very sorry that we cannot reply to your email, if you want to continue the discussion and share your opinion with us and others, please go to our blog www.absolut.com/iaaw/blog

Our sincere apologies,

Paula Eriksson

VP, Corporate Communication

On behalf of;

V & S Absolut Spirits

[Maceman]

To ensure that we avoid future similar mistakes, we are adjusting our internal advertising approval process for ads that are developed in local markets.

I hope this means somebody got fired. (It probably doesn't.)

[Joe Boucher]

Hey Absolut, bite me.
Guess I’ll drink one of the other hundred or so Vodkas on the market. One that maybe supports America.
Swedish jerks go kiss russias butt some more.

[mad_as_he$$]

I am with you. Shows a stupid lack of sensitivity on the company’s part. I will be conducting an Absolute boycott until I am sure they have learned their lesson. Stoly anyone?

[GOP_Proud]

The rest of the world always seems to point the finger at us not understanding them and their various cultures. In this case, Sweden, apparently, had no idea of what is going on here. Nothing like insulting perhaps your best customer.

[nikos1121]

I missed the ad. I used to drink it..

[Maceman]

In this case, Sweden, apparently, had no idea of what is going on here. Nothing like insulting perhaps your best customer.

Actually, from the response, it appears that the ad was developed in Mexicom and that no one at V&S ever even saw it. The response says they've changed that process now. (Of course, that doesn't excuse it, and gives a really telling picture of the Mexican public sentiment.)

[prairiebreeze]

In no way was the ad meant to offend or disparage, or advocate an al! tering of borders, lend support to any anti-American sentiment, or to reflect immigration issues.

And just what WAS it meant to reflect?? Do they think their customers are dumb as posts?!

Not that I drink the stuff, but if I did I'd certainly be switching.

Sounds like a head rolled at Absolut advertising maybe.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Worthless thread without this picture:

[Puppage]

At ABSOLUT we are used to active reactions to our advertising

Active reactions? That's what they call it when 3/4 of America is boycoting their product with promises of never using them again?

[poobear]

I would assume that major bar and restaurant chains are their biggest customers (of course the patrons have to ask for it) but wouldn't it be great if Outback, Tony Romas, Carrabas, Chili's et al would stop carrying it as ‘top shelf’?

my 2 cents

[mad_as_he$$]

See post 8.

[prairiebreeze]

Thanks for the picture

[Allegra]

That first sip of Belvedere when I get home next week is going to taste that much sweeter because it isn’t Absolut.

[bboop]

I think Sweden absolutely DID have an idea of what is going on here, but perhaps they HATE America and wanted to stick it to us. Just a thot — they are total lefties, hate Bush, etc.

On the other hand, they have HUGE Muzzie problems in Scandinavia, due to the fact that they have invited them in, supported them financially and etc. The Muzzies return the favor by raping their women and burning ‘burbs.

Pot/ kettle.

[longtermmemmory]

a non-appology at best.

They are clueless.

[al_c]

We acknowledge the reactions and debate and want to apologize for the concerns this ad caused.

Huh? Your sorry about the concerns this ad caused? What, exactly, does that mean?

I'm sick and tired of this type of "apology" in the public forum lately. That's not an apology. A real apology would be something like "We acknowledge that what we did was stupid and uncalled for. We really screwed up and we apologize for it."

[CSM]

I can only conclude that they are just plain stupid then. Still a good reason to not partake of their product.

[reagan_fanatic]

This was not our intention

Bullsh*t.

[faithinchaos]

Right. Sweden is pretty far-left. They are mostly socialists over there and like all socialist they hate the United States.

I’m certain that they knew exactly what they were doing when they made that ad with the purpose of pissing off Americans.

[longtermmemmory]

In the EU there is a huge “kill all the americans” sentiment so the indians can take the land back.

Essentially a erase america attitude.

There is NO WAY this was an accident or even an oops. You are SPOT ON that this was a HUGE gigle for the higher ups of Absolut.

This is why just pulling the ad is not enough.

Absolute has become french wine sewer fill.