CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s not every day that a talking peanut blows out 100 candles on a cake in Manhattan’s Times Square. Today, Mr. Peanut made that image a reality. This morning, Planters rang in the centenarian birthday of Mr. Peanut, and kicked off a year-long celebration of the nuttiest brand icon in history. This was not Mr. Peanut’s first time in the heart of midtown—he graced a Times Square billboard in 1937 and has rolled through countless Macy’s Day Parade® processions during the past century.
“Mr. Peanut’s continued popularity is a testament to America’s love ofPlanters nuts,” says Sean Marks, vice president of marketing at Planters. “Mr. Peanut’s 100th birthday will pay homage to his lifetime of nutty achievements by making celebrations even more remarkable for fans this year.”
Now, Planters and Mr. Peanut are inviting fans across the country to join in the birthday merriment:
- One-of-a-kind Birthday Jars: This May, Mr. Peanut brings his 100th birthday celebration to shelves by transforming his classic Dry Roasted Peanuts jar into three million one-of-a-kind designs. This limited edition packaging features a dancingMr. Peanut amidst festive, eye-catching fireworks in a multitude of colors and designs. No two jars look alike!
- Planters 100th Birthday Sweepstakes: Now through September 15, fans can enter for a chance to win an in-person or virtual celebration with Mr. Peanut and his 27-foot NUTmobile, the smoothest peanut on wheels, at an upcoming birthday party for themselves, a friend or family member.
- Mr. Peanut Birthday Greetings: Fans can also help spread birthday cheer and best wishes to friends and family with a personalized birthday e-card read aloud by Mr. Peanut himself!
- Mr. Peanut Birthday NUTmobile Tour: Mr. Peanut and the Peanutters will visit fans from coast to coast to snap and share SHELL-fies, give away fun birthday swag and distribute delicious peanut samples.
Fans are encouraged to keep track of Mr. Peanut’s 100th birthday celebrations all year long on Planters.com,MrPeanut100.com, Facebook (MrPeanut) or on Twitter (@MrPeanut), and share with the hashtag #MrPeanut100.
Nutty Beginnings
Mr. Peanut was born when 14-year-old Suffolk, VA resident Antonio Gentile won a Planters-sponsored sketch contest calling for a new brand icon in 1916. An advertising agency on the brand later added Mr. Peanut’s top hat, cane, monocle, white gloves and spats to give the legume a sophisticated look. This savvy spokes-nut has it all—a national fan club of Peanut Pals, a plaque on the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame, and endless style and wit. He will continue to delight nut fans nationwide in this milestone year for Planters.
