In response to the overwhelmingly negative (if a tad overdramatic) reaction to its recent ‘Nothing Satisfies Like a Pot Noodle’ ad, the ready-to-eat snack brand has re-released a ‘censored’ version of the spot.
The creative had previously centred around the immensely satisfied ‘slurping’ noises emitted by a woman enjoying the quick snack in her office kitchen, much to her co-workers’ and it seems, the British public’s disgust.
The initial spot cause quite a stir on Marketing Beat’s own site, spawning a mass of vitriolic comments including: “Get this revolting advert off the TV. It’s almost – but not quite – as bad as the dismal garbage these idiots are promoting. Rubbish promoted by rubbish to be consumed by rubbish.”
Or even: “This is the most disgusting advert that has ever been on TV. It makes me feel physically sick, and if advertisers or the company think that this is going to improve their sales they must be deluded. I for one will never buy pot noodles again.”
Well it seems the prayers of many have finally been answered as Adam&EveDDB – the creative agency behind the viral ad – has now created a series of edits in which the ‘offensive’ slurping sound is now replaced variously with; a baby’s laughter, beatboxing, a cat meowing and over-enthusiastic South American football commentary.
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“Our original ‘Slurp’ campaign received a lot of noise across X. We always knew that the ad would be noticeable and potentially divisive,” Pot Noodle marketing manager, Lena Portchmouth said.
“We celebrate and love the slurp (let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure we all do it, even if behind closed doors!) however, we appreciate that for some if may be considered a bit “gross”, so to apologise to those who we offended we wanted to offer an olive branch in a Pot Noodle way by removing the offensive sounds.
“The next time people see and hear the ad in question, we hope they find the sounds more satisfying.”
The so-called ‘apology’ campaign will now run across across TV, online, social, radio, and press with over 50 different audio versions available to appease ‘slurpohobes’.
Adam&EveDDB creative director, Mark Shanley added: “We were just trying to celebrate the immense satisfaction people feel whilst eating a Pot Noodle. We didn’t want to upset anyone. So, we’re apologising. Hopefully in quite a satisfying way.”
