Modernity in British advertising: selling cocoa and chocolate in the 1930s

French, M. (2017) Modernity in British advertising: selling cocoa and chocolate in the 1930s. Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, 9(4), pp. 451-466. (doi: 10.1108/JHRM-05-2017-0015)

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of 'push' marketing in the confectionery industry in Britain during the 1930s. It examines the interplay between a manufacturer and advertising agency in creating advertising for cocoa and chocolate. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of the literature examines the uses of health and well-being in the design of advertising in Britain between the wars. The records of Rowntree and its main advertising agency, J Walter Thompson, are used to examine the themes and tactics used in advertising for cocoa and Aero chocolate bars during the 1930s. Findings: The paper emphasises the different ways in which health and nutrition was used in advertising for the two products. The campaigns of the 1930s built on earlier use of these themes. J Walter Thompson looked for ways of presenting commodities as 'new and improved' and their role extended into pressing for changes to production methods and the nature of products. Themes of modernity, sexuality and lifestyles all featured, confirming conclusions of earlier studies. However targeting of mothers and of different age and gender groups indicated that market segmentation was used extensively via print media and tailored advertising messages. Research limitations/implications: . Originality/value: Although Cadbury, Rowntree and confectionery have been studied in depth before, this paper emphasises their role in applying new advertising ideas to everyday items. It points to the influence of advertising on the mass of consumers compared to the middle and upper-income groups targeted in the marketing of houses, motor-cars and new consumer durables

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:French, Professor Michael
Authors: French, M.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Economic and Social History
Journal Name:Journal of Historical Research in Marketing
Publisher:Emerald
ISSN:1755-750X
ISSN (Online):1755-7518
Published Online:12 October 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited
First Published:First published in Journal of Historical Research in Marketing 9(4):451-466
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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