HACKETTSTOWN, N.J., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Just days after M&M'S(R)
announced a sweetening of the pot for the return of the stolen Edvard Munch
masterpiece, The Scream, the painting has reportedly been recovered in
Norway.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060831/CGTH066 )
Last week, the brand announced a reward of two million dark chocolate
M&M'S(R) candies for the painting's safe return as part of its promotional
campaign to introduce M&M'S(R) Dark Chocolate Candies. A new M&M'S(R) print
ad features "Red," the M&M'S(R) character, unexpectedly playing hopscotch
in the background of "The Scream" and demonstrating that 'dark just got
fun.' The ad, which brings a bit of levity and sense of humor to the famous
dark existential painting, was launched on the two year anniversary of the
painting's theft.
"We chose to feature The Scream in the campaign because it is one of
the world's most recognizable dark paintings," said Anibal Martini,
M&M'S(R) Brand Marketing Director. "We're obviously delighted that the
painting has been recovered and we're absolutely going to honor our offer
of the reward."
Martini said that specifics won't be determined until the painting is
authenticated and the reward can be coordinated with the police in Oslo,
which was where the masterpiece was found after it was stolen two years ago
from the Munch Museum.
Two million M&M'S(R) Dark Chocolate Candies translates to approximately
40,000 1.69 ounce bags with a retail value of about $22,000.00.
About Masterfoods USA
Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and pet care operations
of Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers.
With more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and pet
care segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered
in Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 8,000 associates in
the United States, with 39 facilities nationwide. The company owns some of
the world's favorite brands including M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand,
UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, WHISKAS(R) Brand
Food for Cats.
|
