It’s called ‘Softy Snowpaste’ (泡泡雪泥). ‘Softy Snowpaste’ is a new popsicle produced by the Alida company, hailing from Jilin province. After being launched on the market only a few days ago, ‘Softy Snowpaste’ has already caused a stir among consumers. Why? Well, the marketing wizards at Alida thought of making the product more interesting by designing a colorful external package and – surprise! – wrapping the actual popsicle with a white colored rubber film that looks like…er…a condom (see picture).
According to Chinese media, many angry parents have been filing complaints with local stores selling the controversial product, currently distributed only in the Northern province of Liaoning. Asked by journalists about the reasons for using such a refined gimmick to wrap the popsicle, Mr. Sun Mingjin, a sales manager from Alida, said that previous contractual obligations towards the company producing the rubber film (Qingdao Chen Chen) made the Alida boss decide to use it on ‘Softy Snowpaste’.
The rubber film has been tested and certified by all the relevant Chinese health and food organizations, and its composition has been patented too. When asked about all the negative reactions from consumers, Mr. Sun said that these consumers are not mentally open enough, and their ability to accept new, special and different products is limited.
- Article on Tom.com (Chinese): Shenyang: the packaging looks like a condom; it’s a national patent
- Article on Xinhuanet (Chinese): “The condom popsicle”: creative packaging or sex seduction for kids?