The world of coffee advertising is filled with memorable campaigns, but a few truly stand out as iconic and even achieve “cult” status. While some of these ads may no longer be in circulation, they’re so effective that they can still evoke a strong response today. From home-brewing traditionalists to instant on-the-go aficionados, everyone has a different relationship with coffee. This deep connection with the beverage fuels the creation of equally diverse and creative coffee advertisements. Here are some of the most famous:
1. Folgers’ “The Best Part of Waking Up is Folgers in Your Cup” (1984-Present): This jingle is practically ingrained in American pop culture. The simple, heartwarming message and catchy tune have made it a timeless classic.
2. Starbucks – Best coffee for the best YOU: It’s a clever example of simplified aspirational marketing. It uses emotional connection and brand image to position Starbucks as a part of a desirable lifestyle.
3. Maxwell House’s “Good to the Last Drop” (1940s-Present): This long-running slogan, often paired with celebrities enjoying Maxwell House coffee, cemented the brand’s reputation for quality and consistency.
4. National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia’s Juan Valdez (1958-Present): This Colombian coffee brand mascot, a fictional character is a traditional coffee farmer. He represents authenticity and fair-trade practices. Juan Valdez becomes a recognizable symbol for an ingredient brand to specifically denote coffee beans that are only grown and harvested in Colombia.
5. Bru Gold – Wake up and smell the coffee: Classically straightforward and memorable, this is how I would sum up India’s Bru Gold advertisement, which uses sensory cues and a familiar call to action to position Bru Gold as an essential part of a morning routine.
5. Nespresso (2000s-Present): George Clooney’s sophisticated persona has been a key element in Nespresso’s ads. The association with luxury and effortless enjoyment made Nespresso a status symbol. A famous campaign that promised to turn just about anyone into a morning person and it did to a large extent. Even George recognises that a memorable morning begins with unforgettable taste.
While the definition of “cult” can be subjective, these few examples showcase campaigns with enduring qualities. They’ve all become ingrained in popular culture thanks to their memorability and lasting impact.