  Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 2744 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 70.226.45.131 |
Alrighty forumers. I need to pick your brains for minute. Especially the older folks of the forum. I am charged with doing a marketing research plan for Faygo. I have the rest of the Information that I need however, I am lost on the history of the organization. Can any one lend a hand? | ||
Pacypacy_ Member Username: Pacypacy_ Post Number: 149 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 136.181.195.84 |
Here ya' go: The Faygo History Ben and Perry Feigenson, formerly bakers in Russia, began Feigenson Brothers Bottling Works on November 4, 1907. Their original flavors, Fruit Punch, Strawberry and Grape, were based upon their own frosting recipes. That is why these, and the flavors they developed later, were (and still are) so unique. They produced the soda one day, closed the factory the next day, loaded the product on a horse drawn wagon, and sold it for three cents or two for a nickel. They and their families lived above the plant. In the winter, when little soda was sold, they supplemented their incomes by selling bread and fish. Later, when the Feigenson families moved into individual homes, they hired their first employees, bought their second horse and added Lithiated Lemon and Sassafras Soda (Root Beer) to their product line. They began calling the product "pop," because of the sound made when opening the bottle. The brothers bought their first delivery truck, a 1922 Ford. New products were Rock & Rye (which immediately became a must with a corned beef sandwich), Vanilla, and Seltzer from a siphon bottle. They initiated home deliveries in 1923. The brand name changed to "Faygo" in the 30s, and after that, in 1935, moved to the current Detroit location. A unique Fruit Punch flavor was created, based on angel food cake, with real grape juice. The Orange flavor also saw the addition of aged orange juice. In the 40s, the family hired W. B. Doner's advertising agency and created a new Root Beer and introduced "Up Town", a lemon-lime soda. After that, "The Faygo Kid" appeared on television, with the famous Detroit line, "Which way did he go? Which way did he go? He went for Faaaaaaygo!". Also appearing on TV was "Herkimer the bottle blower", who was "too pooped to participate" until he drank Faygo Uptown. Also during this time, there was a significant upgrading of the production facility, including a state of the art water treatment. In the 60s, Strawberry Soda changed to "Redpop." and a full line of Diet items was introduced, which soon accounted for more than 50% of Faygo's overall business. Also introduced was Frosh, Faygo Brau and Chateaux Faygeaux, but only Frosh remains today. In the 70s, Faygo became pioneers of one way bottles, twist off caps and warehouse distribution. "Gildersleeve" led Faygo's hit television commercial, "Faygo Boat Song." The song rose to #3 in the popular music charts and 75,000 45rpm records were sold for $0.25 each. Alex Karras, Detroit Lions star, becomes the spokesman for Faygo diets. Faygo marketed specially treated water, launching a line of flavored sparkling waters and in 1987, Faygo was purchased by National Beverage Corp. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. New in the 90s, Faygo introduced Cherry Festival, made with real Michigan cherries, and named for the annual Traverse City, Michigan event. In 1996, Faygo launched its first effort with non-carbonated products. Named "Ohana," (Hawaiian for "family"), there are Punch, Orange Punch, Lemon Iced Tea, Lemonade and Kiwi-Strawberry. Faygo also introduced Arctic Sun, a non-alcoholic wine cooler in a unique blue 2 - liter bottle. | ||
Themax Member Username: Themax Post Number: 38 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 69.246.123.118 |
I hope S.E. Michigan supports Faygo as a local business as well as a great line of products. Coca Cola has blood on its hands. http://www.cokewatch.org/ | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 481 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.131.156 |
Wow Pacy, you wrote all of that in a mere 3 minutes. You sure know your Faygo. | ||
Pacypacy_ Member Username: Pacypacy_ Post Number: 151 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 136.181.195.84 |
Maybe Columbia needs better law enforcement. Who cares about unions anyway? I have been drinking Coca-Cola for almost 50 years, it is by far the best cola. Thugs from a third world will not effect my cola choice. Here's a comparison for you, tell all the addicts to quit using Columbian illegal drugs because the drug lords kill people. | ||
Jtw Member Username: Jtw Post Number: 90 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 12.159.32.66 |
Pacy's info is from the Faygo website, www.faygo.com | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 482 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.131.156 |
yeah, i just didn't see any sources | ||
Detroitplanner Member Username: Detroitplanner Post Number: 167 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 63.85.13.248 |
I love the old ads with the boblo boats. I like the new ads with the billboards with simple things like 313 and Detroit. I liked the other billboards with peopel dressed the same cloros as the soda. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 282 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.55.51 |
The true story of The Faygo Kid. http://www.detroitkidshow.com/ The_Faygo_Kid.htm Live it Up, Up, Up with Uptown! http://www.detroitkidshow.com/ uptown.htm | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1297 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.60.143.186 |
We got the same billboard ads up here in Flint, with a Faygo bottle as the 1 in 810 and the i in Flint. I really like them as well | ||
Bvos Member Username: Bvos Post Number: 1628 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.238.170.33 |
I like those new billboards a lot as well. I wonder if they'll become a classic marketing campaign like the old Detroit Zoo TV commercial (wouldn't it be cool if they did a remake of that!) or the Vernors sign. I think Faygo has realized that its strongest selling feature is the fact that it is a Detroit institution. People take pride in being from Detroit and in Detroit traditions. Faygo is right up there with Lafayette Coney Island, Vernors, Sanders and Better Made. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 54 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27 |
I liked that old Faygo song ad that was on the TV when I was growing up. | ||
Fury13 Member Username: Fury13 Post Number: 1151 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.222.11.226 |
Is Faygo still made with real fruit juice, like it was originally? | ||
Gumby Member Username: Gumby Post Number: 1298 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 68.60.143.186 |
Now if we could only get fountain Faygo at local restaraunts | ||
Leland_palmer Member Username: Leland_palmer Post Number: 183 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 68.248.92.132 |
Isn't Donald Feigenson (Was not Was) part of the family? | ||
Neilr Member Username: Neilr Post Number: 283 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 68.60.139.212 |
Jackie Feigenson was a major factor in the Detroit art world. The Feigenson Gallery, in the Fisher Building, showed work by the Cass Corridor artists. She lived in a courthouse in Lafayette Park for many years. | ||
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 2745 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.202.227.12 |
Thanks for all the information. This was really a boost to this project you all....  | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 56 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27 |
I buy Faygo sometimes, because it is a decent tasting pop that's rather inexpensive. But Faygo just doesn't "pop" into my mind when I'm searching at the store for a pop to drink. Marketing-wise, Faygo needs an awareness raising campaign to put the brand into the consideration set in the minds of the consumers. But that just the opinion of some dude on the internet who has a master's degree in marketing and advertising. | ||
Chitaku Member Username: Chitaku Post Number: 518 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 68.43.107.72 |
In other cities Faygo sells at Hot Topic for 2 dollars a bottle | ||
Tammypio Member Username: Tammypio Post Number: 68 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 68.43.85.165 |
They definitely need to bring the old commercial back...."comic books and rubber bands...remember when you were a kid.."...I think it would increase sales since it would raise awareness. The tune totally sticks in your head! | ||
Pacypacy_ Member Username: Pacypacy_ Post Number: 152 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 136.181.195.84 |
Quote: They definitely need to bring the old commercial back...."comic books and rubber bands...remember when you were a kid.."...I think it would increase sales since it would raise awareness. The tune totally sticks in your head! I think I have that song/jingle on a 45 rpm. record. The man in those commercials, whose name escapes me, was "The Great Gildersleeve" from the old radio program of the same name. | ||
Sven1977 Member Username: Sven1977 Post Number: 193 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Here are some more Faygo memories. Notice the voice in the Herkimer commercial linked above. The big guy is voiced by Thurl Ravenscroft who also was the voice of Tony The Tiger.      (Message edited by SVEN1977 on June 27, 2006) | ||
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin Post Number: 2746 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.202.227.12 |
OK , so outside of the Midwest and Mid Atlantic, what do you think Faygo's percpetion is in respect to its brand? | ||
Hkytwn Member Username: Hkytwn Post Number: 2 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 64.12.116.204 |
Anyone know if there is a link out there for that old FAYGO jingle .....remember when you were a kid and part of you still is thats why we make FAYGO. I would love to hear it again. I had a older gentleman who I worked with that would sing that jingle all day long. He has since passed away and I have never heard it since. | ||
Supersport Member Username: Supersport Post Number: 10235 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 64.118.137.226 |
Outside this region the perception is likely the same as it is here, Faygo is one cheapass pop. That being said, it's also very good if you ask me. My garage fridge is stocked with at least 3 12 packs, the rest is reserved for beer. (100 can capacity, you do the math) I also like the billboards, both the "313" and "DETROIT" ones. They always have advertised a lot around here, but they seem to be out in full force this year. I haven't bought anything BUT Faygo in quite awhile now. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 57 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27 |
Outside the region I'd imagine Faygo is only known as part of Insane Clown Posse's act. Get them to be spokesclowns or something. | ||
Blessyouboys Member Username: Blessyouboys Post Number: 483 Registered: 07-2005 Posted From: 69.209.131.156 |
For some reason I don't think Faygo is really anxious for prospective buyers to be like this sweet dude:  "It's Red Pop bitches!!" | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 283 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.55.51 |
Hkytwn, You can buy a VHS tape of the Faygo "Remember When You Were A Kid" commercial from the official Faygo web site. The 45 RPM record regularly appears on eBay. | ||
Douglasm Member Username: Douglasm Post Number: 587 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.189.188.28 |
Sven or Ed..... The third shot down in Sven's post, is that the "Strawberry/Cherry Soda" spot where the kids ask for Red Pop and Gildersleeve "corrects" them, for a while..... Also, it's the Harold Peary "Gildersleeve", isn't it? | ||
Sven1977 Member Username: Sven1977 Post Number: 194 Registered: 04-2004 Posted From: 209.220.229.254 |
Gildersleave reads off a big list of available sodas where the last is... "and Red Pop." They always choose the Red Pop. I don't know which Gildersleave it is. | ||
Ed_golick Member Username: Ed_golick Post Number: 284 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.246.55.51 |
It's Hal Peary. | ||
Jenniferl Member Username: Jenniferl Post Number: 286 Registered: 03-2004 Posted From: 4.229.42.251 |
The last time I visited the Detroit Historical Museum (about a year ago), they had an advertising exhibit where you could watch the old Faygo "Remember When You Were a Kid" ads. They had several other old commercials there, including the ones for the Detroit Zoo where the animals were portrayed as actors getting ready for a big performance. | ||
Pdtpuck Member Username: Pdtpuck Post Number: 75 Registered: 01-2006 Posted From: 208.251.168.194 |
the reason why?
Thank GOD they weren't mentioned on the "best musical talent from Detroit" thread (of course, the word "talent" is in the title, so...)! | ||
Huggybear Member Username: Huggybear Post Number: 242 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 68.79.117.92 |
Interesting site... people in Columbia are being killed/injured by whom? It never says Coca Cola - is the subtext that Coke should be providing bodyguards for its workers? The rest of it has a refreshing lack of specifics. But reading furher, a DC address and the juice comparison makes it pretty clear that this "grassroots" site is a shill for the Teamsters. Or Pepsico. I'll file this info away with the grassy knoll, the 150mpg car, and the Tooth Fairy. By the way, the local/non-local distinction is lost here - and maybe it doesn't even favor Faygo. Coca-Cola does not do its own bottling or distribution - it licenses its product to local concerns. So the company making and selling Coke in this area is at least as local as Faygo. On the other hand, Faygo is a wholly owned sub of National Beverages, out of Florida. Sure, we all like Soylent Red (whoops... Rock & Rye) but Faygo's connection to Detroit is historic, not economic. | ||
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal Post Number: 835 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 136.1.1.33 |
http://www.metrotimes.com/edit orial/story.asp?id=9372 This is an article in this weeks Metrotimes. "Philip Feigenson, a retired Faygo Beverage executive, has lived across the street from the house since 1960. He recalls, "The rumor was that she spent a tremendous amount of money for him to design it. It was really something when they built it. They formed the blocks right there on the site." He adds with a laugh, "It was very ludicrous to me, but that was what they did."" Not really about Faygo, but interesting that the guy still lives in the city. | ||
Pacypacy_ Member Username: Pacypacy_ Post Number: 163 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 136.181.195.84 |
Jenniferl Quote: They had several other old commercials there, including the ones for the Detroit Zoo where the animals were portrayed as actors getting ready for a big performance. OH no, animals suffering the indignity of being portrayed as actors, forced to act by humans for no recompence, how abusive! Where's PETA!?? This has got to stop, I'm sure all those animals suffered irreversible harm to their delicate psyche's. | ||
Spacemonkey Member Username: Spacemonkey Post Number: 62 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 63.102.87.27 |
If I were the copywriter on the Faygo ad account, I'd play off the word GO in Faygo. I'd say "Go For Faygo! Go for Faygo!" And thus try to get the word Faygo in the minds of the consumer. Just sayin' ... | ||
Thursdaynext Member Username: Thursdaynext Post Number: 266 Registered: 04-2006 Posted From: 70.225.119.157 |
Ummm Pacy, give it a rest. We know your postion on the zoo,PETA and what animals are for in general, but the animals in this ad weren't "forced to act", say like Mr. Ed or Lancelot Link. It was just film of animals doing what they do naturally (like National Geo or Wild Kingdom type footage). They just used goofy voice overs they thought fit the animals actions; like Bob Sagat and his ridiculous voice over of some tape sent in of someone's dog acting nutty for no real reason other than this is how the animal behaves. | ||
Kathleen Member Username: Kathleen Post Number: 1386 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.122.57 |
Didn't see the Faygo commercial lyrics posted yet, so here they are: "Remember When You Were A Kid?" Written by Ed Labunaki Originally sung for Faygo by Kenny Karen Comic books and rubber bands Climb into the tree top Falling down and holding hands Tricycles and Redpop Pony rides and Sunday nights Roller skates and snowball fights Climbin' through the window Remember when you were a kid? Well, part of you still is And that's why we make Faygo Faygo remembers Flying kites and funny shoes Easter eggs with speckles ABCs and counting by twos Washing off the freckles Kissing a hurt to make it stop Startin' school in September So many things you almost forgot Tryin' to remember Remember when you were a kid? Well, part of you still is And that's why we make Faygo Faygo remembers Source: http://www.pasty.com/discuss/m essages/2392/2622.html | ||
Dillpicklesoup Member Username: Dillpicklesoup Post Number: 97 Registered: 05-2006 Posted From: 64.7.188.164 |
Faygo Tango- better try tango- which way did he go? he went for faygo old fashioned root beer- the old black bart commercial- wasn't there a faygo uptown? personally- I think the stuff is way too sweet- |
