Butterfinger is celebrating its 100th anniversary in a sweet way. The candy bar known for its crisp peanut butter center covered in chocolate has teamed up once again with “The Simpsons.”
In the 1920s, Butterfinger’s owner made a splash by dropping candy bars from planes in various cities. Today, the celebration might be less dramatic, but it’s just as exciting for fans of the candy and the TV show.
For the 100th birthday, Butterfinger bars come in special wrappers featuring “The Simpsons” characters. The regular-size bars feature Bart Simpson, the share packs have Homer Simpson, and the fun-size bags show the whole Simpsons family. Look for these limited-edition packs in stores starting May.
Butterfinger is sticking to traditional marketing this time around, so don’t expect candy bars to fall from the sky. But you might feel a little nostalgic seeing Bart and Homer on your favorite candy.
Butterfinger’s Sweet Journey Through the Years
It’s pretty shocking to think that Butterfinger has actually been around for over a hundred years! It has been long a staple of American chocolate bars. It all began back in 1923 when it was first introduced by the Curtiss Candy Company. It first rose to fame when the founder, Otto Schnering, gave in to his flair for dramatic marketing. During the 1920s, he would famously drop Butterfinger bars from airplanes as a marketing stunt. This didn’t just get people talking, it also got people hooked on the crunchy, nutty candy bar.
Schnering’s innovative tactics didn’t end there. He has since proved that he is a marketing genius who will find ways to generate buzz around people. In the 1930s, he managed to secure a deal that lead to Butterfinger becoming one of the first candy bars to be advertised on the radio at a time before television was a mainstay in American homes. The iconic jingle, “Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger,” become a household phrase. The candy’s clever ads and distinctive taste solidified its place in American culture.
In the decades since, Butterfinger has changed hands several times, from Curtiss to Nabisco, then to Nestlé, and finally to Ferrero, which acquired the brand in 2018. Each owner has kept the candy’s unique recipe while introducing new innovations and collaborations to keep the brand alive and thriving.
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Behind Butterfinger’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
Butterfinger and The Simpsons has a shared history. This isn’t the first time they’ve collaborated. In the 90s, Bart Simpsons actually became the unofficial spokesperson for Butterfinger and all the commercials made from this era were a big hit. Fans loved hearing Bart’s catchphrase that kept people’s hands off his Butterfinger.
Nostalgia marketing is all about connecting with consumers on an emotional level by evoking fond memories of the past. Familiar characters, retro packaging, and classic flavors can trigger feelings of happiness and comfort, making consumers more likely to buy a product.
This year’s special edition wrappers feature Bart on the regular-size bars, Homer on share packs, and the entire Simpson family on fun-size bags. The limited-edition packaging is a collector’s dream, combining two beloved American icons.
Moreover, this celebration goes beyond just packaging. Butterfinger has been promoting its anniversary through various channels, including social media campaigns and special events. Fans have been posting their own Butterfinger memories, tagging friends, and creating a buzz around the anniversary.
Butterfinger’s ability to remain relevant over the century is a testament to its solid brand strategy and timeless appeal. By tapping into nostalgia while also offering new products, such as the Butterfinger ice cream bars, the brand keeps both new and old fans engaged.
From The Club
Butterfinger is one of the best candy bars out there. It has a pretty distinct flavor that no other chocolate bar can compare to. It’s definitely a fan favorite and is a big reason why it has stood the test of time. On the other hand, The Simpsons is also one of the greatest TV shows of all time and is currently the longest running American TV sitcom in history. So, it only makes sense that two legends are collaborating again to celebrate something great.