2016 is probably going to be the US’s most significant year in the legal marijuana market by far. The world’s largest tobacco manufacturer Philip Morris is about to start producing marijuana cigarettes. The new product is going to be named “Marlboro M”**. We all know what the M stands for and this is one really smart and safe move for naming such a product.
Marlboro M will be marketed with the help of Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dog, Wiz Khalifa and other significant names, related to the marijuana legislation movements in the States. Since tobacco products are banned in advertisements and promotions, Philip Morris Co. has set aside $75 billion advertising budget to promote the new brand in TV, radio and festivals. One word: WOW.
Behind the name
The formula is simple. Take a popular and well-recognized cigarettes brand name like Marlboro, combine it with a letter that was widely used in slang as a referring to marijuana and you get a relevant name that is going to speak to its audience. This is a good of example of how a simple combination between an already established brand name and a single letter could stand for a new product and make it different from the mother name.
The controversy that usually surrounds legal marijuana products makes it hard for a marketer to wrap creative touch in the brand’s naming. That’s why when it comes to naming products that contain stigmatised substances, it’s probably better to stick to simple naming formulations. However, creative mind is not enough in order to choose safe and successful name. Education and experience in brands are tools that can guide you in the process of naming.
Brand naming is not a lonely business. This is why using the help of professional services of brand naming agency is a smart choice and should be considered before calling the last shot in naming a product. Especially when this products could be easily stigmatised by the public.
/images: Flickr
* “Most anticipated brand” is the editor’s subjective definition of ‘Marlboro M”‘s launch and shall not be considered as a definition of any official statistics.
**”Marlboro M” will be for sale only in states where its legal – Colorado and Washington State.
looking forward to Marlboro M
Wow, very interesting that Philip Morris will be manufacturing Marijuana cigarettes. Sounds like it has a great chance of being a hit! Thanks for sharing!
This shows how different industries are getting into the cannabis world. As more states began to legalize cannabis we are going to see this happen more often. Some of these companies beginning to sale marijuana might surprise us.
It is pretty interesting to see marijuana legalization turn into serious business moves by companies like this! Thanks for sharing.
This proves that marijuana has a big possibility to grow bigger in the industry. I am excited about legalizing it to different places.
Very interesting article. I hope M doesn’t take over the marijuana industry like so many corporations are now.
yep, something I also start seeing increasing… indeed something well explained :)
I cannot smoke if it is not my favorite Marlboro. Cheers to Marlboro. A very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing .