Pizza firm in syringe stunt

By on Monday, January 30, 2012

A ‘syringe pen’ was handed out to a 9 year old boy in Wellington recently as a prize at a local swimming pool. Needless to say, his parents weren’t happy.

The pen itself appears to be full of blood and says on the side: “Hell, creating addicts since 1996”.

Hell Pizza syringe pen PR stunt

Hell Pizza is, perhaps unsurprisingly, a pizza firm, based in New Zealand. They have a habit of creating PR storms, and this incident, which is the result of a sponsorship tie-in with the local council is another example. For instance, in 2006, Hell posted condoms out to promote its Lust meat pizza, attracting 685 complaints.

This from the Stuff piece sent to me by Annalie Brown:

“2011: Hell Pizza apologises after making a “misfortune” cookie with a piece of paper inside reading: “You will marry a transgender.”

2011: A billboard featuring a bun decorated with the words: “For a limited time. A bit like Jesus” attracts 179 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority.

2009: A Hell billboard carries the phrase “At least our brownie won’t eat your pet dog” – a reference to Tongan Paea Taufa roasting a pit bull terrier-cross in an umu at his Mangere home.

2008: Hell began a “$25 Hot as Hell” direct mail ad, which promised a Thai massage with a pizza, if the offer was redeemed in Thailand on the day of purchase.

2006: “Lust Pizza” mailout is the most controversial ad in ASA history, attracting 685 complaints after condoms were sent to random letterboxes.

 

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