Interesting firestorm about an Absolut vodka ad that ran in Mexico… probably not the “conversation” that Absolut was hoping to engage in, check out the number of comments on their apology post. BTW, I don’t subscribe to the notion that all press is good press so while Absolut may be benefiting from heightened name recognition, it’s just not for the right reasons… my next martini will be Chopin or Skyy vodka, but it usually is so that’s not big news.

At any rate, put this in your “world is flat” file as exhibit A for the argument that pandering to local markets at the expense of much bigger markets is not a good strategy.

[From IN AN ABSOLUT WORLD]

This particular ad, which ran in Mexico, was based upon historical perspectives and was created with a Mexican sensibility. In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues. Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal.