Monsters and other seasonal cereals

This isn't new (it was actually announced almost a month ago), and it's hardly news (since it happens every year at this time), nevertheless, it's that time of year again when General Mills unveils the latest edition of their monster cereals. This year's Halloween specials are the same, familiar crew: Boo Berry, Count Chocula and Franken Berry. Of course the box design is tweaked, and this year we see the introduction of "monster marshmallows."

Ho hum. Perhaps. But, the truth is that if these three cereals were available year round their ubiquitousness would have killed them long ago. In fact, that almost happened, and two of the monster team (Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy) are no longer with us (despite a brief resurrection in 2013). To prevent the whole franchise going down, General Mills adopted a strategy that now makes them one of the most anticipated cereal events of the year: They are only made available in conjunction with Halloween, and then put to sleep for the rest of the year. Their annual fresh appearance generates lots of attention, and I'm sure, sales.

While this is the best example of a seasonal strategy for cereals, there are some others as well. For example, Cap'n Crunch typically has a "Christmas Crunch" edition, with red and green pieces. The recent trend of Pumpkin Spice appears to be another case, with last year's four cereal contenders back again for 2017. There are other, less prominent, examples as well.

I wonder if cereal companies could do more to capitalize on the annual rhythm of the calendar, and offer special editions that are come out regularly each year around the same time? For example, the Advent calendar concept offers many possibilities. What about a Peeps cereal at Easter? Seasonal cereals could be a tremendous opportunity to generate new interest and reduce boredom at the breakfast table. The cereal industry needs that.

Monster evolution

This is not new news (I highlighted it on the Facebook page last month) and in many ways I wonder whether it deserves yet another complete blog post, but the annual release of General Mills' Monster Cereals has become such a highly successful and expected campaign that it probably does require special attention. At least this year again.

Just in time for Halloween every year General Mills provides a limited release of these popular cereals that have their origins back in the 60's. These are nothing less than fun cereals that fit the season and elicit all kinds of nostalgia for those of us who grew up on these sugar-laden breakfast treats.

Last year General Mills went big time with the Monster Cereals, even re-releasing two of the franchise that had been hidden in the vaults for many years, Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy. In addition to the bold, modern artwork they also released vintage boxes of all five varieties at Target.

So, how does a company keep up their past successes? Try a new twist. This year, they have acquired the talents of artists from DC Comics to give a fresh look to the three mainstay monsters, Count Chocula, Franken Berry, and Boo Berry. Unfortunately Frute Brute and Yummy Mummy have returned to retirement, but for cereal enthusiasts and box collectors the three redesigned monsters are must buys. And, those looking for retro boxes can return to Target for a new, old version of those (complete with cut-out masks)!

General Mills has a real winner here, and it's good to see them mix it up every year with something different.

All the monsters are back!

One of the most celebrated cereal franchises is General Mills' monster cereals. For decades the company has had a cult following of its monster-themed cereals, which in recent years have only made their appearance around Halloween.

Cereal fanatics will be overjoyed to learn that one of their biggest fantasies is to be re-lived. According to a photo on Serious Eats it appears that for 2013 General Mills will be releasing the entire monster family. In addition to the regulars (Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry) we will see the return of two lesser known monsters who made their debut approximately 40 years ago: Frute Brute (although notice the spelling change from the original "fruit") and Fruity Yummy Mummy. These latter two cereals did not last long in the market, and to this day are rare, collectible boxes. If this photo is legit, this will give several new generations an opportunity to try to them for the first time, and us old folks a fun trip down memory lane.

Good move General Mills! Nostalgic cereals are a great marketing opportunity. We want more!

(Tip from Cereal Fix)

UPDATED 8/20/13: Official statement from General Mills

UPDATED 09/10/13: Even better - Target is now selling vintage versions of these boxes!

Halloween

It's that time of year again for one of the rituals of fall: Halloween. And, for years cereal manufacturers have capitalized on the opportunity by introducing special themed cereals and boxes. But, none are as successful as the monster franchise from General Mills, Boo Berry, Count Chocula, and Franken Berry. Despite the rather disgusting nature of the two fruit flavored varieties, each year the box is updated with a new design making them an attractive diversion for consumers and essential purchases for collectors.

This year I have noticed another interesting Halloween development in the cereal world. As I mentioned last week I have seen Wheaties halloween costumes for sale. I hope that this does NOT become an annual tradition!

Technorati Tags: cereal, Halloween, Boo+Berry, Count+Chocula, Franken+Berry, monsters, breakfastbowl

Monster Cereal time

Every fall, leading up to Halloween, General Mills re-issues its three famous "monster cereals": Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry. (See last year's HERE)

For 2006 General Mills has developed a creative, non-traditional cereal box design (as they did in 2004) to highlight these three cereals. Look for them on cereal shelves around the U.S.

Trivia. Years ago, there was a fourth monster cereal: Yummy Mummy. Wouldn't it be great if they made a special release of it next year?

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Technorati Tags: cereal, Boo+Berry, Franken+Berry, Count+Chocula, General+Mills, breakfastbowl, BreakfastBowl, The Breakfast Bowl