Since 1930, Twinkies have been a popular sweet for many generations. Throughout its history, Twinkies have been marketed as the "Golden Sponge Cake with Creaming Filling," thereby becoming the most popular product of the Hostess brand. Given the recognition Twinkies command, it is not surprising that the recent announcement of the company's liquidation has led to massive coverage regarding Twinkies' future. Although the ultimate fate of the Twinkies is yet to be determined, the massive coverage of these yellow sponge-cakes show the significance brand-identification play today.
Currently, there are companies wanting to secure rights to this popular product and people lining up at the local supermarkets to buy the remaining Twinkies. Overall, these factors all highlight Twinkies' ability to appeal and to provide a sense of familiarity for its consumers. Even though I personally don't eat these "Golden Sponge Cakes," it would be weird not seeing these products in the local supermarket any time soon.
In light of the situation, many people have voiced their dismay of the possibility of losing an iconic American product. According to an article in the LA Times, people have signed an online petition to President Barack Obama to nationalize the Twinkies operation. Although that may seem overboard, this clearly reinforces Twinkies' popularity and relevancy in American society.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hostess-options-20121120,0,4332341.story
This is the most infuriating case. Hostess wanted to cut their workers' pay by 8% and their benefits by 32%. At some point they just stopped paying into employee pensions, essentially robbing the people of over $160,000,000. Meanwhile the CEO gave himself a 300% raise, and other execs got 60%-100% raises, all while the company was declaring bankruptcy.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet people are upset they can't buy a stupid cupcake, that two weeks ago they would have said was gross?