Flopped Products: Maturity-Themed Food for Adults, Violet Ketchup, and Other Spectacular Failures
In the world of consumer goods, success is not always guaranteed, even for innovative ideas. This is evident when visiting the Museum of Failed Products, a unique attraction that showcases a plethora of products that didn't quite make it to the hall of fame.
One such example is Jell-O's vegetable-flavoured gelatins, introduced in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite the novelty, these flavours failed to capture the public's imagination and have since been discontinued. The lesson here is clear: a good idea is not always enough to ensure success.
Similarly, Clairol's Touch of Yogurt Shampoo, launched in 1979, met a similar fate. Consumers were not keen on washing their hair with yogurt, and some even mistakenly thought it was edible. It's a reminder that understanding consumer preferences is crucial in the development of new products.
Elliot Rossen, Executive Vice President of Market Opportunities and Innovation at GfK, explains that when creating a new product, the aim is often to change the world or improve people's lives. However, the market's whims and trends can often derail even the best-laid plans.
Take Heinz's EZ Squirt Colored Ketchup, for instance. Introduced in 2000, it featured a range of vibrant colours like Blastin' Green, Funky Purple, Stellar Blue, Passion Pink, and Mystery Color. Initially popular among children, it failed to become a household staple due to lack of demand from parents.
Another example is Pepsi's Pepsi A.M., a caffeine-enhanced cola marketed as a morning beverage, which was discontinued after just one year due to lack of demand for a new sub-brand.
Even products that seem like a surefire hit can falter. Gerber's Gerber Singles, individual servings of meals like Beef Burgundy, Creamed Beef, and Chicken Madeira, were marketed towards college students and single adults. However, it was a massive flop.
On the other hand, some products that initially struggled have found success with contemporary consumers. Clairol's Touch of Yogurt Shampoo's failure paved the way for Organix Enriching Cucumber Yogurt Shampoo and Conditioner, a current product that contains yogurt and other natural ingredients and has proven popular.
The Museum of Failed Products, affiliated with global market research consultants GfK, houses approximately 120,000 different products across 350 categories. It serves as a stark reminder that timing, consumer preferences, and a deep understanding of the market are key factors in the success of a new product.
In the realm of homemade products, numerous yogurt-based shampoo recipes are available online for the chemical-conscious, offering a DIY alternative to commercial products that may have failed in the past.
From Earring Magic Ken, the doll with removable earrings, to Bald Guyz Head Wipes, a product marketed as a moist towelette for bald men, the Museum of Failed Products offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of consumer goods and the often unpredictable path to success.
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