US: ConAgra launches Parkay iPhone application

19 October 2009 | Source: just-food.com

US packaged food company ConAgra Foods has launched an iPhone application to promote its Parkay table spread.

The "voice-to-animation" application brings the brand's "Talking Tub" to life, the company said, using voice recognition commands.

"This new iPhone application is a fun and quirky way for fans and consumers to interact and connect directly with the Parkay brand and the iconic Talking Tub," said Jeff Muench, senior brand manager, ConAgra Foods. "There has always been a great deal of nostalgia and fanfare surrounding the Parkay Talking Tub, and we hope this new iPhone application helps reinvigorate the brand and gets people talking and laughing."

Marketing firm Rawle Murdy spearheaded the project using voice-activation technology licensed from design firm Creaceed.

The Parkay Talking Tub was first used in television advertising in 1973. Over the years, the tub has appeared in advertising with celebrities such as Laurel and Hardy (1982), Deacon Jones (1983), William Daniels (1990-91), Crystal Bernard (1997) and Al Franken (1999).