S.A. Chupa Chups was honoured with the 1997 Prince Philip Award for Business Excellence for its success in international markets. Every year, the Prince Philip Award Commission convenes to play tribute to those Spanish companies that have excelled in different business areas. As one of Spain’s leading exporters and with one of the most universal brands -- 93% of sales come from international markets -- Chupa Chups was recognised in the category of "Internationalisation."

Executive Vice President Xavier Bernat accepted the award on behalf of the company, presented by HRH Prince Philip of Borbón in a ceremony celebrated in Madrid.

These colourful, transparent jars incorporate the same design concept as the multi-pack bag range (see page 9) and are handy for both retailers and end consumers: the see-through plastic makes the lollipops clearly visible on shop counters, whilst the seal-tight top with a high quality metal closure system makes the jar a useful storage container for any kitchen.

The bulging cheeks of Chupa-lolly sucking fabulous folk were a refreshing sight at recent fashion shows in New York, London, Paris and Melbourne, a repeated scene that was immortalised in several fashion magazines. Amongst others, ELLE named Chupa Chups lollipops as one of the "100 Spring/Summer Hot Catwalk Trends" for 1998!

At the Paris "La Vénus de la Mode" Awards, our lollipops were hanging from every model’s lips, receiving seals of approval from Esther Cañadas, Bridget Hall and Georgina Grenville. Top designers got in the act as well -- Jean-Paul Gaultier accessorised his look with a Tongue Painter lollipop, apple flavour by the looks of it. Meanwhile in New York Todd Oldham requested a batch for backstage in the hopes that they would supplant cigarettes and satisfy oral fixations. Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel and young promise José Levy were the first to offer them at the Carrousel du Louvre. Dare we say Chupa Chic ...

Each JEAN TATTOO envelope comes with a lollipop and special tattoo designed to be applied to clothing with a little bit of water. These tattoos are only temporary and come out in the washing machine. With a collection of 32 tattoos, this new, year-round product will offset the cyclical nature of the traditional FANTASY BALL skin tattoos, which tend to peak during summer months.

Chupa Chups goes literary! Historias de Chupa Chups (Chupa Chups Tales) is a collection of 21 original short stories written by the members of the Chupa Chups Club. Far from being your standard short story, these illustrated tales share a common thread in that Chupa Chups lollipops play a central role in all.

With this publication Chupa Chups hopes to encourage young people to discover new worlds through both reading and honing their creative writing skills. All proceeds go to Clowns without Borders, a non-profit organisation involved in community and educational programs in impoverished and war-torn regions.

Chupa Chups has also developed JAWS POP, a collection of cranky crocodiles and shady sharks that reveal a Chupa Chups lollipop when the lever on their backs is moved. Available in blisters, 12-unit displays, and 72-unit floor stands, JAWS POP is sure to be a success with a high-notoriety spot inspired by spy movies of old. The cartoon spot has an eccentric inventor demonstrating his latest spy gadget capable of "biting" unsuspecting opponents.

The silver screen also provided inspiration for the cartoon spot for FINGER POP, complete with black cats, menacing claws and hidden dangers from what seems to be sinister abode. Nevertheless, all is not what it seems, as this ominous scene is really just a birthday party at Grandpa’s house where young guests play with claw-like FINGER POPs.

All spots are produced in ten- and twenty-second formats and highlight the products’ fun, light-hearted image.

In keeping with the latest Internet trends, Chupa Chups has re-designed its web site. The objectives of the new design are three-fold: first, to reinforce the corporate image; second, to simplify navigation with a clearer content design, and third, to broaden the target surfing group beyond end consumers to include journalists and other collaborators.

Besides learning more about the company’s origins, celebrity consumers and products in a more interactive format, surfers can tune into Chupa Chups branded music and take a glimpse at the company’s most popular spots.

Take a look at http ://www.chupachups.com the next time you’re surfing the net!

Thirty South Florida modelling agencies competed in beach volleyball over three blustery days last February. Other sponsors included Nautica and the All Star Café. On one day, actors Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson stopped by to take in the scenery, and MC Pauly Shore interviewed our Chupa Chups Funwear-attired models for national television. The models busily made their presence felt all over the beach to make sure no lips were left "Chupa-less." At night, Chupa Chups lollipops were handed out at official parties, where drag queens and trendsetters were seen to be sucking continuously away until dawn. The Chupa Chups impact on Miami Beach was also furthered by the "What’s Hot in Miami" page in the February issue of Ocean Drive that included a prominent feature on our suckers.

Duty free outlets around the globe will soon be stocked with new Chupa Chups items. Stocked with a cargo of 20 lollipops, the Chupa Chups vintage van makes for a great gift idea for busy travellers.

And for not so little travellers, a coffee mug filled with 20 lollies with a magical effect. A hidden image appears when a hot liquid is poured into the mug.... The Chupa Chups ghost may be watching you....

Developed by the London-based firm Reeves & Hall, the new designs have the Chupa Chups logo as the central element, which, together with high quality illustrations, aim to reassure parents of the product’s origins and quality. The combination of colourful, dynamic backgrounds and the inclusion of the Chupa Chups mascot serve to simultaneously increase on-shelf presence and heighten the packs’ appeal amongst children.

The decision to include the Chupa Chups mascot came as a result of group research carried out last summer on groups of children of varying ages. Their input was that the mascot worked alongside the logo to make for immediate brand recognition, as well as introducing the crucial elements of life and fun into the pack designs.

Melody Pops
Whistling Contest

Quasi professional whistlers put their lips to the test in Indonesia, when Chupa Chups distributor PT. Indomarco organised a two-day Melody Pops whistling competition at Walmart Discount Stores. One hundred participants whistled to their hearts content with their sights set upon the twenty Walmart shopping vouchers awarded to the most lung-hearty whistlers.

Carnival Queen
Elected in La Paz

While Casanova wannabes waltzed into the small hours in Venice, Italy (see page 12), on the other side of the globe children celebrated their own carnival in La Paz, Bolivia. One of the high points of these festivities was the coronation of the Carnival Queen. The five finalists were chosen for the most original costumes and awarded Chupa Chups backpacks, baseball caps and T-shirts. No one was left empty handed though, with Chupa Chups lollipops freely distributed amongst all.

The 700 BP petrol stations across France will soon treat children to Fantasy Ball lollipops thanks to a cross-promotional agreement reached with Chupa Chups France. France’s 3^rd most important gas station chain, BP purchased millions of Fantasy Ball Jeans Tattoos and Fantasy Ball Spice Girls to be given away free to all children who enter their gas stations.

The ever-growing influence that children exercise in family buying decisions was the basis for the cross-promotion. Nowadays, children participate in decisions not only for sweets and food products, but for family holiday destinations, car purchases and also the service stations where their parents gas up. As a result, BP will attract more customers with young children, while allowing Chupa Chups to participate in a unique sampling activity.

The cross-promotion is supported by POS material at gas station entrances and a national radio campaign on leading French radio stations.

The Chupa Chups-motif buses began circulating in mid-February and incorporate the Spice Girls line and traditional Chupa Chups decor. A fleet of six more buses will make their debut within the upcoming two months.

Chupa Chups actively participated in the festivities, from public squares to noble palaces. The week’s highlight was the Countess Barbieri’s annual masked soirée, where noble guests sipped champagne and sucked on Chupa Chups lollipops in an ancient palace fit for kings. Chupa Chups lollipops kept the revellers on their toes, providing an extra dose of sugar for those inclined to dance to dawn.