Character of the Week: Jolly Green Giant

The Jolly Green Giant

The Jolly Green Giant of The Minnesota Valley Canning Company was born in 1925.  This was the year that the company was introduced to a new variety of pea in Europe.  These peas were much larger than the ones grown in America, and were very flavorful despite their size.  The canning company applied for a trademark for the new pea, which was to be called the “Green Giant.”  It was during this process that the Green Giant character was created.

The first Green Giant was inspired by the book, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.”  His first advertising appearance was in 1928, and he looked like a cave man carrying a very large pea pod.  He wore a bearskin, he did not look friendly, and he wasn’t even green!

The Green Giant went through more changes, and the next year he appeared as a completely green man wearing a tunic made of leaves.  The Giant continued to evolve into a friendlier version, but it was not until 1935 that he developed his trademark appearance.  This was the year that Leo Burnett, a young advertiser, was hired to make the Giant more appealing to the public.  Burnett gave the Giant a smile and a friendly demeanor to preside over the Jolly Green Giant Valley.  The Green Giant character became so popular that the Minnesota Canning Company changed its name to Green Giant Company in 1950.

It was in the early 50s that the Green Giant made his television debut.  Unfortunately, this was not an easy transition to make.  Both in animation and live forms, the Giant did not come off as the friendly protector he was supposed to be.  In fact, he looked a little scary.  This problem was solved by creating a set with a tiny valley for the man-sized Giant to preside over.  Also, the camera did not film close-ups.  We saw the Giant off in the distance, protecting the valley and its crops.  He used the phrase, “Ho, Ho, Ho!” and became known as the Jolly Green Giant.

In 1961, the Green Giant Company introduced frozen vegetables.  The Jolly Green Giant got a red scarf to keep him warm from the freezing winds, and his arms were crossed to help with any shivering.

Throughout the years, the Giant has always been popular with the public, and merchandise has been available since the beginning of his career.  There is even a 55-foot fiberglass statue of the Jolly Green Giant, erected in 1979, presiding over his birthplace in Blue Earth, Minnesota!

The Jolly Green Giant is one of the most recognized advertising icons of all time.  “Advertising Age” magazine has ranked him as the third most recognizable advertising character of the 20th century, behind only Ronald McDonald and the Marlboro Man.  It looks like he will be presiding over the Jolly Green Giant Valley for years to come.