Character of the Week: Quiky, the Nesquik Bunny

Quiky, the Nesquik Bunny

In 1948, Nestle developed a chocolate powder mix that easily turned milk into chocolate milk.  In the US, it was called Nestle Quik.  In 1973, the Nestle Quik Bunny, named Quiky, was introduced as the company’s mascot in the US.

In other countries in Europe, he was known as Quicky, the Nesquik Bunny.  In France and Greece, a completely different character represented the company.  He was a yellow monster named Groquik. (Fat Quik)  By 1999, the chocolate powder was renamed Nesquik, and the different advertising characters around the world were replaced by the US mascot, Quiky.

Quiky is a brown cartoon bunny that originally wore a “Q” around his neck.  His letter was changed to an “N” when the product was renamed Nesquik, and his name was changed to the Nesquik Bunny.  In several commercials, a jingle was played; “It’s so rich and thick and choco-lick! But you can’t drink it slow if it’s Quik!”  The bunny’s voice was provided by Barry Gordon, an American actor.

Quiky was also seen in print ads in several magazines and newspaper coupon circulars.  One such ad in the 1980s was created with DC Comics, called “Superman Meets the Quik Bunny,” and it showed Quiky riding on the shoulders of Superman.

Nestle keeps with the times, as shown in the print advertisements through the years.  The ads always stress the delicious flavor and nutritional qualities to market to the adults.  To appeal to children over the decades, Nesquik has shown the rabbit engaging in sports activities such as skateboarding, stressing the ability of Nesquik to provide energy and nutrition while children have fun and enjoy the chocolatey taste.

The Nesquik Bunny is a popular icon, and merchandise such as dolls, bobble heads, and mugs have been created in his likeness.  The merchandise made before his “Q” changed to an “N” and containers produced before the name change are collector’s items today.

For over 35 years Quiky, the Nesquik Bunny, has been the advertising icon for Nesquik, and he is still going strong.  He is sure to be around for another few decades, showing us the fun we can have while sipping on yummy chocolate drinks.