Another Mer Bros-themed advertising campaign featuring mermen (male mermaids) promoting Gorton’s frozen seafood products will soon be seen on TVs and computer screens across the United States, but without the encore appearance of muscle-flexing surfer dudes Chad and Brody. While the two hunks this time munching on breaded fish sticks made of 100% whole – not minced – fillets are unnamed, the iconic bearded guy in the yellow rain gear checking them out from the background needs no introduction as the trusted Gorton’s Fisherman.
“Bigger. Flakier. And Crunchier. Ridiculously fresh tasting. So, perfect!” So say the beached, fishtail flapping Mer Bros in back-and-forth banter between bites of whole fillet treats during a segment of the amusing 30-second spot.
In a second commercial, the focus is on the return of the well-chiseled actor portraying Poseidon, the Greek God of the Sea. Just prior to issuing a royal decree for “More Gorton’s,” complete with trident in hand and donning a flowing cape and jewel-decorated crown, he proclaims:
“As God of the Ocean, I get all kinds of offerings. And nothing’s so treasured as fresh tasting seafood. New Fish Sticks from Gorton’s are the golden gift I crave – made from wild-caught Alaska pollock, frozen right after catch for unbeatable fresh taste.”
The videos, created by Boston-based Connelly Partners for nearby Gloucester, Massachusetts-headquartered Gorton’s Seafood, are especially aimed at millennials and emerging families, according to Chris Hussey, vice president of marketing at Gorton’s. They are scheduled for release before and during the March 6 – April 18 Lent observance period, when observant Catholics and other Christians abstain from or reduce the consumption of red meat.
About Gorton’s
Tracing its roots in Gloucester back to 1849, Gorton’s today is a subsidiary of Japanese seafood conglomerate Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. Serving both retail and foodservice markets, its frozen product line includes popcorn shrimp, parmesan-coated cod, grilled salmon and tilapia, crab cakes and breaded clams in addition to fish sticks and fillets.
