Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike

Product type	Cigarette
Owner	British American Tobacco
Produced by
Country	United States
Introduced	1871
Discontinued
Related brands
Markets	Worldwide
Previous owners	American Tobacco Company
Registered as a trademark in

Lucky Strike is a brand of cigarettes owned by the British American Tobacco group. The brand was established in 1871 and has a long history in the tobacco industry. Lucky Strike is known for its distinctive packaging and marketing campaigns, as well as its historical significance in the development of the cigarette market.

History

The origins of Lucky Strike can be traced back to 1871 when it was introduced as a brand of chewing tobacco by the R.A. Patterson Company in Richmond, Virginia. The name "Lucky Strike" was inspired by the gold rush era, suggesting that consumers would "strike it lucky" by choosing this brand.

In 1916, the brand was acquired by the American Tobacco Company, which began marketing Lucky Strike as a cigarette brand. The transition from chewing tobacco to cigarettes marked a significant shift in the brand's identity and market strategy.

1920s and 1930s

During the 1920s, Lucky Strike gained popularity through aggressive advertising campaigns. The brand's slogan "It's Toasted" was introduced to highlight the unique manufacturing process that involved toasting the tobacco to improve flavor. This slogan became iconic and helped differentiate Lucky Strike from its competitors.

In the 1930s, Lucky Strike sponsored popular radio programs, including "Your Hit Parade," which further increased its visibility and consumer base. The brand also became associated with Hollywood celebrities, enhancing its image as a fashionable and desirable product.

World War II

During World War II, Lucky Strike cigarettes were included in the rations for U.S. soldiers, which significantly boosted the brand's popularity. The packaging was changed from green to white to save on copper used in the green dye, leading to the slogan "Lucky Strike Green Has Gone to War."

Product Features

Lucky Strike cigarettes are known for their distinctive taste, which is attributed to the "toasting" process. The brand offers a variety of products, including full-flavor, light, and menthol cigarettes, catering to different consumer preferences.

Marketing and Cultural Impact

Lucky Strike has been a prominent brand in popular culture, often depicted in films, television shows, and literature. Its association with glamour and sophistication has made it a symbol of the smoking culture of the 20th century.

The brand's marketing strategies have evolved over the years, adapting to changing regulations and consumer attitudes towards smoking. Despite the decline in smoking rates, Lucky Strike remains a recognizable brand with a loyal customer base.

Also see

• Cigarette
• British American Tobacco
• American Tobacco Company
• World War II
• Advertising