The next time you take a flight on Virgin Airlines and order a frosty beverage, check your glass for a few Richard Branson ice cubes that may be floating around in your drink.
These "Little Richard"-dubbed beverage coolers are going to grace the glasses of any drink ordered in the Upper Class Cabins of the carrier's planes and took approximately six weeks to perfect. The inspiration behind the gimmick apparently has more genuine and sociable roots than simply being a move of vanity -- which, given the billionaire's rock star status would not be hard to believe.
According to Virgin Atlantic's chief executive, the founder's face was stamped onto these cubes so that, despite his hectic lifestyle, Branson can sit down and enjoy a drink with his passengers.
Superstar Frozen Water Confections
Richard Branson Ice Cubes are Served on Virgin Airline Flights
Trend Themes
1. Personalized Ice Cubes - Branson's face on ice cubes trend could lead to a larger trend of personalized ice cubes for airlines and hotels.
2. Celebrity Branded Products - The popularity of Branson ice cubes shows the demand for products branded with a celebrity's image or likeness.
3. Unique Food and Drink Presentation - The use of novelty ice cubes adds an element of surprise and uniqueness to food and drink presentation.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Airlines and hotels can capitalize on the trend of personalized ice cubes to enhance guest experiences and differentiate themselves from competitors.
2. Celebrity Merchandise - The rise of celebrity-branded products presents an opportunity for companies to capitalize on consumers' fascination with celebrities.
3. Event Planning - Unique food and drink presentation is a growing trend in the event planning industry, providing opportunities for innovation and differentiation.