Camel cigarette brand was introduced by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco (RJR) in 1913. Camel gained its popularity for an original blend of Turkish and American tobacco. Such blend is considered to have to have a milder taste.
Camel is remarkable for its advertising and PR campaigns. Their famous promotion, featured 'Old Joe' (a Circus camel), which was driven through town and used to distribute free cigarettes. Another famous promotion was performed by a famous actor Humphrey Bogart who popularized Camel brand in the “Casablanca” film.
A few words should be mentioned about Camel’s logo. The image of the camel on the packet was created by a Belgian artist. He didn’t like the marketing manager, so in revenge he placed in the upper part of the camel’s leg a "Manneken Pis" ( the famous in Belgium boy urinating) in his image.
In 1988 the company introduced a new character in the Camel Promotion campaign – it was Joe Camel. The effect was immense. The research conducted by the American Medical Association Journal showed that 90% of kids recognized Joe Camel.
From 1972-1993, Camel sponsored the then-popular IMSA auto racing series.
