Ann Korrell

Have you ever heard someone say, “That blouse is the logical choice”, probably not? You are far more likely to hear someone say, “Oh, I love that blouse, I just have to buy it!’ Why, because we don’t make purchases using the logical part of our brains; we make purchases with our emotions. I think this is of where brand loyalty comes from, and how it passes from one generation to the next. There’s probably an example in your pantry right now, I know there’s at least one in mine.

I was raised by my grandparents, both of whom grew up during the depression, so to them success was having a roof over your head and food in your pantry, and occasionally a few extras….like cookies. My grandmother absolutely loved Oreo cookies. When she felt like splurging, Oreos magically appeared in the pantry.

My grandparents passed away when my son was not quite two years old, he’s now an active six year old. Like any six year old—when we go to the grocery store and he asks if we can buy a box of cookies—my mind flashes to the Oreo cookie ad with the son and dad sharing a glass of milk and Oreo cookies via the internet with the help of web cams on separate continents. This always hits a chord with me; it makes me think of all the times I shared Oreos and a glass of milk with my grandmother, including over the phone when I was living in another state. So, when my son asks if we can buy cookies, I usually buy Oreos, and enjoy passing down a family tradition to my son.

What food brands hold fond memories for you?

Photograph Credit:
Ann Korrell’s beloved grandmother