Imperial margarine

Imperial is a brand of margarine or spread, depending on the country, previously distributed by Unilever and currently marketed by Upfield. It is best remembered for television commercials in which a person who recently ate something with Imperial margarine would suddenly have a crown appear on their head (accompanied by a four note fanfare).[1][2][3][4]

Formulations of the product may vary by region. In the United States, Imperial is now a "vegetable oil spread" due to reductions in the percentage of vegetable oil in the product.[5] However, in other countries, the product still qualifies as margarine.[6]

History

In 1956 Lever Brothers (Unilever) developed Imperial, a margarine which had a lower melting point and which contained butter.[7][8]

In 1980 Michael Angus became chairman. The bulk of Lever's losses stemmed from Imperial margarine. So in 1981, Angus shut down the outdated Hammond, Indiana, plant that made Imperial and farmed out the work to contractors able to produce it more cheaply.[9]

In 2018, Unilever sold its margarines and spreads to Upfield.

The commercials inspired sporadic cultural references throughout the years. The commercials were spoofed in episodes of The Carol Burnett Show, Green Acres, The David Steinberg Showand Parker Lewis Can't Lose. On a 1982 episode of Georgia Championship Wrestling, wrestler "Rowdy" Roddy Piper gave an interview wherein he mentioned Imperial Margarine by name in the course of mocking his opponent.[10][11]

References
  1. 1980s Imperial Margarine Commercial on YouTube
  2. Imperial Margarine Classic King's Crowns TV Commercial on YouTube
  3. Vintage Imperial Margarine Crown TV Commercial '80s on YouTube
  4. Imperial Margarine But a Crown on Your Head on YouTube
  5. "Imperial Margarine Tub". H-E-B. Retrieved April 14, 2021. (package reads "28% Vegetable Oil Spread")
  6. "Imperial Non-Hydrogenated Margarine". Walmart Canada. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  7. "History of Soy Oil Margarine - Page 2".
  8. Niemeyer, Daniel (2013). 1950s American Style: A Reference Guide (Soft cover). ISBN 9781304201652.
  9. "LEVER'S BATTLE TO RISE AGAIN - The New York Times".
  10. "Memorable Quotes". wrestlingnewsarena.com. 2008. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
  11. Bowden, Scott (2009). "Anatomy of Angle: The Jerry Lawler vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper Feud That Never Was in 1982". Scott Bowden presents Kentucky Fried Rasslin. kentuckyfriedwrestling.com. Retrieved September 28, 2010.
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