Prego Brand Sponsors Popeye Picnic to Honor
Newest Spokesperson, Olive Oyl

CAMDEN, N.J., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly 70 years after her screen debut, Olive Oyl has come out of retirement as the newest spokesperson for "Prego(R)" Italian sauce. In her new role, Olive Oyl is featured in a live animation commercial grappling over what spice to add to her pot of "Prego" Italian sauce -- and ultimately discovers that the product doesn't need an upgrade because, as the tagline states, "It's In There®."

The commercial, created by the advertising agency Y&R - New York, is the first new piece of Olive Oyl cartooning completed in decades, a historic event for Popeye fans. To honor its animated spokesperson and her return to television, "Prego" Italian sauce was a platinum sponsor at this year's annual Popeye Picnic in Chester, Ill. This annual event attracts Popeye enthusiasts from across the country, making it an ideal venue to officially debut Popeye's leading lady, Olive Oyl, as a new "Prego" Italian sauce spokesperson.

Popeye and friends were literally born in Chester, Ill. where the real inspiration for the characters roamed the streets on a daily basis. "'Prego' Italian sauce has a long history of connecting with families in special moments -- across their dinner tables. We loved the hometown feel of the Popeye Picnic, its place in Americana and, of course, its connection to Olive Oyl," said Mark Tumelty, Associate Brand Manager for "Prego" Italian sauces. "Olive Oyl's vivacious, confident and genuine persona embodies the real life Prego consumer."

Olive Oyl took center stage at this year's picnic with the official unveiling of the Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea and Jeep statue on Saturday, September 8th, the second addition to the Popeye & Friends Character Trail in Chester. Immediately following the statue unveiling, picnic attendees were invited to the POI-FEK "Prego" Pasta Party featuring an Olive Oyl Look-a-Like Contest. The lunch included a history of Olive Oyl and her real-life inspiration, Dora Paskel, as well as the premier of the Olive Oyl animated "Prego" Italian sauce TV spot.

With the help of green screen technology, picnic attendees were invited to join Olive Oyl in the new "Prego" Italian sauce television commercial set. Participants interacted with Olive Oyl, and received commemorative printouts as keepsakes. This "Capture the Moment" booth was available in the fairgrounds as part of the brand's platinum sponsorship of the Popeye Picnic.

"The Popeye Picnic Committee is honored to have the support and participation of "Prego" Italian sauce at this year's picnic," said Michael McClure, Popeye Picnic Committee Chairman. "Attendees really enjoyed donning their Olive Oyl finest to compete in the look-a-like competition at the POI-FEK Prego Pasta Party."

About Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high quality simple meals, including soups, baked snacks, vegetable-based beverages, and premium chocolate products. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including "Campbell's," "Pepperidge Farm," "Prego," "Arnott's," "V8," and "Godiva." For more information on the company, visit Campbell's website at www.campbellsoupcompany.com.