During the 1990s, one of the most delightful parts of childhood in Australia was bath time with Mr Matey Bubble Bath. From its catchy commercials to the fun, character-themed bottles, Mr Matey Bubble Bath holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up during that time. This blog post delves into the nostalgic charm of Mr Matey Bubble Bath, exploring its history, the memorable commercials, and its eventual fate in Australia. Join me as we take a bubbly trip down memory lane!
The Joy of Mr Matey Bubble Bath
One of the most memorable aspects of Mr Matey Bubble Bath was its 30-second commercials, filled with fun bubbles and a catchy jingle that captured the hearts of children and parents alike. You can watch one of these memorable commercials from 1991.
The Iconic Bottles
The bottles were designed as characters, making them not just functional but also fun to play with. These bottles were a staple in many Australian homes, often being kept long after the bubble bath was finished to be used as bowling pins due to their bowling pin type appearance.
The Recall Incident
However, in 1992, there was a recall issued due to the domed caps posing a choking hazard, affecting six children.
Kiwi Brands in Australia
Kiwi Brands, a company originally known for its shoe polish, was behind the distribution of Mr Matey Bubble Bath in Australia. Developed in Australia in 1906 by William Ramsay, Kiwi Brands grew to be the dominant shoe polish in many countries and later expanded into other products.
In Australia, the Mr Matey range was branded under Kiwi Brands Pty Ltd through an agreement with Sara Lee Corporation. Over the years, the business saw several changes in ownership. In late 1990, Sara Lee decided to sell the business, which was eventually acquired by Roche Holding Ltd in 1991 and later by S. C. Johnson in 2011.
What Happened to Mr Matey in Australia?
Despite its initial popularity, Mr Matey Bubble Bath eventually faded from the Australian market due to various mergers and acquisitions. However, it continued to thrive in the UK, adding new characters like Matey Bubble Bath Jasper, Matey Bubble Bath Molly, and Matey Bubble Bath Merman.
History of Mr Matey
In the USA, Mr Matey was one of several bubble baths that emerged in the 1960s, competing with brands like Mr. Bubble and Bubble Club Fun Bath. While many of these brands did not survive into the 1970s, Mr Matey found new life in the UK, where it faced less competition and built a strong presence. This success eventually spread to Australia, making it a beloved product in many households.
Throughout the years, the brand passed through several hands, but its popularity remained due to its fun and engaging approach to bath time. The conglomerate that now owns Matey in the UK also acquired other similar brands, ensuring that these products complement rather than compete with each other.
Summary
While you can not find the Australian rebranded Mr Matey Bubble Bath in Australia today, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who enjoyed it during their childhood. You can also buy imports from the UK to Australia.
While the brand may have faded from the shelves, but the nostalgia remains strong. Here’s to the classic Aussie commercial and the joy it brought to countless bath times.
