Buzz Celebrates America’s Passion for Honey Nut Cheerios® with Funny Or Die Video Launch

Buzz Dazzles On-Screen Alongside Comedian Andy Richter

Honey Nut Cheerios(R) spokesbee Buzz and comedian Andy Richter team up in new Funny Or Die video. (Photo: Business Wire)

MINNEAPOLIS--()--Honey Nut Cheerios® along with Funny Or Die released today “Scared of Bees,” a world premiere starring its iconic SpokesBee, Buzz, and Conan’s late night sidekick, comedian Andy Richter. In the comedic parody, Buzz encounters an interesting character, Paul (played by Richter), during his nationwide journey to spread the news that Honey Nut Cheerios is America’s Favorite Cereal* and hand out year supplies to a few lucky cereal fans.

“I was home minding my own business when a bee, known as Buzz, appeared at my front step and tried to give me a year supply of Honey Nut Cheerios,” said Paul played by Richter. “I like the honey-sweet taste of those O’s and Buzz looks friendly, but I am terrified of those bee eyes.”

“Telling people about America’s Favorite Cereal is an adventure,” said Buzz. “I love meeting new friends like Paul!”

In the Funny Or Die video, “Scared of Bees,” the light-hearted brand spoofs its current television advertisement where the innocent and loveable Buzz travels from city to city telling everyone about America’s Favorite Cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios. The video documents his not-so-sweet encounter with Richter’s character and Buzz’s attempts to help him overcome his fear of bees so he can receive his year supply of Honey Nut Cheerios. The video is now live on Funny Or Die’s website and fans can watch what happens here: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/0dff1a5aee/honey-nut-cheerios.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Funny Or Die and Andy Richter to bring added excitement to our “America’s Favorite Cereal” campaign through this unique online video,” said Scott Lee, Associate Director of Marketing for Honey Nut Cheerios. “This is a first-time venture for Honey Nut Cheerios and we are excited to see our fans’ reactions and responses.”

This summer, to celebrate America’s passion for the cereal, Buzz is embarking on a virtual “Tour across America” to delight and surprise fans by delivering free samples. He will visit famous tourist destinations, favorite local haunts and everything in between and chronicle his experiences through photos and tweets. For the first time, fans can follow Buzz on his Twitter @HNCBuzz, and can learn about his travels at Buzz Central. The “Tour across America” campaign gives fans the opportunity to interact first-hand with their bee-loved Buzz.

About 6.4 million people across the United States choose the irresistible taste of golden Honey Nut Cheerios every morning, making it America’s Favorite Cereal. Honey Nut Cheerios cereal was introduced in 1979 as the first extension of the iconic Cheerios® cereal brand.

To learn more about Buzz’s “Tour across America” and Honey Nut Cheerios, visit http://www.honeynutcheerios.com/buzzcentral.

*Based on AC Nielsen 52 weeks ending 2/25/12

About Cheerios®

Cheerios, America’s No. 1 cereal, debuted in 1941 as Cheerioats. The nation’s first ready-to-eat oat cereal has since become one of the most trusted and recognized brands in America. In fact, one of every 10 boxes of cereal sold in America is a box of Cheerios. General Mills’ popular franchise includes Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios, Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter, Chocolate Cheerios, Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios, Dulce de Leche Cheerios, Berry Burst Cheerios, Yogurt Burst Cheerios, Banana Nut Cheerios and Cheerios Crunch. Cheerios also has a publishing division that includes the popular Cheerios Play Books and other activity books. For more information, go to www.cheerios.com.

About General Mills

General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries. Its consumer brands include Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Progresso and Old El Paso. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2012 net sales of US $16.7 billion.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50360786&lang=en

Contacts

Cone Communications
Lindsay Harrington, 617-939-8465
Cell: 508-843-6160
LHarrington@coneinc.com
or
General Mills Brand PR
Office: 763-764-8088
brandpr.media@genmills.com

Contacts

Cone Communications
Lindsay Harrington, 617-939-8465
Cell: 508-843-6160
LHarrington@coneinc.com
or
General Mills Brand PR
Office: 763-764-8088
brandpr.media@genmills.com