Inflatable Replica Bottle Raises Visibility for New Craft Vodka

Custom inflatable vodka bottle generates marketing buzz

The global vodka industry is dominated by huge corporations, so how can a small Midwest startup stand out in that crowded field?

This was the challenge facing Minnesota-based Gray Duck Vodka.

Founded in 2018 by four friends – including former Minnesota Vikings captain Chad Greenway – Gray Duck produces gourmet vodka handcrafted from grains homegrown in fertile midwestern fields. To date, this signature vodka has garnered five gold medals in the Denver International Spirits Competition, and it's a favorite with vodka connoisseurs throughout the upper Midwest.

But the Gray Duck folks wanted to let even more people know about their vodka's award-winning taste.

So, on the recommendation of Ingster Experiential, a marketing agency based in Minnesota's Twin Cities, Gray Duck turned to Landmark Creations.

Working with Gray Duck executive Andrea Yoch, Landmark designed and built a huge inflatable Gray Duck vodka bottle – realistic in every detail, right down to the shimmer on the "glass."

Towering 10 feet tall, the custom inflatable makes a dramatic impact. It's been a focal point at marketing event tours, point-of-purchase displays, and major sporting events. And customers are impressed.

According to Yoch, the Gray Duck bottle is an "easy-to-use marketing tool" that has "increased attention and visibility at stores." And that's just for starters. Cheers!

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 62

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked. We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"Our tunnel was also a great addition to our pre-game tradition: the Wildcat walk. Our city shuts down three blocks of downtown, and we have hundreds of fans lining the streets with a police escort, while we walk to the stadium."

- Sam Baker, Head Football Coach at Waconia High School

"We are able to directly track customer traffic caused by the boot, so we know the inflatable boot paid for itself within the first year."

- Jerry Kavsh, Renton Western Wear

"The inflatables have been a great success at shows, seminars and especially at pet shops where they help us to coordinate Iams Co. weekends that allow us to promote and increase sales of our products."

-The IAMS Company

"It was a big success! Customers were stopping to take their pictures with the inflatable pheasant and it helped draw in interstate traffic."

- M. Kettler, Cabela's

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises