Always read the instructions

I discovered this little gem from Brazil on a table top in Berlin. An MBA had returned with it after discovering its “miracle benefits” while (supposedly) over there for his studies.

Everyone he met said you should take it before and after drinking and the next day you’ll have no hangover.

Now this sounds like a dream product. But after some investigation I have discovered that this was not the original intention of the makers of ENGOV (which, while we’re talking about P for Product and naming, is really not your typical Portuguese name).

The product was originally positioned as a medical product for headache and allergy relief. Then a TV star in the 1960s used it regularly for prophylactic hangover treatment (ie, take one before drinking), and since then Brazilians have considered it a miracle hangover “cure”. Which makes me wonder who owns products, the makers or the customers (comments welcome).

No wonder Brazilians always look like they’re enjoy mardi gras so much.

But while we’re thinking about managing P for product - isn’t it time the packaging had a facelift? Or maybe it’s supposed to look so plain.