From Heineken to Belvedere, brands are paying big bucks to be associated with James Bond.
Everyone knows that international spy James Bond likes his martinis shaken, not stirred. But Heineken would like you to know he also enjoys an occasional brewski—and the brand is willing to pay a premium for it.
Luxury brands are happily coughing up millions to be featured in the next installment of the James Bond series, the 25th film in the long-running franchise. The French champagne Maison Bollinger reportedly paid a whopping $12.8 million to renew its deal to be the bubbly Bond sips when he’s not killing assassins, wooing voluptuous double agents or saving the world.
Meanwhile, Heineken paid $36 million to be featured in Skyfall. Belvedere, not to be outdone, paid to be Bond’s martini ingredient of choice, and even sold limited-edition 007 bottles for the occasion. No figures have been released on that deal, but Belvedere president Charles Gibb told, it was “the largest global partnership we have done to date.”
Other brands that have struck deals in hopes of becoming synonymous with Bond’s suave demeanor and effortlessly stylish life include Omega and Aston Martin. Altogether, a staggering $96.7 million in deals is estimated to have been brokered for the next installment of the film franchise (which has just confirmed that Daniel Craig will be returning as the eponymous 007).
Of course, this is no new phenomenon. Since the earliest films, Bond has attracted a roster of luxury brands, going from Brioni suits to Tom Ford ensembles or swapping out his Rolex for an Omega.
In fact, Bond is even going green. For the next film, the agent’s famed Aston Martin will be all electric. And while sustainability and eco-conscious design is certainly top of mind these days, the car won’t sacrifice great design for a smaller carbon footprint—the new model will set you back a cool $250,000.
