Magic Johnson Joins the Country Time Lemonade 'Campaign for a Name'

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that the Country Time Lemonade Campaign for a Name is in full swing, it's time to elevate the competition to new heights by revealing the surprise candidate. Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson will now enter the campaign and submit his entry, "The Magic," for consideration.

No stranger to tough competition, Magic is facing a real challenge as he enters the race. Drew Brees, Kristin Chenoweth, Michael Waltrip, Brandon Jennings, and Doug E. Fresh have already been receiving strong support for their entries in the Country Time Facebook campaign.

Country Time is a natural to launch this exciting new Half & Half selection. And, along with the New Country Time Half Lemonade & Half Iced Tea drink came the need for a new nickname. 

"I have a lot of respect for my competitors in the Country Time Campaign for a Name, but it's showtime now," said Magic Johnson. "It's time for 'The Magic' to get me another championship ring."

"So far, the Campaign for a Name has been very exciting for our celebrity contestants and consumers," said Brett Hartmann, Brand Manager of Country Time. "Adding Magic Johnson to the mix will take the campaign to a new level and further engage fans of our new Half & Half drink."

The Campaign for a Name competition is being promoted through multiple forms of digital and social media, including the Country Time Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel.

Consumers who participate in the Campaign for a Name on the Country Time Facebook page now have the opportunity to lobby and win support for their favorite celebrities. The most passionate of fans will be named "Campaign Manager" and will have a chance to win a VIP experience with their favorite candidate.

Still to come for the Country Time Campaign for a Name:

• Three additional campaign videos featuring the celebrity contestants will be released throughout July. A victory speech video will also be released at the end of the campaign on September 4.
• The celebrity winner will be announced on September 4 when the Country Time Facebook page will re-skin with the winning celebrity and their nickname.  

Learn more about Country Time on Facebook (www.facebook.com/countrytime) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/countrytime).

About Kraft Foods:
Kraft Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2011 revenue of $54.4 billion.  Twelve of the company's iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually.  On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business and a high-margin North American grocery business.  The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of 2012.  A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index.  Visit kraftfoodscompany.com and facebook.com/kraftfoodscorporate.

SOURCE Kraft Foods Inc.