Miss Chiquita
It all started in 1944 when Miss Chiquita was created as part of the first branding of bananas, putting a face on a generic fruit. She was drawn by artist Dik Browne who also drew her cousins the Campbell Soup “kids” and “Hagar the Horrible.” In her early years, Miss Chiquita appeared as an animated banana, helping to teach consumers about the great nutritional value of bananas and how to ripen them. She was a big celebrity, making guest appearances in top radio shows including those of Fred Allen and Alec Templeton. Other broadcast personalities inviting Miss Chiquita to be on the air were Charlie McCarthy and Bert Lahr.
Live models and personalities were hired to bring the “First Lady of Fruit” to life, beginning with Patty Clayton in 1944. Puerto Rico-born Elsa Miranda (no relation to movie star Carmen) was the most famous Miss Chiquita. In 1945 and 1946, she was active in numerous personal appearances. Miss Chiquita made many guest appearances in the movies, in commercials and even with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra.
A likeness of Miss Chiquita has appeared on the labels that identify Chiquita bananas and other products since 1963. She was depicted as a banana until 1987, when artist Oscar Grillo, creator of the Pink Panther, transformed her into a woman. The change reflected the image the public had of Miss Chiquita as a real person.
Miss Chiquita, one of America’s most famous and beloved symbols, celebrated her 50th birthday in 1994. It was a proud moment. Elizabeth Testa of New York was selected from a national search to be Miss Chiquita for this landmark birthday. That year she made numerous broadcast and personal appearances as part of her national good nutrition tour.
The latest in a series of women hired to portray the ambassador of fruit is Angela Lanza of New York. Angela took on the role in 2000 and will be making numerous appearances across the country in the coming year.
Today, Miss Chiquita continues to reign as the first lady of fruit. Who knows, she may be at a grocery store near you waiting to meet you right now.
Pictures and photo gallery (click the picture to enlarge)
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| 1° drawing 1944 | Poster 1950 | Sticker early ’80 |
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| Promotion end ’80 | Today sticker | Miss Chiquita 1999 |
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| Elsa Miranda | Elizabeth Testa | Angela Lanza |
