Ho Chi Minh City, 15 December 2015: Zippo, the iconic American lighter manufacturer, today announced local rock superstar Pham Anh Khoa as its brand ambassador at an event at District 1’s Hard Rock Cafe.

“I still remember the first time I saw a Zippo lighter – it embodied the rock spirit I was working on at the time,” said Khoa. “I forced myself to train my voice, even as many people advised me to switch to more a more pleasant music style. When I felt dispirited, I would sometimes sit at home and play with Zippo lighters, flicking them on and off and looking into their haunting flames.”

“My Zippo has followed me across the land and through my journey to find a desirable music style that enabled me to sing my most explosive songs. Therefore, when I was invited to be a Zippo brand ambassador, I did not hesitate to agree,” he remarked.

“Khoa is the perfect man to represent us here in Vietnam,” said Mr. David Warfel, Zippo Director of Global Marketing in his address to the media.  “He embodies the quintessential Zippo man – the strength, the individuality, the reliability and the sensibility. Since his debut album PAK Volume 1 took 2007 by storm, the soft-spoken man with the roaring voice has come to epitomize the spirit of a generation of the young Vietnamese.”

The session also saw the launch of a very limited edition PAK lighter, featuring the logo that has come to represent the man since that first album.

History of Zippo

The company founded by George G. Blaisdell enters its 84^th year in 2016, and with over 538 million lighters produced, the iconic brand of windproof lighters has come to represent the journey every man makes through life.  The factories, which see up to 70,000 windproof lighters roll off the belts every day has seen its wares appear in more than 1800 films.

Zippo in Viet Nam

The company, through its distributor Am Viet, seeks now to grow its presence in fast growing Vietnam, seeing a generation of young people ready to take on the world.

The company proudly announced that it had sold well over half a million lighters and countless other branded products since opening its domestic doors in 1999.  Am Viet currently oversees a network of retailers that spans across 64 provinces of Vietnam, including large branded stores in HCMC, Hanoi, Danang and Hue. It is presently targeting growth of 15 percent in the campaign this session kicked off today.

The event followed a long series of events around the world sponsored by Zippo which has included outposts everywhere from Spain to Indonesia.

Zippo ambassador
Khoa presented a lighter of his own design at the session which included media and guests of the distributor. The event further included a showcase of various designs contributed by international artists, an array of performers and entertainers, and an impassioned rendition of Một Chiều (One Afternoon) by Mr. PAK himself.

“I can’t think of any other product that offers Vietnamese consumers the same peace of mind where we have both the highest standards of quality and uncompromising, categorical, continuous support from both our local team and from Zippo USA. Are there any other companies anywhere that can match this?” said Am Viet’s Mr. John Troha.

His partner in Am Viet Mr. Pham Viet Ha added “Vietnamese consumers have come to love the iconic Zippo brand, not just the tricks and the clicks, but also the reflection of an identity to which they can aspire. They value the great durability, as well as the prestige that comes with both giving and receiving the lighters as gifts.”

About Zippo

Zippo has markets in more than 160 countries and is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Based in Bradford, PA, Zippo has produced over 500 million windproof lighters, each backed by an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. Zippo’s diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; fragrance for men and women; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo also owns W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, Bradford, PA. Zippo celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2012. For more information, visit Zippo.com.