Viral Charizard-Shaped Hot Cheeto Fetches Rs 77 Lakh At
A unique Flamin’ Hot Cheeto resembling the beloved Pokémon character Charizard has fetched an astonishing Rs 77 lakh ($90,000) at auction. The three-inch snack, encased in a custom box, drew significant interest from collectors, culminating in a bidding war that highlighted its rarity and appeal. The Cheeto, dubbed ‘Cheetozard,’ was sold by Paul Bartlett, a Georgia-based sports memorabilia shop owner who initially purchased it for a mere Rs 30,194 ($350) on eBay.
From eBay to Auction Block
The journey of the ‘Cheetozard’ began when Paul Bartlett stumbled upon the snack while browsing eBay in 2019. Initially listed for Rs 43,134 ($500), Bartlett secured it for a lower price. After receiving the Cheeto, he placed it in a safe, forgetting about it until last year when he rediscovered it. A photo he shared on Instagram went viral, reigniting interest in the quirky collectible.
Despite attempts to find a custom case for the Cheetozard, several collectible companies declined. Bartlett turned to his friend Jordan Tkacsik, who created a protective four-part case at no cost. This careful preservation helped maintain the Cheeto’s condition, making it an attractive item for collectors.
Bidding War and Record Sale
The Cheetozard was auctioned by Goldin Auctions, starting with an initial bid of Rs 21,567 ($250) on February 10. As the auction progressed, the price surged, reaching Rs 1.5 lakh ($18,000) by March 1. A fierce bidding war ensued, ultimately leading to a final sale price of Rs 63.1 lakh ($72,000), with additional fees bringing the total to Rs 77 lakh ($90,000).
Dave Amerman, head of consignment at Goldin, emphasized the uniqueness of the Cheetozard, stating, “Part of what makes this item so fun and unique is that it bridges two fandoms – Pokémon and Cheetos.” The sale has drawn attention not only for its price but also for the cultural crossover it represents.
Cheetos Responds to the Buzz
PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay, the parent company of Cheetos, acknowledged the sale on social media, responding with a playful “two eyes” emoji. Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods, commented on the phenomenon, saying, “Cheetos are crafted with individual care and designed to be unique, and the ‘Cheetozard’ is no exception.” She noted that fans often enjoy searching for interesting shapes within Cheetos bags, making the Cheetozard a fitting addition to the brand’s legacy.
Food Collectibles in the Spotlight
The sale of the Cheetozard is not an isolated incident in the world of high-priced food collectibles. Last year, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun made headlines by purchasing a banana duct-taped to a wall for Rs 52.4 crore ($6.2 million) at a Sotheby’s auction. Sun later consumed the banana during a speech, calling the artwork “iconic” and drawing parallels between art and cryptocurrency.
The Cheetozard’s sale further illustrates the growing trend of food items being valued as collectibles, merging culinary culture with the world of art and memorabilia. As collectors continue to seek out unique items, the intersection of food and fandom is likely to remain a captivating topic in the auction world.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
