For decades, Warren Buffett has been synonymous with Berkshire Hathaway, recognized globally not only for his unparalleled investment wisdom but also for his distinctive role as the company's most effective pitchman. His influence extends far beyond managing investments; he has embodied the firm's diverse portfolio and served as its public face, especially evident at the company's annual shareholders meetings.
These meetings have evolved into much more than routine corporate gatherings, transforming into a financial pilgrimage for investors seeking guidance and opportunities to network with significant figures in business. Besides a forum for strategic discussions, the event features the "Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains," an extensive shopping experience set against the backdrop of Berkshire Hathaway's sprawling portfolio. This unique bazaar, spanning an impressive 20,000 square feet and offering upwards of 50,000 products by 2025, underscores Berkshire's vast and varied reach into consumer markets.
Buffett’s personal enthusiasm for showcasing the conglomerate's holdings is evident in his interactions with the assortment of products, often involving playful moments with mascots and themed merchandise bearing his and his longtime partner Charlie Munger's likeness. This aspect of the annual meeting has become a hallmark, reinforcing a corporate culture that combines serious investment strategies with approachable and tangible connections to its subsidiaries.
As Warren Buffett approaches retirement from the CEO position at the end of 2025, it prompts a retrospective examination of his dual role as an industry titan and the company’s most prominent mascot.
Product Highlights Reflecting Buffett’s Influence
Among the array of company holdings spotlighted at Berkshire's events, certain products stand out for their unique connection to Buffett’s persona and investment history.
Squishmallows
The plush toy trend known as Squishmallows, characterized by their soft, egg-shaped design, exemplifies Berkshire Hathaway's reach into consumer goods favored by a broad demographic, including both children and adults. Acquired indirectly through Berkshire’s 2022 purchase of Alleghany, the parent company of Jazwares—the creators of Squishmallows—this product line debuted Buffett and Munger-themed plushies at the 2023 Omaha shareholder meeting. These items quickly became highly sought-after, with some fetching prices as high as $450 in online marketplaces shortly after their release.
See’s Candies
Warren Buffett’s penchant for acquiring companies whose products he personally enjoys is well-documented. A notable example is See’s Candies, acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 1972. The brand’s nostalgic appeal was highlighted during past meetings with themed packages such as the “disco Buffett fudge box,” underscoring Buffett’s longstanding affinity and commitment to the brand.
Heinz and Kraft Heinz
Berkshire Hathaway's engagement with the food industry also includes a significant stake in Heinz. Together with 3G Capital, Berkshire acquired Heinz in 2013 for $28 billion, taking the company private. While an ambitious merger with Kraft in 2015 created North America’s third-largest food company, the union ultimately unraveled, leading to separate public listings this year. Despite Buffett expressing disappointment over the split in an interview with CNBC, Berkshire remains the largest shareholder in Kraft Heinz. Throughout this partnership, the images of Buffett and Munger have become iconic marketing elements, featured on products such as Heinz ketchup and Kraft macaroni and cheese.
Jell-O
Another member of the Kraft Heinz portfolio, Jell-O, also featured Berkshire's executive caricatures in product form. In 2017, Jell-O mold kits depicting cartoon versions of Buffett and Munger were available for sale during the annual shareholders meeting, blending company branding with a light-hearted marketing approach.
Fruit of the Loom
In 2001, Berkshire Hathaway expanded its holdings in consumer goods by acquiring Fruit of the Loom for $835 million. This acquisition found a playful manifestation in Buffett-themed boxer shorts, which were sold at shareholders’ events with illustrations of Buffett and Munger, reinforcing the companies' personal associations with the conglomerate's leadership.
Brooks Running
Though running an investment conglomerate differs greatly from sports, Berkshire’s acquisition of Brooks Running enabled the company to indirectly link its brand to the athletic footwear market. Special edition Brooks Ghost 11 running shoes featuring images of Buffett and Munger were showcased to shareholders, and merchandise such as T-shirts with caricatures of Berkshire's leadership were available, emphasizing brand integration.
Coca-Cola
Among Buffett's most notable investment holdings is the beverage giant Coca-Cola, in which Berkshire Hathaway owns a substantial 9.3% stake. This relationship has also been commemorated through specially produced Coca-Cola cans for the Chinese market bearing Buffett's image, further personifying his association with the brand’s global presence.
Duracell
Berkshire's entry into the battery industry came with the 2014 acquisition of Duracell from Procter & Gamble. The company's embrace of this subsidiary included creative marketing displays such as a portrait of Buffett composed entirely of Duracell batteries showcased during the shareholder meetings, as well as prominent cutouts of Buffett advertising Duracell products at these events.
Looking Ahead
Warren Buffett’s retirement at the end of 2025 will conclude an era marked by his unparalleled role not only as an investment strategist but also as the charismatic face of Berkshire Hathaway’s expansive and eclectic collection of companies. While Berkshire Hathaway’s vast portfolio comprises a broad spectrum of industries and products, Buffett’s personal touch and visibility have been instrumental in cultivating a unique corporate culture that blends investment expertise with engaging shareholder experiences. As the company looks to the future, questions remain about how Berkshire Hathaway will maintain this distinctive public identity without its most iconic ambassador at the helm.