Italian clothing group Benetton, whose controversial imagery in poster advertising tends to outrage susceptibilities, promises to be more restrained with its move into own-brand condoms, which will be packaged in a style "designed to avoid any embarrassment for buyers".

United Condoms of Benetton naturally offers a variety of tasteful colours, with the alternatives of Exotica, Skin Thin and, for the ambitious - or self-deluded - XL. Benetton says contraceptives are a "logical product progression" following the success of its safe-sex, anti-aids advertising campaigns.

Condom promotion is traditionally restrained, the limited message space on a pack of three not open to the sort of marketing excesses which has made Benetton an infamous name in contrived bad taste. However the sales graph may well prove the ultimate arbiter of promotional standards.