In the news, 13th September 2010

A new offering from Cadbury..it's Bliss.

It was announced the other day that Cadbury were to add a new product to their Dairy Milk range called Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss. Hitting store shelves from the 11th October at a price of 53p, this Bliss bar will consist of a smooth vanilla mousse covered in Dairy Milk chocolate.

With a strapline of 'the most pampered bar in the world', the bar will be marketed through a variety of channels including outdoor, TV and digital spots.

The ad agency Fallon have reportedly created a 30-second ad for the bar, aired from 15th October to 14th November, in which it is seen to be pampered in a variety of comfy settings.

Cadbury has also reportedly partnered with Nails Inc to create two limited edition nail varnishes that will be available in Sainsbury's via a text-to-win competition and in Nail Inc. stores.

Luciana Andreoni, brand manager for Cadbury Dairy Milk, said about the new product: “Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss has been created to provide a moment of pure, blissful indulgence for chocolate lovers...The multimedia campaign takes this theme of indulgence and pampering and adds a light-hearted Cadbury touch to the creative.”

TGBD Response: Obviously, everything about this bar from its name and strapline to its nail varnish promotion is aimed squarely at the female. However, with so many us adoring Cadbury Dairy Milk, the idea of a bar that combines the melt of beautifully milky chocolate with the soft texture of vanilla mousse will be hard to resist whether your a man or a woman. My only doubt is whether the vanilla flavour of the mousse will come through significantly as all too often manufacturers just mean sweet when they say vanilla. In any case, a new product from Cadbury is always a welcome site so bring on 11th October.

In the news, 8th September 2010

"Get it down you boy"...pets star in a new ad for Chocolate Weetabix

WRCS, the ad agency handling the Weetabix account, have created a TV ad for the new Chocolate Weetabix cereal. In the ad, animals are the stars of the show as we see parents and children gathering at the breakfast table to dig in to their Chocolate Weetabix whilst their pet dog, cat and hamster all comment on the product, including the claim that it contains 50% less sugar than other chocolate cereals.

I found this ad to be yet another very funny one for the brand after the superb "Someone's had their Weetabix" campaign. Two very funny moments for me were the squeaky hamster's "Ree-markable" line and, in particular, the dog saying in a gruff voice, "Get it down you boy"...an instant classic. In addition to the humour, the core messages are conveyed clearly so, all in all, another solid ad for Weetabix.

In the news, 6th September 2010

McVitie's VIP Club to hit the small screen

As part of a £2.5 million investment by United Biscuits, the McVitie's VIP Club launched last month will be supported by a TV ad.

Hitting our screens on 13th September, the ad will describe how one can enter a special 12-digit code on McVitie's product in to the Club's website to earn points which, depending on the amount collected, will qualify you for a prize, including iPods, DVDs and McVitie-branded products.

Kellogg's uses online media to target wider demographic

As part of National Breakfast Week, Kellogg's have announced that they will be launching an exclusively online video to encourage people to eat breakfast. The video will show viewers the health benefis of eating breakfast by pointing out the differences in a man who on day eats breakfast and on another day skips it.

As per the marketingweek.co.uk article on the story:

Kellogg’s said that while it had traditionally used online marketing to target younger people, it believed the channel would now help it reach a wider audience.

A spokesman said, “We’ve never created a video clip solely for use online before. We’re expecting to learn a lot and that’ll help us shape our larger digital plan. UK consumers can expect to see a lot more from Kellogg’s in the digital space.”

In the news, 26th August 2010

Cadbury Cocoa House to debut in Kent

In October, the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent will be host to the first ever Cadbury Cocoa House - a new Cadbury-branded cafe venture that will see a chain of Cocoa Houses established nationwide and hopefully tap in to a market that has proven itself a highly lucrative and recession-resilient one for the likes of Costa, Starbucks and Cafe Nero. The Cocoa Houses will be Cadbury branded and retail Cadbury confectionery; however, they will be licensed out by Cadbury to a third party.

Of this new venture, Chief executive David Morris says: “Cadbury Cocoa House is a destination, bringing a touch of affordable luxury and British nostalgia to the high street which, from its retro ice-cream parlour to traditional home-made afternoon tea, will take cues from the past as its inspiration for the future.

Click here for the website.

TGBD Report: The highstreet already seems to be bulging with cafes but, reading through what Cadbury proposes, I must say that I am really excited by this. It sounds like they are taking the normal cafe concept, throwing in a few extras and injecting a whole heap of fun...a quality mix in my books. If I was sensible I would probably start bracing myself for disappointment as too often reality doesn't match hype but, if Cadbury do this well, the Cocoa House concept could be a winner. Personally, I would love a highstreet location where traditional British teas, buns and cakes were served in cosy, comfortable surroundings. We will see...

Mars cuts saturated fat by 15%

As a Mars spokesperson said, "a technical breakthrough" has been accomplished allowing for the saturated fat content of the companies confectionery to be reduced by 15% whilst retaining the same great taste. Putting numbers of this, a £8.9 million investment and 5 years of R&D totalling 40,000 hours has resulted in 0.2g reduction in saturated fat from 5g to 4.8g

These new bars will start appearing on our shop shelves in September and will conform to new FSA guidelines which set food manufacturers a target of a 10% saturated fat reduction in chocolate confectionery by the end of 2012.

In a marketingweek.co.uk article on the story, it is reported that: Mars claims that its Mars bar now has the lowest levels of sat fats of any product in the Top 10 chocolate singles category in the UK and its bars will represent the lowest amounts of saturated fat per 100g for any confectionery products in the UK market.

Fiona Dawson, managing director, Mars Chocolate UK says: “Mars holds a special place with UK consumers - this made it all the more important for us to keep the same great taste, and is the reason that this reduction in saturated fat represents such an achievement. We are and remain committed to improving the nutritional content of our products.”

TGBD Response: Looks good on the face of it...same great taste - have to trusts Mars on this one - with less saturated fat. However, as often is the case with fat reductions, nothing has been said of the sugar content which inevitably goes up meaning just the same amount of calories or, in some cases, more. Here's a 15% fat reduction for you that doesn't compromise taste or sugar content, costs £0 million and involved zero R&D hours over zero days: eat 85% and save the rest for another day - genius!

At the end of the day, food manufacturers can be clever and make nominal reductions here and there but chocolate bars will always be calorific. In fact, by creating 'lighter' versions the consumer all too often ends up overindulging and thus consuming just as many or more calories. Instead the focus should be education so people learn to eat such foods in moderation and are aware of the harm overconsumption can do to the body. Beyond that, it's down to individual responsibility.

In the news, 23rd August 2010

The Tea Folk are coming back, but maybe not as we know and love them.

Tetley's ad agency, MCBD, have confirmed that they will be bringing back the iconic 'teafolk'; however, the characters have had a serious makeover. The first glimpse of this new look teafolk was in a brandrepublic.com article earlier this month (see here). As per the article, "the Gaffer has been given a pin-striped suit and a BlackBerry. Tina's new look is more Wag than worker and Sydney, the dozy character, is now dressed in garb more usually seen on rappers, including N-dubz' trademark woolly hat."

Quite honestly, the old adage of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind looking at these redesigned characters. The Gaffer now looks like some sort of city slicker and, as for Tina, well where do I begin...the designers have seemingly decided to give her breast implants and, coupled with a short skirt and tight top, the word 'tart' comes to mind...it's simply horrendous. Why on earth they decided to rubbish such charming, beloved characters like this is beyond belief.

When all those people reportedly wrote to Tetley asking that they bring back these characters, I imagine they meant the 'teafolk' of old and not this. Tetley's senior brand manager said that they are “looking forward to introducing the Tetley gang to a new generation of fans”...fine but why the redesign? The idea that their attire needs to be more 'modern' is ridiculous; they are fictional characters dressed in fictional clothing which isn't any less 'modern' now than when the teafolk were at their height of popularity. Tetley could have been really smart here by kicking off the ad campaign with some retro ads to charm the millions of people that grew up with and love the teafolk and thereby reconnect them with the brand before releasing a series of new ads featuring EXACTLY the same characters in more so-called 'modern' surroundings...the best of both worlds.

In the news, 19th August 2010

McVitie's VIP Club opens!

Today, the McVitie's website has come on-line. The website features brand news, product details, an 'about us' section and, of course, the VIP Club. On all McVitie's products sporting the VIP Club logo you will find a 12-digit code starting 'UB' which, once entered at www.mcvities.co.uk/vipclub, will gain you points. Building up these points will then qualify you for various prizes including McVitie's-branded merchandise (see http://uk.mcvitiesvipclub.co.uk/club_treats/).

Personally, for me it was all about the McVitie's-branded stuff and I'm a bit disappointed to not see more of it but, as they say, beggars can't be choosers. Have fun collecting!

First ad unveiled for Kellogg's new Coco Pops Choc 'N' Roll cereal.

I reported on the launch of a new Coco Pops variant not too long ago and now the guys at Kellogg's have unveiled an ad to go with.

The ad is based around the same thought as I had when first seeing the cereal, that is, they look like wheels. These cereal wheels feature on what looks vaguely like a Grand Prix car as Coco races around a circuit to take first place at the last minute...tense stuff! Of course, this new cereal was all about being a healthy version of Coco Pops and this is far from forgotten with the voice-over man kicking off the ad with "new Choc 'N' Roll...made with wholegrain and fibre" and finishing with "new Choc 'N' Roll...wholegrain and fibre...it's choc fibre fun!" It's definitely message recieved and understood!

All in all, I think the ad does its job reasonably well as it communicates the key health benefits for adult viewers whilst being fun and energetic for youngsters.

In the news, 17th August 2010

Twix Fino...biscuit makes way for the wafer.

Reading through Guardian online news, I discovered that a Twix variant, called the Twix Fino, will be hiting our shores come September. And, as is the trend these days, Twix Fino will be a lees-calorific or 'lighter' option by swapping in wafer for the biscuit centre we know and love.

Now, personally, this 'variant' isn't a Twix at all to me...the biscuit centre with that layer of caramel on top is what it's all about. So much so that, as pointed out in the article, people demand for Twix to not be treated like a chocolate bar and, instead, be classified as a biscuit.

But, again, variety is the spice of life and, as long as Mars keep on churning out regular Twix's, I say bring on the Fino and let the public be the judge.

Mentos Rainbow 'Spider' ad

To promote its new 'Rainbow' variant, Mentos has created the above advert and it's a funny one. A couple are sitting in the lounge; a small spider appears; the women is afraid; begrudgingly, the man gets up to deal with it; and, as his hand approaches the spider, it grabs his finger between its legs and proceeds to fling him across the room to the strapline "It's better to know what's coming next".

However, as visually amusing as it may be, I haven't got a clue what it has to do with the brand and, in particular, Mentos Rainbow. In fact, I am left not knowing anything about what Rainbow Mentos actually are...not good.

Peperami's 'Animal' character returns

Peperami's crazy 'Animal' character is back and this time he's joined by a load of unruly kids to promote the brands new bite-size 'Nibblers' range. However, unlike previous ads, the mutilation is not carried out by Animal - who narrates throughout - but his offspring. Indeed, at the end, one of the kids bite off Animal's arm before the rest decide to take chunks out of him to the strapline "Their little bits of an animal".

Now, personally, I don't like Peperami's and thought they always smelt foul. Moreover, every time I saw one, all I thought of was Animal and self-mutilation...not the best of brand associations. But, what the hay, lots of people buy them and obviously like them. Moreover, the ads did very well in standing out from the rest of the pack - Animal's character was unique, in your face and shocking.

You can view the new advert here.

Nestlé mini-tubs: food giant enters the ice-cream wars.

'Potz'...the name of Nestlé's new ice cream mini-tub range that will be hitting the stores nationwide come September. In doing so, it is reported on marketingweek.co.uk, that Nestlé "will be the first mass market confectionery brand to compete with premium mini tub ranges by Green & Blacks and Haagen Das." Of course, they'll compete by undercutting the price of other brands...Nestle are reported as saying that Potz, with an individual price of £1.29, will cost three times less than these premium brands.

The marketingweek.co.uk article goes on to say, "the range is being launched by UK distributor R&R whose senior marketing manager Charlotte Hambling says the new products will tap into the significantly higher numbers of target consumers continue to be cautious financially and seek entertainment at home together rather than going out."

Obviously, Potz are aimed squarely at families with sweet-toothed kids. They will be relatively inexpensive and, in our cash-strapped times, will do nicely in filling a hole in the market.

In the news, 14th August 2010

100 years of the Bourbon

At TGBD we salute you, the Bourbon...simple, cheap but nevertheless a British food icon that has stood the test of time. Some are indifferent to these biscuits but I love them as flavours of cocoa and crunchy and creamy textures combine. Moreover, their finger-shaped design makes them ideal dunkers as they cope with even the most narrow of cups unlike large diameter biscuits. Indeed, they have always been a feature in my biscuit tin and I don't see that ever changing.

Cookie invasion...now that takes the biscuit.

QUICK, national emergency...buy Custard Creams, Bourbons, Digestives, Rich Teas, Shortbread Fingers etc and boycott all biscuit-shaped foreign foods! Okay, okay...this may be a bit over the top but, nevertheless, the sales of our traditional biscuits are down and at TGBD that is always cause for concern.

To be specific, in a recent Daily Mail on-line food article, it was reported that the cookie had caused traditional biscuit sales s(i.e. Jammie Dodgers, Jam Sandwich Cream, Bourbon, Digestive, Rich Tea etc) to plummet by 4.5% over the last 12 months. The article points out that, "sales of 'gourmet' biscuits, such as Italian biscotti, Viennese Whirls and cookies had increased by 20 per cent". Furthermore, apparently Waitrose sales name the Italian biscotti as its most popular biscuit.

A M&S biscuit buyer called Jenny Rea is reported as having told The Telegraph, "During these tougher times people are working harder than ever before so it seems they feel they deserve a better biscuit and only the best will do."

Personally, I have spoken to many Brits and foreigners and their love for our traditional biccie is going nowhere. If anything, this current interest in the cookie is a flash-in-the-pan trend that will come and go only to replaced by another. The fact that on the same day the Bourbon is celebrating its 100th birthday is testament to the simple pleasure and economy our beloved biscuits afford the consumer. Indeed, our biscuits have worked their way in to the fabric of British culture to such an extent that they will still be here long after these new kid's on the block have been and gone.

N.B. Waitrose shoppers...com'on, the Biscotti...really?? Get some Custard Cream or Digestives in you - I mean this in the nicest possible way of course!

Nestlé to reinvigorate Polo brand

Are you a 'cruncher' or a 'sucker'? Well, that is soon to be the question asked of you by a new Polo ad campaign. A well-trodden and familiar ad concept of 'how do you eat yours' has been used to reinvigorate the Polo brand. Personally, I cannot remember any recent advertising for Polo's but, with it being such an iconic brand and other mints not being pushed too heavily ad-wise, I guess it doesn't need much promotion.

In answer to the ad's question, I am both. When thoughtful and calm, I suck and, conversely, when I am a bit more energetic or annoyed (as I was the other day when I found the refreshment table's usual offering of tea and Custard Creams replaced by orange juice and Oreos - some sort of sick joke I'm sure) I am more inclined to bite.

As a Nestle spokesperson said, “Polo is a truly iconic British brand that consumers love, but consumers haven’t heard from us in a number of years, so we’re going to re-ignite consumer love for the brand by reminding them about the playful mint with the hole through the campaign “Are you a sucker or cruncher?”.

In the news, 10th August 2010

£10k for crisp packets.

Listening to the news this morning, I heard briefly about a crisp packet collection that had been valued at £10k. Looking this up on the net, I found said collection to consist of 500 packets and the property of a man called Dave Vallentine who has been collecting for over 20 years after his parents encouraged him to do so. He said on the matter, "They weren't too keen on me collecting football stickers and things like that because they saw it as a waste of money. So they'd make me keep crisp packets that were left over, take them from my friends and lunch, and pick them up out of the gutter!" A true collector, Mr. Vallentine says he doesn't want to sell and just wants to continue collecting.

In the news, 6th August 2010

To play or not to play...that is the Cadbury question.

As children we were told by mum and dad not to play with our food but the ad agency Fallon hope that, with a new chocolate bar called 'Spots v Stripes Challenge Bar' they have just designed for Cadbury, we will go against our parent's wishes.

This new offering will come available in September and comprise of three white and milk chocolate segments - one of each sporting either a spots, stripes or star design. The idea behind these 'pieces' being that people can play a game of 'spots v stripes' whereby the winner receives the star-designed chocolate as a prize.

It is planned to be the first in a series of Cadbury chocolate bars that Fallon will be designing to tie in with the 2012 Olympic Games.

TGBD Response: I commend the design team for trying to put a bit of fun back in to our confectionery but, looking beyond the initial novelty factor here, the idea of people sitting down and playing games with chocolate segments on hot summer days doesn't sound like the brightest idea.

Oh well, in any case, we will have a new chocolate bar to try and that's never a bad thing.

In the news, 5th August 2010

Choc 'N' Roll your way to health

There has been much activity in the Coco Pops brand with a number of variants entering the marketplace lately. But, as much as children love this brand, it has repeatedly featured in the media as a prime example of 'unhealthy kid cereals'. And Kellogg's knows that unfortunately it's not the children but the adults that buy them so, in order to counteract this negative publicity, they have developed a healthier variant. As the blurb on the Kellogg's website says:

"Get your day on a roll with New Coco Pops Choc N Roll….these delicious chocolaty wheels are high in fibre, contain wholegrain and added vitamins and minerals. Getting fibre into your kids tums in the morning will be a breeze with all the fun of Coco Pops Choc N Roll."

'High in fibre', 'wholegrain' and 'added vitamins and minerals'...definitely all the right words for an increasingly health-conscious public. Comparing the nutritional breakdown with that of normal Coco Pops, they have knocked off around 2.7g of sugar for every 30g serving of cereal whilst saturated fat remains relatively unchanged (around 0.09g decrease per 30g). The fat levels were never very high in the first place but the sugar levels were and they haven't changed by a dramatic amount so I think its more the case of what Kellogg's have put in and not what they have taken out. The previously mentioned buzz words might work on shoppers scanning over the supermarket shelves but I am sceptical that this will sway the health brigade.

Anyway, as a person who lives by the rule of 'everything in moderation' and takes no notice whatsoever of the latest health crazes, nutritional breakdowns etc I welcome this new addition to the Kellogg's family and will be interested to see how it goes down with consumers.

In the news, 2nd August 2010

The Milky Bar Kid...it could be you!

According to an article on campaignlive.co.uk:

The "Ungrow up" campaign, created by WPP-owned Santo, launches today (2 August) with a range of television spots, outdoor advertising and a major digital campaign.

Nestlé claims that it will be its biggest spend on a Milkybar campaign to date.

Initial activity centres on encouraging members of the public to compete for the chance to feature in the next "Ungrow up" ad by uploading their impersonation of the Milkybar kid to the website, milkybar.co.uk.

To help their impersonation the Milkybar kid's famous glasses and hat will be superimposed on their face via an online audition process. As part of the campaign, Nestlé has created a downloadable "make me famous" social media guide for entrants to promote their audition tapes.

A spokesman for Nestlé said: "There is a MilkyBar kid in all of us and we hope that Milkybar raisin and biscuit will encourage all adults to join the 'Ungrow up' campaign."

TGBD Response: Having still not grown-up in many ways and with no plans to do so any time soon, 'ungrowing' is a concept wasted on me but, as for the rest of world, I commend Nestle for encouraging people to let their hair down. I mean who wouldn't want to be the Milky Bar Kid...personally, just throw in a few million quid and I would be living the dream. Now, where did I put that camera...

New Weetabix ad hits the ground running

Created by WCRS, this is a great little ad for Weetabix and, seeing it for the first time the other day, I have to admit to laughing out loud. With the "Someone's had their Weetabix" theme, this ad is a follow-up to the equally funny "steeplecase" one launched earlier this year:

This new offering plays on that London Marathon tradition where year-on-year all manner of people in costume turn up to run alongside the elite athletes (or, more precisely, START alongside the elite athletes!). Naturally, for these runners in costumes it's all meant to be a bit of fun and they spend most of their time watching other's run past them. Moreover, they quickly realise what horrendous torture a full-body bunny costume can be on a hot day and proceed to spend most of their time having to concentrate on not dying of dehydration or extreme BO...nice! Of course, the ad flips this scenario on its head as a group of cool and relaxed men-in-costume chatting to one another stroll past the tired and exhausted looking elite athletes and win the race to the line "Someone's had their Weetabix". Obviously, the core message here is one of health...specifically, the whole grain in Weetabix makes for a healthy breakfast or snack that will provide you with sustained energy.

It is my understanding that a poster campaign featuring the costume animals in the ad will shortly be launched. And, based on what I've seen so far, all I can say is..keep it coming!

Screw-top Baked Beanz

For all us bean lovers, we will shortly be able to keep our beans fresher as a new screw-top design hits the shops.

Targeted at families or just people like me who are bean mad, this new offering, nicknamed the 'Fridge Pack', will retail for £1.79, have 2.5 times the capacity of a standard tin of beans, lasts for 5 days in the fridge and will avoid those 'dangerously' sharp tins. Moreover, a transparent vertical bar features on the side of the packaging to enable consumers to see how many beans are left and how much a portion is.

Now, firstly, I thank Heinz for caring about my safety but, as a grown man, I think I can handle some sharp edges on a tin. Secondly, I've never had a problem with the process of tucking in to a can of beans; putting the remainder in a bowl; placing said bowl in the fridge; and consuming its contents within 2 days. Thirdly, the transparent bar is a nice touch but, quite frankly, when it comes to food my hunger dictates portion size. This said, there is obvious innovation here that I think will be well received by families and for that Heinz should be commended...as long as they leave my beloved tins well alone of course!

In the news, 27th July 2010

Those Krafty Americans.

Remember, deep breaths Matthew. I was shocked this morning to read on the Daily Mail website that it has been claimed, in an email to the Unite Union, Kraft is thinking about not only reducing the size of our Dairy Milk bar but, and everyone brace yourself, introducing German powdered Milka chocolate in to our beloved Buttons and Creme Eggs.

I tried so hard to be optimistic about this takeover because that is the only thing you can be when such things happen. However, after the disgraceful decision to close the factory in Bristol after promising not to, if Kraft were to move forward with these ideas then it would be the final nail in the coffin for me...as I hope it would be for the rest of Britain.

That said, it must be pointed out that Cadbury strongly deny all of this and, again here comes some optimism, I think it would be so utterly stupid to start changing the ingredients and taste of Cadbury products that the Americans won't do it. But if they do then, in echoing one of the comments on the news' article..."be afraid corporate america, be very afraid".

In the news, 22nd July 2010

McVitie's...join the club!

Looking at the United Biscuits website this morning, I have just seen a press release detailing the launch of a McVitie’s VIP Club. According to the blurb which can be read in full here:

"Running across 360 million packs of McVitie’s biscuits in the first year, including McVitie’s Digestives, Jaffa Cakes, Hobnobs and Penguin, the McVitie’s VIP Club packs will be available from the 16th August. Each pack will have its own unique code that consumers will be directed to input onto www.mcvities.co.uk/vipclub to claim tea break treats. Consumers can either claim smaller prizes or they can build a collection of points in order to claim bigger and better rewards. Tea break treats on offer include discounted magazine subscriptions, designer tea pots, kettles and digital radios as well as McVitie’s branded merchandise."

Reading through the details I am very excited and want to congratulate UB on this move that I think, if executed correctly, will prove itself to be a winner with consumers and a very smart marketing move for the brand.

On numerous occasions, I have discussed with my friends how much better brands used to be at injecting fun and participation in to their products unlike today where consumers, all too often, just get some nicely designed packaging. Especially when children are an important market, by doing things like including freebies and creating membership clubs the products start to become something more than just their contents as consumers engage with the brands - only a good thing where sales are concerned.

So I urge all TGBD readers to back this move like I will be doing and register for the club. You never know, one day we might even see the return of that other piece of marketing genius that had us sometimes buying products we didn't even like...the in-product freebie. It’s amazing what a difference a cheap bit of plastic or card can make!

In the news, 20th July 2010

Cream tea fit for a king giant!

Feeling peckish? Fancy a spot of afternoon tea? Well, in that case, loosen your belt because there's a 6ft wide, 18in thick scone on the menu today that should keep you going until supper.

And, no, I'm not making this one up as today Devon enters the record books again with a bakery smashing the current record for the world's largest cream tea after 24 hours of work.

According to a report I found on the Sun's website (see here), Hallett’s the Bakers of Paignton created the scone using 14kg of flour, 5lb of sugar and 20 pints of pure buttermilk along with 18kg of clotted cream and 14kg of jam. They also utilised industrial-sized ovens at temperatures in excess of 230 degrees C and a custom made mould. To top things off the clever bakers made a giant sized cuppa. Thought I would mention all of this just in case anyone fancied a bit of a challenge this weekend...

The article quotes a spokesman as saying:

"The secret is all in the mix. It was a 24-hour team effort. The biggest challenge is cooling the scone down.

"A normal scone can take 20 minutes to cool down so imagine how long it took this.

"What we didn't want is for the scone to be too hot and the cream to be too runny."

All in all, we may have been rubbish in the football this summer but at least we can rest easy knowing when it comes to super-sized cream teas we are still untouchable.

Cheddars get a makeover

Having recently bought some Cheddars, I noticed similar packaging to the mini variety and immediately went on the United Bisuits website to find a press release on the matter.

Indeed, Cheddars are trying to ride on the success of Mini Cheddars by creating similar packaging that highlights the products main selling points i.e. 'baked' and 'made with real cheese'.

The article goes on to announce the introduction of a limited edition line, that is, Cheddars with a hint of Pickle. Again, this is in keeping with Mini Cheddars which have a pickle version and, as a lover of Branstons pickle with any cheese, I for one welcome this move.

And, to end, the article's quote from Vicki Gregory, Brand Director of Savoury Biscuits: “We see a lot of potential for growth in the market. By injecting an even greater sense of personality into the Cheddars range using the Mini Cheddars brand, we can help to grow the savoury biscuits market, which is currently increasing 3.5% year-on-year and ahead of total biscuits growth."

Read the full UB article here.

In the news, 16th July 2010

Getting the deep-fried treatment...first the Mars Bar, now the Eccles Cake.

If Homer Simpson was British he would definitely be salivating at this one. Deep fried and ready to clog (or should I say further clog) the old arties with more calories than its Mars Bar predecessor...paramedics stand by. Quite honestly is anything beyond a good fry? I remember reading about the joys of Tunnock's Teacakes fried in bacon fat and, quite honestly, after the success of the Mars Bar I thought there would be a lot more deep-fried experiments.

The Guardian online news article refers to them as being "...dipped in sweet cinnamon-flavoured pancake batter before being fried in hot oil and served with a drizzle of raspberry sauce, the enterprising takeaway which devised them as part of a local festival now plans to put them on the daily menu...'Eccles fritters' were devised by Linda Whittaker, owner of Whittakers Fish and Grill in Eccles, as part of a festival to promote local produce in the Greater Manchester town."

So I guess the lesson to be learnt here is for those running any kind of food establishment i.e. take your favourite food, whack it in the old deep-fat fryer and bob's your uncle you've got national news coverage! As for the rest of us...remember, everything in moderation.

The return of Maynard the Moose!

According to an online article published on MarketingWeek.co.uk, Maynard's has spent £2m on a new cross-platform advertising campaign for its iconic Wine Gums. With the advert's launch today, the article explains that "...the Moose will overtake commuter hotspots in the UK for one-day through a series of digital advert takeovers...The TV advert will be aired for five weeks, featuring an unbranded five-second teaser ad and two 30 second adverts, in which Maynard the moose will ambush people using hypnosis techniques to ensure they give into their chewing urges.".

It is also reported that on 19th July Maynard's will be launching a limited edition run of a product called Fruit Duos, which aims to add six new flavour combinations to their range.

TGBD Response: Are we spotting a trend with ads of late i.e. the revival of certain iconic retro characters. To be honest, first time I saw this advert my immediate reaction was along the lines of "what the hell"...man is confronted by moose's head mounted inside a lift; like some deleted scene from Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, psychedelic moose-lift combo hypnotises man with sweets into lift; and, amongst disturbing voices, moose caresses man's face as he eats the sweets...I will be taking the stairs in the future.

I am left wondering what on earth does a moose have to do with it all - other than grabbing viewer's attention by looking odd - and what on earth is the brand message here...chew your food? Yep, thanks Maynard, I must remember that one next time I'm eating. That said, it had me engaged as I tried to figure out what it was all about and, by being such a bizarre ad, I will probably end up remembering it for longer than others.

Anyways, if you are commuting then keep an eye out for this one and, if nothing else, we will shortly have a new product to try...never a bad thing.

 

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