A facebook group - Panic Buy Carrots on the 15th May 2008 - has reached nearly 100,000 members, all of which pledge to strip carrots supplies dry on D-Day or should that be Carrot Day. The group was created just a month ago in London, and now has members from all around the world. It has been featured on respected news programmes from around the World. The facebook group oppossing panic buying carrots has under around 100 members.
Whilst the page (and website from which it stems) was clearly intended as joke, some members are taking it very "celery" indeed sharing tips online, with some great vegetable puns turnip. Orange you glad that I have cleared steared away from all vegetable based puns in covering this trend?
It would indeed to grape to meet the founder of the facebook group to discuss her rather dubious aim; "If everyone does this, we can make this global shortage of carrots happen". Why would she want to do that exactly? Surely it would be better to have an adpot a carrot as a pet day or something.
What do you think? In the interest of fairness I will leave you with an excerpt from the website so you can make your own mind up.
Joke Facebook Group Takes Off
Panic Buying Carrots
Trend Themes
1. Viral Social Media Groups - There is an opportunity for businesses to create viral social media groups that can help increase brand awareness and engagement.
2. Satirical Buying Frenzies - Businesses can create satirical buying frenzies as a way to promote their products or services in a unique and entertaining manner.
3. Global Shortage Narratives - Businesses could leverage on the potential of creating global shortage narratives to drive sales and create a sense of urgency among consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage companies could leverage on the trend of viral social media groups and create unique and engaging campaigns that feature their products.
2. Social Media Marketing - The trend of satirical buying frenzies presents an opportunity for social media marketing agencies to create unique and entertaining campaigns for their clients.
3. E-commerce - The potential of global shortage narratives can be leveraged on by e-commerce companies to create a sense of urgency and increase sales.