Pepsi Max has launched this macabre campaign consisting of three images in which a blue calorie blob is trying to off himself. In one picture, he is hanging himself with a rope with a gun aimed at his head. In the second picture he is driving into the ground on a missile while precariously holding a razor, and in the final one, he is trying to cause an end-it-all explosion.
Pepsi Max has “One Very Lonely Calorie” on its hands. However, this may not be their only problem. According to an article in the NY Times on November 17, 2008, PepsiCo is cutting the company’s ties with long time ad agency BBDO. Apparently it was, “one of the longest running relationships in advertising.” However, the article noted the agency would remain on board for the Pepsi Max brand.
As for the 'Lonely Calorie' ad, credit has been given to the BBDO Düsseldorfad agency on every site I have seen the gruesome campaign images on. I suspect there may be more to this story.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Dark Marketing Campaigns
- Opportunity to explore edgy and controversial marketing campaigns to generate attention and brand awareness.
- Branding Disruptions
- Opportunity to reevaluate and realign brand messaging and strategy to avoid negative associations or consumer backlash.
- Advertising Agency Partnerships
- Opportunity for companies to reassess and potentially change their advertising agency partners to ensure better brand representation and creative direction.
Sectors Adopting This
- Beverage Manufacturing
- Opportunity for beverage companies to create unique marketing campaigns that break away from traditional norms and establish a distinct brand identity.
- Advertising and Marketing
- Opportunity for advertising agencies to provide innovative and boundary-pushing campaigns that grab attention and differentiate their clients from competitors.
- Brand Management
- Opportunity for brand managers to carefully select and manage brand messaging and creative executions in order to maintain a positive brand image and consumer perception.
