# Cheeky Chewy Candy Campaigns MIKE AND IKE Debuts the We Got'chew Brand Platform By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-07-16 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-and-ikes References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mike-and-ike-introduces-its-candy-as-characters-for-the-first-time-through-new-we-gotchew-campaign-302825659.html)  MIKE AND IKE, the iconic [fruity chewy candy brand](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-gummies-ads) from [Just Born Quality Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-and-ikes-sour-spooky-treats), has launched 'We Got'chew' — a new long-term brand platform and national marketing campaign that introduces its candy pieces as on-screen character personalities for the first time in its 80-year history. The campaign, which marks the commercial directorial debut of six-time Emmy-nominated comedian and Saturday Night Live veteran Kenan Thompson, features four hero spots and social content that depict Mike and Ike as humorous, relatable companions who help consumers navigate life's everyday little dramas — from being left on read to workplace stress and social awkwardness. MIKE AND IKE's 'We Got'chew' initiative represents a strategic shift from product-focused messaging to [humor-driven storytelling](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzelized). The campaign was produced by Thompson's production company, Artists for Artists, in partnership with Promethean Pictures. Image Credit: MIKE AND IKE ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.3/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Character-led Candy Storytelling:** Candy brands are turning product pieces into recurring personalities, creating space for serialized entertainment assets that deepen emotional recognition beyond flavor or packaging. - **Comedian-directed Brand Platforms:** Celebrity comedic talent is reshaping campaign development by blending creator credibility with mainstream advertising, opening new paths for humor-first brand identity systems. - **Everyday Drama Marketing:** Relatable micro-moments like texting anxiety and workplace stress are becoming narrative anchors for snack campaigns, signaling opportunities in emotionally resonant social content. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Confectionery:** Fruity chewy candy companies can differentiate in crowded aisles through entertainment-driven brand worlds that make individual products feel like recognizable companions. - **Advertising:** Agencies and production partners are expanding campaign value through character universes and long-term platforms built for television, digital, and social extensions. - **Entertainment:** Production companies and performers are increasingly influencing consumer brand storytelling, where comedic direction can convert packaged goods into shareable cultural content. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Immersive Chewable Candy Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hichew-getaway.md) - [Commemorative Candy Brand Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hichew-celebrates-50-years.md) - [Sour Mochi Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/issei-mochi-gummies.md) - [Experiential Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campus-tour.md) - [Sensorial Mochi Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-mochi-gummy.md) - [Bakery-Inspired Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nestl-confectionery.md) - [Personal Break-Emphasizing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personal-breaks.md) - [Playful Spellbinding Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hichew-mystery-mix.md) - [Creator-Owned Lifestyle Channels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-chewed-up.md)