December was a magical month filled with anticipation and excitement leading up to Christmas! As the holiday season unfolded, the world of food and drink took this season in its stride, showcasing innovative takes on traditional flavours and creative new campaigns that captured the spirit of the festivities. Here’s a round-up of our favourite events and campaigns from throughout December:
Festive ‘Finger-Lickin’ Fun 🍗
This December, KFC elevated the gift giving experience by introducing its Lickable Wrapping Paper, designed to complement the return of the Stuffing Stacker Burger. Infused with the burger’s festive flavours, this innovative wrapping paper offered KFC enthusiasts a unique and flavourful twist on traditional gift wrapping.
Fans could get their hands on the limited addition wrapping paper for free through the KFC online shop, but once it was gone, it was gone for good! For the campaign, KFC teamed up with an up and coming London-based artist, SOLDIER, who’s vibrant design combined his signature camo style with festive elements.
This Christmas Campaign got loads of coverage in titles across the UK including the likes of the Daily Mail. Plus, it also sparked a huge debate amongst consumers, who wondered whether the true enjoyment of the Lickable Wrapping Paper lay with the gift recipient or gift giver – what do you think?
Quality Streets Bold Makeover 🍬
Quality Street decided to shake up the festive season with a bold new trial that could signal the end of the iconic tin. In an innovative move, the much-loved confectionary brand introduced a recyclable cardboard box, aiming to reduce waste without compromising on the beloved Christmas classic chocolates.
For this Christmas campaign, Quality Street brought on the expertise of ITV’s Judge Rinder to ‘put on trial’ their new paper tubs. In the video, Judge Rinder plays an ultimate triple threat role of defence, judge and prosecution, arguing ‘for’ and ‘against’ the new packaging in a classic courtroom-style drama.
This rebrand sparked widespread discussion, with media outlets like The Guardian and social media buzzing about the environmental implications and nostalgic attachments to the traditional tin.
The Bounty Backlash 🍫
It wasn’t just Quality Street that stole the spotlight this Christmas. Celebrations, another beloved household chocolate brand, stirred quite a buzz with the launch of its advent calendars.
As December 1st approached, many consumers were on the hunt for the perfect advent calendar. However, those who chose the Celebrations chocolate countdown were met with disappointment upon opening the first door to reveal … the contentious Bounty!
Unfortunately, the disappointment was far from over as the dreaded Bounty treat was also found behind door two and three. This ‘shocking’ revelation left many consumers furious and disappointed, with many taking to social media to share their outrage. Some even went as far to say that it had ‘ruined Christmas.’
Following the backlash on social media, a spokesperson from Celebrations issued a statement regarding this, telling consumers that ‘the calendars are all about surprises, so rest assured more variety is on the way behind the other doors.’ They also teased that ‘the nationwide chocolate debate is about to get even more intense.’
Despite the initial backlash, the buzz generated significant attention for Celebrations, and it seems that even a Bounty controversy can bring people together.
Want to know how your brand can tap into these food and drink trends? Get in touch for a chat at hello@hatch.group
