Mars vs PepsiCo

Mars launches Pet Adoption Resource Hub and opens THB 7 billion Pringles plant in Thailand

Mars has launched a Pet Adoption Resource Hub and officially opened a THB 7 billion Pringles manufacturing plant in Thailand, among other recent announcements including the release of its Cocoa for Generations 2025 Progress Report.

Mars releases Cocoa for Generations 2025 Progress Report, achieving 98%...

Mars releases Cocoa for Generations 2025 Progress Report, achieving 98%...

Snickers' AI Campaign Misses Marketing Relevance

Paddy Gilmore critiques Snickers' latest AI-themed campaign 'Hungr.AI', arguing it fails to extend the brand's successful 'You're Not You When You're Hungry' platform. The campaign invites users to copy a 'Digital Snickers' prompt into ChatGPT for a 'satisfying answer'. Gilmore contrasts this with Polaroid's 'Best of Summer is Analog' campaign, which takes a clear stance against AI. He notes Mars' partnership with Omnicom on generative AI but questions the creative value of Snickers' execution. The article is an opinion piece published on The Drum.

• Snickers launched 'Hungr.AI' interactive campaign in September 2026.
• Campaign asks users to copy a prompt into ChatGPT to get a 'Digital Snickers' response.
• Mars Snacking VP Ashley Gill defended the campaign as playful.

PepsiCo launches Gen Z snack brand Chester's in Germany

PepsiCo is launching its snack brand Chester's in Germany, targeting Gen Z consumers. The initial products include Chester's Original Käse and Chester's Zigzag Paprika. The introduction is supported by a social-first campaign developed by Berlin agency Departd, focusing on the brand mascot 'Chesters Cheetah' for recognition. Marketing efforts include social media (especially TikTok), creator collaborations, in-store activations, out-of-home advertising, and a launch event in Cologne. The brand aims to appeal to younger audiences seeking variety and personality in snacks. Distribution will be across food retail, discounters, wholesale, e-commerce, and kiosks. This launch expands PepsiCo's existing portfolio in Germany, which includes Pepsi, Lay's, Doritos, Lipton, Gatorade, 7Up, Rockstar Energy, and Sodastream.

• PepsiCo launches Chester's snack brand in Germany targeting Gen Z.
• Initial products: Chester's Original Käse and Chester's Zigzag Paprika.
• Campaign created by Berlin agency Departd, focused on social media and influencer marketing.

PepsiCo fakes name change for corporate brand campaign

PepsiCo has launched its first-ever corporate brand campaign, titled "House of Brands," using a social media fake-out to generate attention. The company spent several days hinting at a new corporate name, only to reveal it would remain PepsiCo. The campaign aims to unify its portfolio of brands under the corporate identity. The article is paywalled, and the full content details are limited, but this core event is confirmed.

• PepsiCo launched its first corporate brand campaign.
• The campaign is titled 'House of Brands'.
• PepsiCo faked a corporate name change to promote the campaign.

WPP Wins Coca-Cola Global Media, Publicis Shifts to PepsiCo

WPP is set to win Coca-Cola's global media, data, and tech business, a significant win for CEO Cindy Rose as she works to turn the holding company around. Publicis, the only other contender, dropped out early to focus on PepsiCo's global media account, leaving WPP unopposed. Despite topping JP Morgan's new business rankings, WPP's like-for-like net sales declined 4.7% in the first half, and questions remain about its AI platform WPP Open's effectiveness. The article analyzes WPP's strategic choices, including skipping Coke's North American business, and compares its position to Publicis, which can afford to walk away from pitches due to past successes. Legal challenges, including a whistleblower suit and securities class action, also loom. Overall, the win provides a chance for WPP to prove its turnaround, though it still faces structural and cultural hurdles.

• WPP is set to win Coca-Cola's global media, data, and tech business.
• Publicis walked away from the Coca-Cola pitch to win PepsiCo's global media business.
• WPP's like-for-like net sales declined 4.7% in the first half of the year.