PepsiCo vs The Hershey Company

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.

The Hershey Company Names Dave Hulays Chief Financial Officer

The Hershey Company announced the appointment of Dave Hulays as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 2, 2026. This executive leadership change is a significant corporate announcement.

Hershey's Taps Katseye for Gen Z Candy Launch

Hershey's is partnering with K-pop girl group Katseye to launch its new Creme Bars, available in Affogato and Salted Caramel flavors. The campaign, which features Katseye performing their song 'Pinky Up' on a crowded subway, aims to position the candy as the season's must-have item for Gen Z. Katrina Vatter, senior brand manager at The Hershey Company, said the goal is to make the product 'the it item that everybody's going to be talking about.' The Creme Bars are Hershey's biggest product launch this year and will hit shelves this fall. The partnership marks a continued effort by Hershey's to reach younger consumers through pop culture and celebrity endorsements, leveraging Katseye's established Gen Z appeal to drive buzz and engagement.

• Hershey's is launching new Creme Bars in Affogato and Salted Caramel flavors.
• The campaign features a partnership with girl group Katseye.
• The ad shows Katseye performing 'Pinky Up' on a crowded subway.

Reese’s Oreo Celebrates Anniversary with Lindsay Lohan Ad

Hershey is marking the one-year anniversary of Reese’s Oreo — the peanut-butter-and-cookie collaboration — with a nostalgic campaign starring Lindsay Lohan and Amy Sedaris. The spot, created in partnership with Juxtapose Studio, is directed by Patricia Arquette in her commercial directing debut and positions Lohan as a “twin whisperer” nodding to The Parent Trap. Reese’s Oreo has generated over $188 million in sales since launch and has been made a permanent part of the Reese’s portfolio. The campaign emphasizes celebrity-led creative and social-first measurement, according to The Hershey Company and Juxtapose Studio executives.

• Reese’s Oreo has generated over $188 million in sales since launch.
• Hershey is marking the one-year anniversary of Reese’s Oreo with a new campaign starring Lindsay Lohan and Amy Sedaris.
• The spot is directed by actress Patricia Arquette in her commercial directing debut and was created in partnership with Juxtapose Studio.