The Kraken Spiced Rum

I just came across this excellent piece of branding for a great rum that I had last week. The brand promise in the end is spot-on true, "named for the sea beast of myth and legend, The Kraken Rum is strong, rich, black, and smooth." Though the animation is somewhat edgy (the squid-like creature eats Jesus) I think it is clearly tongue-in-cheek and very entertaining. The entire campaign, which uses both social and traditional media, is a fine example of how imagination and storytelling can work very well in a brand's favor. I plan on personally getting more engaged with this brand in the future, and I think others will do the same.

FAGE USA TV SPOTS - Are Beautiful

I didn't see the new TV Spots for FAGE USA on TV. Rather, the 48 second spot entitled "Total Plain Extraordinary™" appeared in my You Tube suggestions as a promoted video. If you go to the FAGE USA Website there is a link that says "Watch The TV Spots". Besides their smart use of digital media, the yogurt company has chosen to work with Mullen, an ad agency with very talented creatives. I don't have much else to say about the spots other then they are tremendously well art-directed, and the copywriting is spectacular. I'll let you see for yourself. You also might notice that the poem is voiced by actor Willem Dafoe, who recently acted in and narrated a great Jim Beam spot for Strawberry Frog.



As for FAGE, I am a huge fan of the product. The yogurt is the thick, Greek kind. It's great-tasting, healthy, and extremely versatile. I also support the company because in 2008 they opened a U.S production facility in Johnstown, NY, which is near my hometown. It is definitely an area that has seen its better days when it comes to manufacturing, but the baby food company Beech-Nut also recently moved its manufacturing and corporate operations to the small town of Florida, NY, the town I grew up in. Perhaps the Mohawk Valley can become a hot bed for food and CPG companies, but that is probably wishful thinking.