5 Blogs Before Lunch

Kimberly-Clark is making its toilet paper rolls tubeless

For decades, toilet paper has had a tube at the center to help it roll around and release the tissue. The 17 billion toilet paper tubes produced annually in the US currently account for 160 million pounds of trash.

But if Kimberly-Clark, one of the world's biggest makers of household paper products has its way, the toilet paper tube's days are numbered.

The CPG company is about to start test-marketing Scott Naturals Tube-Free toilet paper at Walmart and Sam's Club stores throughout the Northeast.

True product change doesn't come easy to traditional package goods--except when it increase sales, lower costs, and benefit the brand as a whole. But, as Doug Daniels, brand manager at Kimberly-Clark says about the tubless technology, "We found a way to bring innovation to a category as mature as bath tissue."

So, if If sales take off, cost efficiencies can be had and a halo of "environmental friendliness" can be wrapped around the Kimberly-Clark brand, the company may introduce the line nationally and globally — and even consider adapting the technology into its paper towel brands.

The new tubless rolls apparently aren't quite as perfectly round as their environmentally insensitive bretheren, but they do fit over standard toilet paper roll spindles and come with this promise: Even the last piece of toilet paper will be usable — without glue stuck on it.

"It's a positive example of how companies are seeking creative ways to reduce environmental impact," says Darby Hoover of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Source: USA Today

Biking baristas offer Joe on the go from Bike Caffe

We at 5 Blogs Before Lunch are huge fans of street food. And we love the mobile food truck craze.

So we were thrilled to hear that the new trend in gourmet food trucks is pedalling baristas. It seems that mobile coffehouses have been springing up around Europe for a while.

Now, a U.K.-based company is introducing pedaling baristas in Denver, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Phoenix and calling itself Bike Caffe.

The four-wheeled bicylces have a full-service coffee bar in front, which serves ultra-eco-friendly 100-percent fair-trade coffee, Italian-style espresso, and other expected and tasty treats including Chai, lattes, and smoothies.

Bike Caffe says it's "High in flavor, low in guilt," and that the company aims for "a footprint that leaves no trace except satisfied customers."

"After all, a great cup of coffee is only better when topped with a splash of sunshine and made by a company who cares enough to pedal their way to your hearts."

Sources: Mother Nature Network, and Slashfood

Christina Aguilera's latest perfume ad "looks more like a low budget soft-porn film"

"It's supposed to be an advertisement for her new fragrance Royal Desire. But the commercial for Christina Aguilera's latest perfume looks more like a low budget soft-porn film as the newly-single pop star shows off her curvaceous figure."

That's the review from UK Daily Mail of Aguilera's latest TV ad.

"Showcasing her ample cleavage in a very low cut dress and writhing in a chair in ecstasy as she sprays the perfume across her chest, the singer's ad may be a bit too risque for her younger fans."

Royal Desire's promoters say “Her perfume is dedicated to women who feel like queens”. Recommended for casual wear, the fragrance has a blend of Wisteria, Blackcurrant and Passion Fruit.

Aguilera has released four other fragrances: "Xpose," was released in late 2004. Procter and Gamble released her signature fragrance, "Simply Christina" in 2007. "Inspire," and "By Night" were released in 2008.

Old Navy scares-up a long-form video (and Jamie Pressley) for its "Scream for Savings" Halloween campaign.

Old Navy got creative by pulling in some popular TV actors to star in a long-form video which soft-sells its "Scream for Savings" campaign.

The video takes place at a Halloween Party hosted by "Biffany," played by actress Jamie Pressley, who, dressed as a "Stripper angel hooker kitty" tries to dash the romantic efforts of "Hope" who, dressed in Old Navy clothes, appears (at first) out of place at the costume party. The video stars Pressley, Bailey Chase and Judy Greer as Hope.

Source: Adweek

Super Bowl is a sellout

Fox has reportedly sold out of in-game advertising time for February's broadcast of the Super Bowl, with ads selling for between $2.8 million and $3 million per 30-second spot.

This early sellout bucks the trend of slower sales over the last few years. The WSJ reports that the vast majority of Super Bowl ads are usually gone by fall, but the final few can take until January to move. An October sellout is a major economic indicator.

Marketers advertising in the game include Anheuser-Busch InBev, PepsiCo, E-Trade and automotive marketers Kia Motors, Hyundai and Audi.

Spritzing scandal: Abercrombie & Fitch uses "scenting machines" to spray its fragrance "Fierce" from store's track lighting. Is our "youth" being unwittingly sprayed with toxic chemicals?

One of the ways Abercrombie & Fitch promotes its brand is by automatically spraying the store's signature fragrance "Fierce" from track lights affixed to the celings of its retail stores.

It is a little bit like walking through the fragrance department at Macy's, but instead of human "spritzers" spraying scents on unsuspecting shoppers, A&F has automated the process.

The practice has raised the eyre of a couple of a wide swath of advocacy groups who protest the serputitious spritzing of chemicals on unsuspecting young shoppers. Groups as broad as MomsRising, American Fertility Association, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Turning Green, AllergyKids and the State Nurses Associations of Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have complained.

The groups protest that the blend of chemicals in the fragrance saturates the air and poses a threat to public and environmental safety.

"We as teens feel it is unacceptable that Abercrombie and Fitch customers are unknowingly being exposed to harmful chemicals by simply walking into the stores," says Jessica Assaf, co-organizer and president of the Turning Green Chapter at New York University. "We have decided to stand up for our health, and demand a change."

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics says that the Fierce scent contains 11 "secret chemicals" that aren't disclosed on the label, eight ingredients that are known to set off allergic reactions like headaches, wheezing, asthma and contact dermatitis, and a chemical that may disrupt hormones essential to male reproductive health--not an ideal combination for its target market of young hunky men.

"A&F has significantly reduced the frequency of hand spritizing that associates do in the stores. Instead, we use scenting machines which provide a more uniform distribution of fragrance," states the brand. "The machines emit a water-based, safe fragrance that complies with local, state and federal laws. The formulation contains no harmful volatile organic compounds or any chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or any other reproductive harm."

Source: Stylist

Ubiquitous Hello Kitty gets a Smart Car

The shock-value of the invasion of Hello Kitty-branded merchandise has long-since faded.

So, it is without surprise that I'm reporting on the partnership between Sanrio, owner of the Hello Kitty brand, and Smart cars.

Sanrio, which is celebrating it's 50th anniversary, has partnered with Smart to bring three Hello Kitty full-body wraps to the mini-cars.

The wraps come with a three-year warranty and are priced from $550 for a partial wrap (two-door panel) and $1,700 for full wraps.

"Our collaboration with Smart USA allows fans to truly embrace the Hello Kitty lifestyle," said Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio. "This is the first time that Sanrio will offer a Hello Kitty car in the United States."

Source: c|net

Magic Johnson sells his share of 100+ inner-city Starbucks back to the company

Magic Johnson Enterprises, partnering with Starbucks, has opened more than 100 Starbucks stores in city neighborhoods like New York's Harlem, Crenshaw in Los Angeles and Bronzeville in Chicago, and across the country, since 1998.

Now comes word that Starbucks is buying back Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson's share of the venture, and will be going it alone.

The development partnership has been aimed at economic stimulation and social growth in underserved neighborhoods by building Starbucks stores to serve as gathering places and by giving local residents jobs with health benefits.

Magic Johnson Enterprises reportedly plans to continue working with Starbucks on community development.

Sources: Businessweek and Los Angeles Times

5 start-ups before lunch: Yolk integrates digital and real-life experiences at live events.

CONTINUATION of my series around emerging companies having an impact on the social media marketing landscape. Today, meet Yolk...

Imagine being treated like a VIP at the next concert you attend. What if you could get introduced around to other fans, and see what they see? What if you could take a look at what’s going on backstage, and discover offers and deals on merchandise—available only to you.

And imagine that all of this is brought to you by the concert sponsor—maybe Starbucks, Visa or Budweiser—and is free of cost to consumers.

Yolk is an online smartphone application whose mission is to integrate online and real-life experiences. Geo-locating technology matches you to events and sponsors; and Yolk uses images—photos and videos, to give you a peek inside places you wouldn’t normally have access to—and help introduce you to like-minded people at social events.

For marketers sponsoring events, it is another opportunity for user engagement—one that allows you to communicate directly with your fans before, during and after your sponsored event. When was the last time you were able to deeply engage one-on-one with fans—live and in-person at sponsored events?

Pope Bendict XVI receives two Ducati motorcycles as gift

Two Ducati Multistrada motorcycles for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City have been presented to Pope Bendict XVI to be used as part of the Pope's official security motorcade.

The motorcycles specially prepared as special escort vehicles for the Corps of Gendarmerie of Vatican City during official security duties for the Pontiff.

"We are very honoured for the unique opportunity of delivering our two special Ducati Multistradas to His Holiness today," stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding. "It is a symbolic gift with which we would like to express our sincerest appreciation and respect for the Pope and embrace his message of hope and trust in the future, which he addressed to all industries in his encyclical Caritas in Veritate."

This will be the first time in history that the Vatican Gendarmerie Corp will use motorcycles in their security detail.

No word if the Pope took the cycles for a test drive.

Microsoft Windows Phone ads: "It is time for a phone, to save us from our phone."

 I'm getting a lot of emails about the new Windows phone ads. Almost uniformly positive, it appears that Microsoft has hit an entertaining note that hits home with most viewers: the ubiquitous use of smartphones. The ad ends with a compelling twist: the new Windows phone is simplified, so you can get OFF your phone, and back to real life.

Betty White on brands and leadership: "true leadership is about making tough choices, and sometimes it is about respect"

"I'm Betty 'fu*%in'" White...

New Gap logo is being scrapped after less than a week. #GapLogoGate

Gap is returning to its old design after less than a week of "GapLogoGate."

Marka Hansen, Gap North America president has now acknowledged that the switch was a mistake and that the company would be tabling any changes for the foreseeable future.

The new logo was dropped on the company's website wihout fanfare, then consumers rose to complain and comment on the change. Some thought it was a publicity stunt, then Gap confirmed that it was legit. Gap then responded by soliciting feedback from consumers, and now they apparently have decided to retreat.

Hansen wrote about the new logo in a blog post for the Huffington Post last Thursday. "We chose this design as it's more contemporary and current. It honors our heritage through the blue box while still taking it forward," she said. "Now, given the passionate outpouring from customers that followed, we've decided to engage in the dialogue, take their feedback on board and work together as we move ahead and evolve to the next phase of Gap."

Here is the full statement from Marka Hansen, president of Gap Brand, North America:

"Since we rolled out an updated version of our logo last week on our Website, we've seen an outpouring of comments from customers and the online community in support of the iconic blue box logo.

"Last week, we moved quickly to address the feedback and began exploring how we could tap into all of the passion. Ultimately, we've learned just how much energy there is around our brand. All roads were leading us back to the blue box, so we've made the decision not to use the new logo on gap.com any further.

"At Gap brand, our customers have always come first. We've been listening to and watching all of the comments this past week. We heard them say over and over again they are passionate about our blue box logo, and they want it back. So we've made the decision to do just that – we will bring it back across all channels.

"In the meantime, the website will go back to our iconic blue box logo and, for Holiday, we'll turn our blue box red for our seasonal campaign.

"We've learned a lot in this process. And we are clear that we did not go about this in the right way. We recognize that we missed the opportunity to engage with the online community. This wasn't the right project at the right time for crowd sourcing.

"There may be a time to evolve our logo, but if and when that time comes, we'll handle it in a different way."

Source: Advertising Age

Boorito? Chipolte wants you to dress like your favorite processed food for Halloween

Chicken nuggets, canned pasta, frozen pizzas, hot dogs or bologna.

What could be more scarry than processed foods?

Chipotle is encouraging you to dress up as the "most horrifying processed-food product" you can think of for Halloween.

Come in after 6pm this Halloween dressed as a horrifying processed food product and we'll give you a burrito, bowl, salad, or an order of tacos filled with freshly cooked, naturally raised ingredients for only $2.

Chipolte is also donating up to $1 million of proceeds from the contest to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.

And if you take your picture in costume at your local Chipotle and post it on the company's website, you'll be registered to win up to $2,500.

Anyone know where to find a Cheez-wiz costime?

Subaru introduces the 2011 Mediocrity. Satire is standard equipment.

It is always nice to see a car company willing to have a little intelligent wit and daring about their marketing.

Subaru is having a little fun by creating advertising for a fictious car called "Mediocrity."

The 2011 Mediocrity comes in "medium crumb" or "stale biscuit" colors and is designed to "get you from A to B without anybody noticing, and that's a good thing."

Of course, their poking fun at bland, middle-of-the-road sedans, and subtly suggesting Subaru is anti-Mediocrity.

Subaru doesn't let consumers in on the gag until they're deep inside a fictitious website. Subaru encourages people to "click here to build a better car," which links to the Subaru site and a commercial for the 2011 Legacy sedan.

Due to the subtle nature of the joke, many may not get the gag.

But then again, a Subaru isn't for everyone.

Source: USA Today

5 start-ups before lunch: Urban Spoils is taming the wild-west of "daily deals"

Daily deals from the likes of GroupOn, Living Social, Gilt, Tippr, BuyWithMe, SocialBuy, Bloomspot, Yelp, OpenTable--and a seemingly endless list of companies, are beginning to inundate consumer's in-boxes.

So it seems to be perfect timing for an aggregator of this content to emerge, and help consumers sort through the myriad of deals be presented to them.

Urban Spoils is a company that aggregates and recommends daily deals on great local restaurants, spas, concerts, events, fitness, and luxury brands. Still in beta, they're already in more than 60 U.S.

Urban Spoils says they're trying to make it easier for people to enjoy fun things in their communities.

"Urban Spoils makes it easy for adventurous urbanites to discover unique local experiences that are perfect for them, their families and friends at ridiculously discounted prices," says Raj Bharti, co-founder of Urban Spoils. "In the post-recession era that we are living in, consumers are looking for value more than ever before and group buying is here to stay."

Urban Spoils allows users to choose how they receive and share deals, by signing up for a daily email alert for a specific city, and sharing local deals or "'spoils" via Facebook and Twitter.

The company has a very simple privacy policy: No personal information is ever shared. "We'd like to be the 'Kayak' of deals and want to provide our users a secure way to experience the new wave of social buying," continues Bharti. "That means our users should be free to explore, compare, purchase, and share great local products and services without worrying about their information being sold to spammers. As matter of fact, unlike most coupon sites, we don't force users to provide their emails as soon as they land on our website."

5 start-ups before lunch: Badgeville turns visitors into loyal fans

Badgeville is a social rewards and analytics platform.

Loyalty programs have been around for decades. Frequent flyer programs, travel and hotel rewards and points programs are ubiquitous among the big travel and retail players.

But imagine the ability for ANY online publisher to reward their fan base/readership in the same way.

Badgeville allows businesses to create a brand-customized loyalty program which could have the same affect as the big-guy programs--of increasing loyalty, traffic, word-of-mouth, and even Super Fans.

The Badgeville Platform leverages techniques from game play to create highly engaging web experiences. Using Badgeville, web publishers reward users with real-time achievements and reputation, while at the same time drive user behavior, achieve specific business goals, and measure and optimize user engagement.

5 start-ups before lunch: Cohuman is simplifying lives and helping us focus on what matters

There is a San Francisco-based start-up called Cohuman that's helping simplify daily activities by prioritizing tasks and to-do lists, in order to let us focus on what matters.

Doesn't everyone need a little push, a little extra coordination in our lives, to get things done?

Cohuman is a task management application billed as "The intelligent workspace for coordinating people and managing projects."

It makes it easy to digitally share, manage and assign tasks with other people. Cohuman prioritizes tasks based on an algorithm that intelligently factors-in emerging priorities, due dates and dependencies to ensure that each team member works on the highest priority projects, and no one becomes a bottleneck.

But the best part of Cohuman is its ability to remember for you and remind you of what needs to get done.

Cohuman launched with a free, personal product, and has recently introduced a “Professional” version that’s aimed at businesses. It’s subscription-based and has additional features, including greater amounts of storage and more control over who can access each project and task.

5 start-ups before lunch: early-stage companies you should know about

Over the last couple of weeks I've heard sales pitches from...wait for it, 150+ start-up companies.

By attending TechCrunch Disrupt, TechCocktail, Social Ad Summit, and Vator Splash, I have met some amazing entrpreneurs, and heard about some innovative technologies and products. Many are fledgling technologies. Some are in Alpha or Beta stages (pre-release) and some are headed out to full public launch. But all are early, early stage companies.

I love entrepreneurs, and discovering early-stage companies. Undoubtedly some of these companies will change the media, and social technology landscape.

So, I thought you might want to know about them.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting articles highlighting several of these companies. Each will be tagged in the "5 start-ups before lunch" category on the site.

Coca Cola unleashes Sokenbicha: green and healthy tea from Japan

Sokenbicha is one of the latest beverages to enter the environmentally-conscious, health-conscious market.

Pronunced "SO-can-BEE-cha," the drink is a blended tea from Japan that's both green and healthy, unsweetened and  "authentically brewed" with "natural botanicals."

The teas, produced by a wholly-owned Coca-Cola subsidary called Nexstep Beverages are being rolled-out exclusively at Whole Foods.

Sokenbicha is created based on the concept of a balance of the "Five Elements:" wood, fire, earth, metal and water to stimulate health and well-being. Among other health benefits, it may be the among a rare few beverages to suggest its consumption is good for a healthy spleen.

Source: WalletPop

Nestle and Jamba Juice planning partnership to create "Nestle Jamba All-Natural Energy Drinks" with 70% real fruit juice, and natural caffeine

Nestle is the world's largest food and beverage company.

Jamba Juice is a well-established, "healthy active" lifestyle brand known as the US market leader in the smoothie drink category.

It now appears that the two companies are close to signing a renewed partnership that may see a new line of ready-to-drink energy beverages headed to retail stores in the Northeast early next year.

Nestle Jamba All-Natural Energy Drinks will feature real fruit juice boosted with natural caffeine.

"We are thrilled at the possibility of a renewed partnership with Jamba Juice," said Rob Case, president of the Nestle Beverage Division. "Nestle Jamba All-Natural Energy Drinks will allow retailers to capitalize on the growing trend of consumers seeking more health-oriented, fruit-based natural beverages that provide quick energy without all the artificial ingredients."

The Jamba All-Natural Energy Drinks will be available in three flavors: pomegranate blueberry, strawberry banana, and crisp apple. As with all Jamba Juice products, they'll contain no preservatives, no artificial flavors, zero grams of trans fat, and no high fructose corn syrup. Additionally, each 8.4 ounce can contains 70% real fruit juice, 80mg of natural caffeine, is fat free and 90 calories per serving.

"The Jamba brand name stands for better-for-you, great taste, and high quality--attributes we share in common with Nestle USA," said James D. White chairman.

Source: BusinessWire

Sketchers puts TOMS shoes through the Xerox machine and comes up with BOBS shoes: And unorginal rip-off of a good idea

BOBS is a new line of shoes from Sketchers.

They're canvas slip-ons made of different fabrics and patterns. When you buy a pair of BOBS, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Sound familiar? It should.

TOMS shoes are canvas slip-ons made of different fabrics and patterns. When you buy a pair of TOMS, they give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

Couldn't Sketchers have put SOME orginal spin on the concept?

Oh, apparently BOBS shoes are $2 cheaper than TOMS.

"I Love Boobies" braclets banned on California school campus

Who'd expect that a braclet would pit The American Cancer Society against a public school district?

The trouble started when a group of California students who wanted to help raise awareness about breast cancer began wearing bracelets that say "I Love Boobies."

School officials in Clovis, California have banned the braclets saying their dress code contains a clause that states "any jewelry that contains any sexually suggestive language or picture" is not allowed. Another school district in Fresno, California first banned the braclets, then decided to allow students to wear them on campus.

The American Cancer Society supports the students and says, "This campaign is targeting teen years and college ages so that they can empower themselves to be advocates for their own bodies. If you can start raising awareness early on, it will only benefit them as they grow older."

JSYK reports that Some of students are buying the "I Love Boobies" bracelets at Kirk Psenner's store, KwirkWorld. He doesn't make any profit from their sale and says the bracelets already raised thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society.

"Even if they are taking it as a joke, it's starting a conversation. To pretend or push away an issue doesn't make it go away," Kirk says.

Will Newsweek be savaged or salvaged by the Daily Beast?

Rumors are swirling that online HuffPo-esque publication  Daily Beast may merge with old-school and debt-ridden Newsweek magazine.

Tina Brown runs the edit at Daily Beast, and has confirmed the rumors of discussions between IAC CEO Barry Diller (and financial backer of Daily Beast), and Newsweek's new owner, Sidney Harman.

Harman bought Newsweek for $1 and has taken on its debt. Since he arrived, there has been an exodus of editors and reporters.

The Daily Beast on the otherhand, reportedly has severe Huffington Post envy, and has been funded through a $20 million infusion of IAC money. Brown has serious credentials in the print magazine world--including powerful stints at Tatler, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and Talk.

The UK Guardian suggests that a merger for Diller would get the Beast off his books and, in a stock deal, give him a significant stake in Newsweek to add to his disparate media holdings.

"It could end up being a smart deal for Barry and Tina," said media commentator Michael Wolff. "It allows Barry to monetise the Daily Beast and gives Tina a vastly expanded platform."

Stay tuned.

Subaru is scouting for talented pooches for the Puppy Bowl campaign: "Dog Tested, Dog Approved"

Subaru was a sponsor of last year's Puppy Bowl.

You know, the Big Game that airs on Animal Planet as counter-programming to that little football contest called the Super Bowl? And where puppies compete for the title of MVP--Most Valuable Puppy.

The Puppy Bowl is one of Animal Planet's most watched shows of the year. A collective 7.8 million unique viewers have watched the event--1.1 million watched it live.

Last year, Subaru introduced a series of spots for Puppy Bowl featuring canine drivers under the tagline: "Dog tested, dog approved."

The automaker, who has a reputation for deeply understanding its niche target audiences, has said that more than 50% of their car owners have dogs, and it indexes higher than most carmakers with dog owners.

Subaru is now on the hunt for five puppies for the filming of its Puppy Bowl 2011 ads. The puppies will star in the carmaker's commercial about a person from Animal Planet driving his Subaru to the game.

If you're interested in your puppy being part of the commercial, scouts will be in New York City on October 15.

I vote for my dog Gracie (pictured).

Source: Media Post

American Apparel hires Blockbuster's CFO to lead new operating strategy

What do clothing retailer American Apparel and movie-rental chain Blockbuster have in common?

Up until now, only an unstable balance sheet, and an uncertain future.

But today, the racy provocateur announced another bond to Blockbuster, as it hired former Blockbuster Chief Financial Officer Tom Casey as acting president.

Casey seems like an unlikely choice as a turn-around specialist. He was Blockbuster's financial chief for the three years before its recent bankruptcy filing.

And, American Apparel is flirting with financial disaster--struggling to avoid being delisted by the New York Stock Exchange, and dealing with the affects of an economic downturn that's ravished sales.

At least Casey comes with a lot of experience working within organizations in strategic turmoil.

American Apparel said he will have primary responsibility for leading the company and developing the company's operating strategy.

Source: WSJ.com

World Business Forum 2010 recap. Time well-spent.

I had the opportunity to attend the World Business Forum in New York City this week.

It was my second time in the "Blogger Hub" skybox looking down at the 4,000 business executives who gathered at Radio City Music Hall for the two-day business conference.

I see attending conferences like these as a bit of a luxury, and a chance to re-energize my love of business and marketing from some of the great business speakers of our time.

Some of the notable speakers included: Al Gore, film director Jim Cameron, author Jim Collins (Good to Great), former P&G chairman A.G. Lafley , former GE CEO Jack Welch, advisor to four U.S. Presidents David Gergen, and tech analyst and Altimeter Group founder Charlene Li. Not to mention AB InBev CEO Carlos Brito, and Brand Futurist Martin Lindstrom.

It is one of the few conferences I attend where my attention is rapt for each and every speaker.

Collins' speech weaved together lessons from "Good to Great" to "How the Mighty Fall" and made it all relevant for today's business environment.

Martin Lindstrom was part Zigfried and Roy, part Tim Robbins as he discussed how we should all "smash our brand" and described the neuromarketing philosophies we all should be paying attention to.

Then, Charlene Li taught the crowd that social media strategies are the business of the entire organization--not just corporate marketing.

Carlos Brito walked the crowd through the three core elements of the AB InBev organization: Dream, People and Culture.

The former Vice President -- or as he said, "he used to be the next President of the United States" spoke of the climate crisis, sustainable capitalism and opportunity for global environmental and economic improvement.

And, then there was Jack Welch--being, Jack Welch, who discussed the "somewhat dysfunctional" HP Board of Directors, and railed on President Obama for being anti-business and improperly handling the auto bailout by "cutting the throats of investors."

Every minute a priceless opportunity to do what good conferences are intended to do--inspire, inform and motivate.

I'm already looking forward to next year when the event moves to Javits Center North, in New York City. Where the organization says there will be more content than ever before.

Martin Lindstrom:

Charlene Li:

Jack Welch:

NHL partners with comic book superheroes for The Guardian Project

The National Hockey League (NHL) is partnering with 30 comic book superheroes in the hopes of cultivating a relationship with the next generation of fans.

In a program called "The Guardian Project," 30 superheroes are partnered with the NHL's 30 teams. Each of the character's powers relates to the hockey team and home city he or she is meant to represent.

Each Guardian will have five powers, including one tied to his team. The Calgary Flames representative will have control over fire, for example, and the Philadelphia Flyer can go airborne. They are not being developed from existing mascots.

"We worked really closely with all 30 teams over the last 10 months to really get the look and feel and personality of their team and incorporate it into the physical superhero," says Adam Baratta of Guardian Media Entertainment (GME), the partnership set up by the NHL and comic superhero legend Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment to launch and operate the franchise.

The Guardian Project will include an online presence, mobile applications, publishing, gaming, in-arena, broadcast, merchandise, promotional and sponsorship activities. The superheroes will have a Twitter and Facebook presence of course, and, the NHL says it is also now the first professional sports league with a full-time, dedicated presence on Foursquare.

Sources: USA Today and Media Post

JCPenney is bringing Modern Bride back from the dead

JCPenney has licensed the Modern Bride name from publishing giant Condé Nast to create a bridal concept, with plans to roll out bridal products targeting a 25-34-year-old customer.

It is a bit of an unexpected partnership, in that Condé Nast shuttered Modern Bride magazine last year.

Despite the fact Condé Nast believed they couldn't make money as a magazine, apparently JCPenney felt there was enough brand equity around the name to attached it to its new bridal concept.

"Condé Nast's deep understanding of the bridal market and valuable direct connection to potential customers make them the ideal partner, allowing JCPenney to cater to brides who will appreciate the Modern Bride name and continue to shop with JCPenney beyond their wedding day," said CEO Myron Ullman.

Starting in February 2011, JCPenney will carry Modern Bride fine jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands, sold in distinctive Modern Bride packaging.

Sources: Forbes and Stylist

UPS takes "Logistics" to the streets of Chicago and does a Flashdance (a distant relative to the Flash Mob).

UPS' new campaign centers aroung the concept of "Logistics."

I've previously posted about how much I like their catchy jingle.

But now, they've taken the jingle to the streets (and YouTube) in what can best be called a Flashdance (a variant of a Flash Mob).

A group of choerographed dancers, backed by a blaring sound track (and a video crew), took to the streets of Chicago and performed to the company's catchy jingle in front of the Wrigley Building.

While the crowd of on-lookers seemed sparce, and the performance a mix of Glee, high school drill team and off-Broadway musical dancers; the concept of taking their brand to the streets--where you always see the brown-shirted UPS crew, and using social media to extend their campaign, should be well-respected.

Nice job, Brown.

McDonald's shows up in FarmVille

McDonalds has more than 30,000 restaurants worldwide. They're just about everywhere.

Including FarmVille.

Players of Facebook's popular "FarmVille" social-media game and virtual world will log on today to see the game's first branded farm, bearing McDonald's famous (and ubiquitous) Golden Arches.

The game's 18 million players can click on the McDonald's farm to win virtual prizes, including a McDonald's-branded hot air balloon to place on their own virtual farms.

"This is all part of a larger social-media strategy," says Anja Carroll, director of media at McDonald's. "It's difficult to ignore the sheer volume of the audience that FarmVille brings."

Manny Anekal, director of global brand advertising at Zynga, says, "We expect a supersized audience. Millions of people will visit the McDonald's farm."

Burger King wants you dreaming of breakfast: Introducing the BK Breakfast Menu Pillowcase

Burger King is busily promoting its new BK Breakfast Menu.

They've added nine new breakfast items to their menu in what may be the chain's largest menu expansion ever.

BK clearly wants you dreaming of Croissan'wich's and the new BK Breakfast Muffin Sandwich andBreakfast Bowl. And, they're going so far as to sell pillowcases with the new menu items printed right where you plant your face at night.

And on the other side? A big picture of the King’s smiling face of course.

If you want your own pillowcase, Burger King is selling them on eBay.

Jack in the Box wants you to "Be a Rich Fan"

Jack in the Box wants to stimulate engagement with his loyal fans.

For every person who ‘likes’ Jack on Facebook, the company will make a nickel donation into a digital money jar on the site. 

At the end of the month-long campaign,  Jack will reward one lucky fan with the total amount in the jar.

The more loyal, generous fans, the more money the winner will receive.

“Be a Rich Fan” is just the latest social media/word-of-mouth effort from the fast food chain and its agency, Secret Weapon. You may recall the 2009 Super Bowl ad when Jack was hit by a bus, and his accident took on a life of its own online, where fans participated by posting get well videos and sharing conspiracy theories. Since Jack awoke from his coma last year, he has Tweeted and sent Facebook updates out to his loyal fans every single day and his fan base continues to grow.

Hasbro and Discovery partner on new network for kids--watchdogs are skeptical

Toy company Hasbro, and cable newtork Discovery Communications are partnering on a new television network for kids called the Hub.

The cable and satellite television network say they'll feature original programming as well as content from Discovery’s library of children’s educational programming.

Unfortunately, even before the new network launches (on Sunday), critics are questioning whether the Hub isn't just a giant infomercial for Hasbro.

In response, The Hub appears to be bending over backwards to make sure the critics have no foundation for their compaints. For example, The Hub plans to carry only six minutes of commercials per hour in shows aimed at preschoolers, well below the FCC's limit of 12 minutes on weekdays and 10.5 minutes on weekends. The FCC also bans commercials during shows based on a toy or game, the FCC bars advertisements for that toy or game.

They also say the proportion of programs that the Hub will carry based on Hasbro toys and games is less than 20%.

Still critics are skeptical.

With shows based on toy lines G.I. Joe, Transformers, My Little Pony and Pound Puppies, watchdogs want to make sure the Hub plays by the rules.

"The notion of a toy company owning a television channel for the sole purpose of promoting their toys is egregious practice," said Susan Linn, director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, which has emerged as one of the Hub's harshest critics.

"Kids are not going to want to see 30-minute infomercials," said Discovery Chief Operating Officer Peter Liguori.

Source: The Los Angeles Times

Were pomegranates really the forbidden fruit? POM Wonderful ads promote sexual benefits

Last month I posted about the feud between the Federal Trade Commission and the folks who make POM pomegranate products. The FTC said it made deceptive health claims in advertising.

Well, now comes word that POM Wonderful is launching a new advertising campaign that is highly sensual in nature--suggesting that POM could improve your sex life.

The first ad suggests Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, introduced the pomegranate to the island of Cyprus as an aphrodisiac. Another spot shows a naked Eve in the Garden of Eden holding a pomegranate (not an apple) to tempt Adam.

When asked if pomegranates could improve sex drive, Lynda Resnick, co-owner of the POM Wonderful brand said, "I certainly believe it does,"

The company will reportedly spend $10 million airing spots through November, and expects to sell 3 million cartons of fruit (24 pomegranates per carton) this year.

Source: USA Today

Virgin Atlantic says "it's a new dawn, it's a new day, its a new life for me. And, I'm feeling good."

Virgin Atlantic wants to jumpstart a post-recession, post 9-11 image makeover with a new advertising campaign to reinforce its "it" factor image and help it recover from the last couple of years of a recessed global economy.

This is the first truly global TV campaign for the airline, with special focus on the UK and key US cities including New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

With a musical track of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" (covered by the group Muse) "The campaign takes the viewer on a metaphorical flight with Virgin Atlantic, guiding them through a surreal and glamorous world of airline iconography and dramatising how it feels to fly with the airline," said Virgin Atlantic.

Ed Hardy has designed a limited-edition pizza box for Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach

The mass-distribution of the Ed Hardy clothing line by French designer Christian Audigier has made the San Francisco-based tattoo artist known globally by a broad audience.

His designs grace t-shirts, hats and all sorts of wearable art objects.

But there's another adaption of Hardy's designs that may be a bit more unknown.

The next time you order a pizza from Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach (San Francisco) you may be treated to a piece of "the godfather of modern tattoo's" art.

Tony Gemignani (the Tony in Tony's Pizza Napoletana)  has partnered with Hardy who is apparently a loyal customer to create 10,000 special pizza boxes with the goal of raising $10,000 for each of his favorite charities.

For an extra $3 per pizza, lucky customers will get a limited edition pizza box. You may choose the "Ed Hardy" pizza pie to go inside this special box--his namesake pie is a vegetarian special with mushrooms, arugula, olives and sea salt.

Eater SF reports that $3 from each pizza box sale is divvied up for the Harqua Foundation -- founded in partnership with Hardy to benefit children and literacy; Basketball City, bringing pro basketball players to speak to New York school kids about exercise, eating healthy and staying in school; and lastly, St. Anthony's Kitchen, which benefits local food banks and shelters.

Ben & Jerry's no longer claims to be "all natural"

Ben & Jerry's announced they'll be removing "all-natural" from their labels.

The folksy brand, now owned by Unilever, has consistently assured consumers that they're the same as they've always been. But this change in status is going to require a bit of PR spin to keep that claim alive.

You see, it turns out some of Ben & Jerry's flavors contain ingredients like hydrogenated oils, invert sugar, and corn syrup. The watchdog group The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) contacted Ben & Jerry's last month saying the company "cultivated an image of integrity," but it's been "making a misleading use of the term 'natural.' "

It seems the FDA does not have an official definition of "natural," so it is pretty much up to the manufacturer to decide what's "all natural."

"We're committed to rBGH-free dairy, cage-free eggs, and fair trade." according to the company's official press release. They also say they've consistently followed FDA guidelines and have been truthful and transparent in their labeling.

Regardless, Ben & Jerry's have decided to drop "all natural" from their labels,

Source: Slashfood

 

Is KFC's new re-usable packaging the end of the iconic bucket?

KFC is test marketing re-usable 100% propylene containers, replacing the styrofoam boxes KFC has been using for side orders, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.

The new container requires 25 percent less energy to produce than the old polystyrene, and generates 50 percent fewer greenhouse gases. And because the container is both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, consumers really can reuse it. Company research shows that so far, about two-thirds of customers keep the containers for at least six weeks.

We love the environmental sensitivity of the concept and the KFC brand logo atop a reusable container to extend the brand to everyday use.

But we just want to make sure they don't replace the iconic bucket any time soon.

Source: Slashfood

Read more:

Smart Sense: Kmart introduces new private label brand

Kmart is introducing a new line of private-label products called Smart Sense.

The nearly 1,200 products under the brand will range from from snacks foods and beverages to oral care, paper products, household cleaners and over-the-counter medications.

In-store, the private-label products will compete with name-brand products, but they will also place Kmart in direct competition with Target's has Archer Farms and Up and Up, and Walmart's Great Value products.

Source: Media Post

 

Heidi Klum stepping away from Victoria's Secret

It is being reported that Heidi Klum is quitting Victoria's Secret after 13 years.

According to Klum, "All good things have to come to an end. I will always love Victoria's Secret. It has been an absolutely amazing time."

The supermodel has plenty of other projects, including host of "Project Runway" and overseeing a fitness clothing line.

Via NY Post and Stylist

Electronic Arts introduces in-game ad dashboard for marketers

Electronic Arts has introduced a tool to allow marketers to track their in-game ads on mobile, social, Web and console platforms.

The new cross-platform tool makes it easier to aggregate data on an advertising campaign’s performance, its brand impact, social buzz, and in some cases it’s ROI, according to Elizabeth Harz, svp of EA’s global media sales team. Plus, the new tool should allow for faster data updates without the spreadsheet number crunching typical to reconciling multiplatform campaigns. “We want to make this actionable, and not a data dump,” said Harz.

Levi Strauss, Wells Fargo, Progressive Insurance, and American Airlines acknowledged by GLAAD for featuring positive images of LGBT community in advertising

Levi Strauss, Wells Fargo, Progressive Insurance and American Airlines were some of the brands recognized by GLAAD for ads featuring outstanding images of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The brands were feted during an Advertising Week event, with the top TV prize went to Levi's for a Gay History Month effort by Logo, and interactive honors to Wells Fargo for "The Advocate Money Minute" from here! Media, while the corporate-responsibility award was presented to longtime LGBT supporter American Airlines.

"While LGBT representation on TV continues to grow, the advertising industry has not yet fully embraced our community," said GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios. "Tonight's nominees and honorees have set new benchmarks in the industry and continue to lead the way in fair, accurate and inclusive LGBT representation in advertising."

Source: Adweek