Lay’s and Brazilian superstar Anitta power campaign with potato electricity

A TV spot features elements of Latino culture, including reggaetón and voceteo, a Puerto Rican and Dominican trend around car sound systems.

How Hollister and Forever 21 manage long-term creator relationships

Execs at NRF’s Big Show discussed creators’ growing influence, including through new standalone brands like Social Tourist, while acknowledging ongoing measurement challenges.

Miller Lite, Coors Light make cases for Super Bowl spotlight

Molson Coors is playing up an internal rivalry as fans anticipate which brand will return after more than three decades locked out of the big game.

Ketel One vodka embraces cocktail culture in new campaign

The Diageo brand showcases how it can elevate classic cocktails amid a consumer shift toward premium alcohol offerings.

Pepsi to tout zero-sugar reformulation in first Super Bowl ad in 3 years

The brand’s big-game plans have been closely watched since it stepped down as halftime show sponsor.

Campbell’s Chunky tournament blends football with the metaverse and livestreaming

Players of three football-themed challenges on Fortnite will have the chance to win prizes and be featured on a popular Twitch stream. 

McDonald’s ‘tech-forward’ Lunar New Year push features AI-powered ad

In collaboration with creator Karen X Cheng, the fast food giant is returning to the metaverse and releasing an AR filter on Instagram.

Lowe’s in-houses retail media operations in efficiency play

The move serves as a potentially worrying sign to agencies that have invested heavily in marketing services related to the red-hot category.

What Instagram’s Shop tab removal means for social media

Ditching the shopping shortcut sees the platform pull back as rival TikTok doubles down on its end-to-end strategy.

C-store chains are betting on retail media in 2023. But at what cost?

On the heels of 7-Eleven announcing its first venture into the space, retail media promises to bring new growth and opportunities — as well as challenges — for c-stores.

Heineken helps Ant-Man shrink alcohol consumption in new ads

In the run up to Marvel’s “Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania,” the brewer is hoping to spread the word about its alcohol-free option.

Meta adds additional ad targeting restrictions for teen users

Gender can no longer be used for targeting, though age and location are still fair game, while teens have more power to control which types of ads they see.

Ryan Reynolds reads from AI-generated script in new Mint Mobile ad

The brand claims this is a first-of-its-kind application of ChatGPT, an early sign that AI-powered creative could be a major 2023 trend.

PepsiCo sets its sights on Gen Z with Starry, a Sprite competitor

After dwindling sales of Sierra Mist, the beverage giant is pitching its latest offering as a “fun escape” for young consumers.

Chex Mix remixes ‘Baby Got Back’ for bagel chips revival

The General Mills brand taps into 90s nostalgia, enlisting Sir Mix-A-Lot to rework his iconic track for the first time in the song's 30-year history.

Burger King taps longtime PepsiCo veteran as CMO

Most recently CMO of Mountain Dew, Pat O'Toole will help grow traffic, accelerate sales and support the chain's Reclaim the Flame plan.

Denny’s taps CEC Entertainment exec as CMO

Sherri Landry will be tasked with growing the chain’s sales and amplifying its cultural relevance.

Rémy Martin blends generations, traditions in Lunar New Year campaign

Working with several “cultural tastemakers,” the effort celebrates Asian culture across ads, in-person events and a limited-edition bottle.

Meta implements new system for addressing algorithmic ads bias

VRS marks the first time the company’s advertising falls under direct court oversight and could be a wake-up call for others using algorithms to target ads.

Chipotle rolls out ‘Freepotle’ rewards with TikTok, Instagram prize wheel

The promise of free food offers throughout 2023 is positioned as an alternative to subscription programs that have proliferated at competitors like Taco Bell.

McDonald’s prepares for corporate restructuring, staff cuts

Morgan Flatley, the chain’s global chief marketing officer, has been promoted to EVP, global chief marketing officer and new business ventures.

FanDuel bets big on Gronk in first Super Bowl spot

If Rob Gronkowski is able to make a 25-yard field goal during a live Super Bowl ad, FanDuel users will share a $10 million prize.

NBCU, Fox, Paramount, WBD unite to develop future of streaming measurement

At launch, Amazon, Netflix and Disney have not signed on to the Joint Industry Committee, absences that could possibly limit the group’s effectiveness.

WPP strengthens Salesforce expertise with Fenom Digital acquisition

The deal follows a pattern of agency holding companies focusing on growing their e-commerce capabilities.

Dunkin’ reportedly picks new creative agency, clouding future with Anomaly

Stagwell’s Anomaly recently announced plans to lay off 8% of U.S. staff, citing a “significant reduction” in Dunkin’ work as a leading factor.

Updated Jan. 9, 2023