Coca-Cola Gets into the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Anthology Film Series
The Coca-Cola Company is getting into the holiday spirit with the debut of its “Christmas Always Finds Its Way” Anthology Film Series.
The anthology series, which includes three short films (‘Alma’, ‘Les Petits Mondes de Noel’ and ‘Christmas Bites’), is a continuation of Coca-Cola’s’ Real Magic’ platform that launched last year. According to the company, the films are each set on a different continent but are “united by their core creative territory” that celebrates the power of Christmas in creating real and magical connections.
“Christmas has always been a special time for our brand. This year, with our anthology series, we are excited to be breaking new ground, ensuring we are recognizing not just its iconic past but also – in finding new ways to connect with new audiences – its future too,” said Coca-Cola category president Selman Careaga.
Led by its team in Latin America, Coca-Cola partnered with OpenX from WPP in the creative development and production of the anthology series. Additionally, Imagine Entertainment tapped production company PRETTYBIRD for its roster of award-winning directors Vellas (Brazil), JB Braud (France) and Alex Buono (U.S.).
Alma, directed by Vellas, focuses on the story of a Mexican town famous for making Christmas decorations all year round that is no longer feeling the spirit of Christmas until an event occurs that reignites the magic. Directed by Braud, Les Petits Mondes de Noel is a romantic love story that unfolds between two estranged lovers working at a neighboring record and bookstore in Paris. Christmas Bites is a comedy set in America centered around a vampire who meets his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, directed by Buono.
“This is the time of the year when we can’t get enough of holiday movies. That’s why, with the help of three amazing directors, we are bringing to life an anthology that expresses all the emotions of the holiday season, beautifully wrapped with unexpected storytelling,” said Javier Campopiano, global chief creative officer at OpenX from WPP, in the release.
Customers in select countries can now watch Coca-Cola’s “Christmas Always Finds Its Way” anthology film series on Amazon prime.
ZOA Named Exclusive Energy Drink of the XFL
Florida-based better-for-you energy drink maker ZOA has been named the official, exclusive energy drink of upstart pro football league theXFL.
As part of the partnership, ZOA will serve as a presenting sponsor for XFL kickoff in February and host in-stadium experiences for fans in Arlington, Texas throughout the 2023 season. The experiences will include activities such as pregame tailgates, fanfests, branded giveaways and tastings.
“I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate two of our dynamic brands coming together for the XFL’s February kickoff,” said ZOA co-founder and XFL chairman and owner Dany Garcia in a press release. “Through this growing partnership, the XFL and ZOA Energy are opening the door for fans to participate in immersive activations and events – providing our community even more opportunities to engage with the league.”
Launched in 2021, ZOA produces a line of zero-sugar, fitness-oriented energy drinks. Available in four core flavors – Wild Orange, White Peach, Pineapple Coconut and Super Berry – the drinks come in both 12 oz. and 16 oz. cans.
Earlier this year, the brand introduced its first line extension with pre-workout supplement ZOA+, offered in Mandarin Orange Grapefruit, Blackberry Acai and Pineapple Passion Fruit varieties. The pre-workout supplement will now be sponsoring the XFL weight room, providing fans with a peak into the players’ performance and training at the XFL hub in Arlington.
“XFL fans always bring the energy on game day. In partnership with ZOA, we can ignite their passion for football with exclusive experiences and events throughout the season,” said XFL president Russ Brandon in the release. “The ZOA brand aligns strongly with ours – purpose-driven, fan-focused and innovative.”
Coca-Cola Teams Up With Mark Ronson and Madlib to Launch ‘Recycled Records’
The Coca-Cola Company teamed up with music legend Mark Ronson and Madlib for its ‘Recycled Records’ campaign, which features an original EP made up of sounds taken from the bottle-to-bottle recycling process.
The six-track collection was created to celebrate Sprite, Fresca and Seagram’s shift to clear packaging. In July, The Coca-Cola Company announced the venerable Sprite brand, long known for its green bottle, would transition its plastic PET packaging from green to clear, enabling the bottles to be recycled into a multitude of items.
“The Coca-Cola Company is thrilled to have teamed up with Mark Ronson and Madlib to celebrate our portfolio’s transition from green to clear plastic. This sonic partnership is part of The Coca-Cola Company’s broader World Without Waste goals,” said Coca-Cola North America VP and general manager, sustainability Kurt Ritter in a press release. “We’re excited about the switch because it increases the amount of high-quality, food-grade recycled plastic available in the marketplace and ultimately allows our brands to use more recycled plastic in their packaging.”
Additionally, the company has released a documentary-style short film that points out the parallels between “the heritage and spirit of music sampling” and the closed loop recycling process.
International Delight Celebrates Grinchmas at Mall of America
In an effort to spread some holiday cheer, International Delight partnered with the Grinch and TikTok phenom Carter Kench to bring its recently relaunched Grinch Peppermint Mocha creamer to shoppers at the Mall of America in Minnesota.
On December 8, the brand surprised shoppers with more than 2,000 cups of complimentary coffee featuring the peppermint mocha creamer. The trio of Grinch creamers, announced earlier this year, also includes Frosted Sugar Cookie and Gingerbread Cookie Dough Flavors.
“We strive to create delightful moments at the start of your day, and knowing the stress holiday shopping can create, we wanted to spark joy with a simple cup of coffee enhanced with our beloved Peppermint Mocha creamer,” said International Delight VP of marketing Kallie Goodwin in a press release.
The Grinch-inspired International Delight creamers are available through the end of the year for $3.99 per 32 oz. bottle.