During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand experiences, brand messaging, brand storytelling, celebration marketing, cobranding, destination marketing, language, performance marketing, personal branding, product pricing, special event marketing, sports marketing, and more.
COCA-COLA, MARCH MADNESS, AND CINDERELLA'S GLASS SLIPPER/SIPPER
Brand Innovators reported, "Sometimes it's the fans that make the magic happen. During this year's NCAA basketball tournaments, the Coca-Cola Glass Sipper will be awarded to the team in each of the men’s and women’s tournaments that defied expectations, thanks to the fans who pushed them along. The promo is part of a larger brand effort throughout the tournament, which includes the revamped television commercial. The spot celebrates fans through several colleges' fight songs. It begins with a basketball tip-off before showing fans from North Carolina, Duke, UConn, and other schools singing their songs with fervor as they get hyped up for the game. The spot will run through the national championship games on CBS, TNT, TBS, TRU, ESPN, ABC and on digital and social channels."
REMAKE OF COCA-COLA'S MEMORABLE 1971 AD
Muse by Clios reported, "Coca-Cola aims to slake a nation's thirst for nostalgia and deliver feel-good vibes ahead of our nation's 250th birthday with a reimagining of the uber-iconic "Hilltop" spot from 1971. It’s worth noting that the Nixon era resembles 2026 in many ways. A nation stood divided over a distant war, while large portions of the population found themselves at odds with presidential power. Then, as now, lunar missions offered renewed hope for the future.
Fifty-five years ago, the original ad by McCann played like an enlightened fusion of hippy vibes (diverse folks singing under the sun) and a classic Madison Ave. pitch (everyone, everywhere—drink Coke!).
This reworking feels far slicker and hella Hollywood. But that probably fits the tenor of these brand-soaked, media-savvy times. In essence, it functions as a tuneful, cinematic trailer, with aspirational Americana imagery at the forefront and inclusive messaging dialed up high. By its very nature, the brand has to aim for the broadest audience in a way that feels inviting but gives zero offense. Here, it does so with considerable style, hitting all the right notes without seeming too jingoistic."
CELINE DION'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO SING AGAIN IN PARIS
On superstar Celine Dion's website on March 30th (also her birthday), the global icon revealed her return to the stage by announcing "CELINE DION PARIS 2026," a five-week limited engagement at the renowned Paris La Défense Arena. The engagement will be held in Europe's largest indoor arena and last 10 nights (on Saturdays and Wednesdays) from September 12th through October 14th. She told fans:
“Over the last few years, every day that's gone by, I've felt your prayers and support, your kindness and love. You've helped me in ways that I can't even describe, and I'm truly fortunate to have your support. This year, I'm getting the best birthday gift of my life...I'm getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September! I'm feeling good, I'm strong, I'm feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I'm grateful to all of YOU! I love you all and I'll see you soon!"
SOCCER PROMOTES INCLUSION
The Times Union of Upstate New York reported, "Instead of having names on their jerseys, soccer players from Toulouse and Lorient had pictograms of different disabilities during their game on Saturday, March 21st. The measure was part of a French soccer league awareness campaign aimed at providing better long-term stadium facilities for people with disabilities. Seven disabilities appeared on the pictograms: visual, cognitive, hearing, intellectual, debilitating illnesses, motor, and intellectual.
The event was called "Most Inclusive Match" and was organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) in conjunction with Spain-based events planner World Football Summit and Portugal-based Integrated Dreams, a non-profit association working for the inclusion of disabled people in the sports industry. Prior to the March 21st match itself, awareness campaigns and a disability-focused job fair took place. A Toulouse business school hosted a conference on inclusion and innovation in education and business, followed by workshops. Several associations offered introductory sessions about blind soccer and wheelchair rugby, which both featured at the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024."
NASA'S ARTEMIS II JOURNEY
From April 1st through April 10th, NASA's Artemis II embarked on a lunar fly-by mission with four astronauts who made history by traveling to the furthest part of deep space than any previous human-led space mission. CNN reported, "Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell wished the crew well in a recording made two months before his death last August. Lovell said, "Welcome to my old neighborhood. It's a historic day and I know how busy you'll be, but don't forget to enjoy the view." The Artemis II crew carried with them the Apollo 8 silk patch that accompanied Lovell to the moon."
And from a marketing perspective, what a fabulous Artemis II logo!
KRISPY KREME GOES TO THE MOON
According to the sweet brand's website, "To celebrate NASA's late-March Artemis II mission — the first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years — Krispy Kreme launched a limited-edition Artemis II Doughnut, available at participating shops nationwide from March 31st through April 2nd. Inspired by NASA's iconic imagery, the doughnut features blue vanilla-flavored icing, OREO crunch, white nonpareils, a cookies-and-creme buttercream dollop, and a red chevron nod to the NASA logo — all on top of the beloved Original Glazed. It's also available as part of the Artemis II Specialty Dozen, paired with six classic Original Glazed doughnuts."
APPLE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote on April 1st, "Fifty years ago in a small garage, a big idea was born. Apple was founded on the simple notion that technology should be personal, and that belief — radical at the time — changed everything. April 1st marks 50 years of Apple. From the first Apple computer to the Mac, from iPod to iPhone, iPad to Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as the services we use every day — the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV — we've spent five decades rethinking what's possible and putting powerful tools into people's hands. Through every breakthrough, one idea has guided us — that the world is moved forward by people who think different...At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday. But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today — our incredible teams around the world, our developer community, and every customer who has joined us on this journey. Your ideas inspire our work. Your trust drives us to do better. Your stories remind us of all we can accomplish when we think different. If you've taught us anything, it's that the people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. So here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. Here’s to you."
SHARE THIS: The people crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. So here’s to the crazy ones. ~Tim Cook #Apple50 #CelebrationMarketing #DebbieLaskeysBlog
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE IMPLEMENTS TEMPORARY PRICE INCREASE
As a result of President Trump's tariffs, the United States Postal Service announced a temporary 8 percent increase for the period April 26, 2026 to January 17, 2027 for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.
HIGHER PRICES FOR AIRPLANE BAGGAGE
Many airlines are raising baggage fees. Here are the details from BusinessInsider:
JETBLUE: The price of a first checked bag for a domestic flight has risen to $39 from $35 on non-peak days, and to $49 from $40 on peak travel days.
UNITED AIRLINES: United Airlines said it was raising the fees for first and second checked bags by $10. It will charge an extra $50 for third bags.
DELTA AIRLINES: Delta Air Lines increased fees for first and second checked bags by $10 from April 8th, and for the third checked bag, fees will increase by $50. The changes will not impact long-haul international flights or complimentary bag benefits.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: For mainland US travel, checked bag fees will increase by $10 for all tickets booked on or after April 9th. The cost of checking the first bag will increase by about 28 percent to $45, while the second checked bag will cost $55. For non-Hawaii residents, inter-island travel will also come with a baggage price hike for tickets purchased on or after April 9th: $30 for the first checked bag, $40 for the second.
LAUNCH OF EU ENTRY-EXIT SYSTEM (EES)
Y Axis reported, "European border control is all set for a digital transformation with the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) effective April 10th. The new digital entry system will replace passport stamping with biometric data collection for non-EU travelers. The fully digital Entry/Exit System (EES) will be implemented across all 29 countries to increase efficiency and security. The EU has also introduced a "Travel to Europe” mobile app to upload credentials and passport details 72 hours before flying."
The individuals who are exempt from digital verification in Europe are:
* EU and Schengen citizens traveling across Europe.
(Note: Schengen refers to nationals of 29 countries, including 25 EU states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Bulgaria, and Romania. As of 2026, five European countries are not part of the Schengen area are Ireland, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Belarus.)
* Long-term visa or residence permit holders in Europe.
* Transport crew members.
* Armed forces personnel.
* European cross-border residents.
PICASSO ART OFFERED FOR 100 EUROS IN CHARITY RAFFLE
Opera Gallery reported, "The charitable initiative "1 Picasso for 100 Euros" returns for its third edition, offering participants worldwide the chance to win an original Picasso for the price of a ticket costing 100 Euros (approximately $116 US). Organised in support of Fondation Recherche Alzheimer, the raffle continues its mission of demonstrating how art can serve as a catalyst for social impact. First imagined by Péri Cochin, the initiative has already forged a philanthropic legacy. The inaugural 2013 edition raised funds for the preservation of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage city, with the construction of an artisanal village that helped revive traditional craftsmanship. The second edition in 2020 mobilised participants in more than 100 countries, collecting funds for the NGO CARE to support clean water and hygiene programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, the funds will support research on Alzheimer's disease, the leading cause of dependency among older adults, with 35 million people affected globally. Following the raffle, Fondation Recherche Alzheimer will launch a major call for scientific projects across France, Europe, the United States, and Canada. At the heart of this edition is a gouache on paper by Pablo Picasso, Tête de femme (1941), valued at 1 million Euros, provided by Opera Gallery. With only 120,000 tickets available, the raffle offers a unique opportunity for art lovers and the general public alike, with tickets now available for purchase. The draw will take place at Christie's Paris on April 14th and will be broadcast live worldwide on www.1picasso100euros.com."
JACK IN THE BOX INTRODUCED SLIDERS
Nation's Restaurant News (NRN) reported, "Jack in the Box continues to turn up the innovation in celebration of its 75th anniversary, launching Smashed Jack Sliders on April 6th. Each slider features a 2-ounce seasoned beef smashed patty, melted American cheese, pickles, and Smashed Jack sauce on a brioche bun. As part of Jack’s 75th anniversary, the company is also launching a Smashed Jack Sliders Munchie Meal, featuring a surprise cup with a blind-bagged Jack pin inside. Customers who receive a colored pin score an in-app offer and entry for a chance to win $75,000, while the ultra-rare gold pin unlocks a $1,000 prize, plus the same shot at the grand prize. The slider launch coincides with increased demand for snacking options on menus. While overall traffic is down, snacking occasions in restaurants are up by nearly 7 percent, according to Technomic."
IN-N-OUT HAS NO PLANS FOR MOBILE ORDERING
In-N-Out Burger owner Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson recently told a college audience that she plans to keep the fast-food chain running the way her grandparents founded it - and that means no online ordering or pickup. She explained that the main reason for In-N-Out's success is the brand's version of customer service: the smile, the greeting, the culture.
DOMINO'S RELEASES SAUCE AND WATCHES
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "The fast-food pizza chain announced a new Slice Sauce, a dip designed for every bite of a customer's pizza, not just the crust. And it also announced a partnership with the Detroit-based Shinola on a selection of watches and leather goods that will go on sale starting on May 8th. Customers who buy one of Domino's premium pizzas through May 7th, the Handmade Pan or Parmesan Stuffed Crust Pizza, will get password-only access to shop from the collection at preferred rates. The collection ranges in price from $115 for a five-pocket cardholder to $1,350 for a Mechanic Watch. The watches and leather goods will be presented in black-and-gold packaging, much like the special boxes for Domino's premium pizzas."
STARBUCKS WANTS YOU TO STAY AWHILE
The Chicago Tribune reported on April 9th, "Starbucks, the world's largest coffeehouse chain, wants you to come back to your refreshed neighborhood store, grab a couch, and stay awhile. Starbucks unveiled one of the first Chicago stores to be "uplifted" under its "Back to Starbucks" restructuring plan, a campaign to improve performance and the in-store experience across the chain. The stand-alone store at 4155 N. Cicero Avenue in the Old Irving Park neighborhood features leather couches, cushy chairs, throw rugs, drapes, coffee-themed art on the walls, and a decidedly cozier feel than many of the 17,000 Starbucks locations across the U.S. Seattle-based Starbucks is planning to renovate 1,000 stores in North America this year and has already completed more than 200 coffeehouse uplifts across New York and Southern California. Renovations are beginning to pick up steam in Chicago as well. The Back to Starbucks plan, which was announced by CEO Brian Niccol soon after he took the helm of the coffee giant in September 2024, was a mission to improve performance, quality and speed of food and drink delivery, while "elevating the in-store experience" to recapture the mojo of the 55-year-old chain."
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL'S NEW UNIFORMS
MLB reported on April 9th, "Eight clubs unveiled a new wave of City Connect uniforms for 2026, and the bold new looks for the Braves, Orioles, Reds, Royals, Brewers, Pirates, Padres, and Rangers were billed as reflective of "the energy and pride of each club's community, offering bold and expressive interpretations that celebrate both team history and what’s ahead for the game." First launched in 2021, the City Connect brand of alternate uniforms have presented teams in novel color schemes, typefaces, and graphics that are designed to reflect cultural aspects of each team's home city. Teams are able to rotate in a new jersey after three years to debut a new look. For each of the eight teams involved in this announcement, it's the second installment of City Connects. Each club partnered with Nike and Fanatics, MLB's uniform manufacturer, to build off its previous City Connect styling and delve into other aspects of their city, region, and fan base. The new uniforms will remain part of each club's on-field rotation for multiple seasons to come."
The most distinctive feature of all the jerseys is the sleeve patch honoring Dia de los Muertos to be worn by the San Diego Padres. The La Catrina patch is a symbol of the holiday and celebration. She is adorned with a traditional floral crown, surrounded by ofrenda candles, set against the aqua backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The Padres will wear their new uniforms for most Friday games."
IHOP MOVES AT THE SPEED OF CULTURE
Nation's Restaurant News reported, "IHOP announced on April 6th that it trademarked the acronym BLTAF, playing on the informal abbreviation of "AF" to promote the latest addition to its $6 Everyday Value Menu — the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato (sandwich)...And Fries. IHOP's new BLT features hickory-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted white bread - and now comes with fries or hash browns at no extra cost. With the trademark, BLTAF debuts in the Urban Dictionary, transforming a menu item into a moment."
IHOP president Lawrence Kim said that the BLTAF trademark proves that the company is following its "moving at the speed of culture" mantra. IHOP experienced four times the social media engagement in 2025 versus 2024 by bringing its social media team in house.
ITALIAN ROOTS MAY NO LONGER EQUAL ITALIAN CITIZENSHIP
CNN reported, "Since Italy became a country in 1861, there has been a surefire way to know who is and isn't an Italian citizen: look at their parents. The first page of the civil code, published in 1865 as the rulebook to Europe's newest country, declared that a child born to an Italian citizen was an Italian citizen. This founding tenet of the Bel Paese now looks set to change. In March, the Constitutional Court said it would rule in favor of the government and its controversial 2025 law that restricted citizenship for those born abroad. After the first of four hearings, a statement issued by the court indicates it will support the government’s position."
AUTHOR REVEALS REAL NAME
American novelist Freida McFadden surprised her fans by announcing her true identity after keeping the secret for 23 years and over 30 books. According to USA Today on April 8th, "Outside of the book world, McFadden is Sara Cohen, a doctor who treats brain disorders. McFadden only created the pseudonym because she didn't want her writing career to conflict with her hospital job. Though McFadden is now "unmasked," she's adamant she's still the same writer her readers know and love. She's glad to have shed the secret she never meant to keep, but she wants the book world to still know her as Freida." She told Jenna Bush Hager that she missed out on huge book tours to keep her true identity a secret - and now, her books are being adapted into movies.
LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP AND KENNEDY CENTER BOARD
NPR reported, "A group of eight architecture and cultural organizations is suing President Trump and the board of the Kennedy Center over the planned renovations of the arts complex, which are set to begin in just over three months. The lawsuit seeks to have the White House and the Kennedy Center board comply with existing historic preservation laws and secure Congress' approval before moving ahead with the renovations. The lawsuit was filed on March 23rd in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., by the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the Cultural Landscape Foundation, the DC Preservation League, Docomomo US, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Collectively, these groups have over 1 million members.
In the lawsuit, the groups wrote that the Kennedy Center has stood since 1971 "as a living memorial to a slain president, a national gathering place for the arts, and a defining landmark within the monumental core of the Nation's capital. Its Modernist design, grand public spaces and role as a premier cultural institution together form an irreplaceable legacy of history, architecture and civic purpose."
They argue that under President Trump as the arts complex's chairman, the president and his hand-selected board of trustees wish "to fundamentally alter this iconic property without complying with bedrock federal historic preservation and environmental laws, and without securing the necessary Congressional authorization." They cite the demolition of the East Wing of the White House last October as an example of how they say Trump is reshaping the landscape of the nation's capital, as well as Trump's repeated assertion that he intends a "complete rebuilding" of the Kennedy Center."
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE - ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF CRISIS
CNN reported, "Air Canada announced on March 30th that its CEO will retire later this year, after Michael Rousseau was criticized for his English-only message of condolence following the deadly airplane crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Canada's largest airline, based in French-speaking Quebec, said that Rousseau told the board he will leave by the end of the third quarter. Canada is an officially bilingual nation, and Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Rousseau's decision to retire is appropriate. Carney had said the English-only message showed a lack of compassion and judgment. Quebec's premier and others called on the airline executive to resign."
Quebec Premier François Legault said in a statement, "I salute the decision of Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau to step down from his position. The Air Canada board of directors will have to ensure that the next CEO speaks French."
Rousseau previously had been criticized for not speaking French. He delivered his condolence video message in English, with French subtitles. The Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages has received hundreds of complaints about it. Quebec's identity has been contentious since the 1760s, when the British completed their takeover of what was then called New France. Quebec is about 80 percent French-speaking.
According to Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, "Language is a highly political issue in Canada, and the Air Canada leadership has been aware of that for a very long time. The fact that Rousseau had promised to learn French back in 2021 (when he was appointed president of the airline) but failed to deliver amidst his sky-high level of compensation did not help him in the court of public opinion."
By contrast, Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said that he would rather the CEO of Canada's flagship carrier "focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training."
BRITISH HERITAGE BRANDS CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S BIRTH
According to The Royal Collection Trust, a department of the Royal Household, "A collection of clothing and accessories made by British heritage brands worn by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her life went on sale on March 26th, as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth (April 12th) and her lasting fashion legacy. They also accompany the exhibition "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style," opening on April 10th at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace." Here were the brands:
Burberry was worn by the Queen throughout her reign and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1955. The Queen often chose Burberry for outdoor pursuits.
Launer London supplied the Queen with handmade handbags for more than 50 years and was granted a Royal Warrant in 1968.
Kinloch Anderson, the renowned Scottish experts in tartans, Highland dress, and kiltmaking, held Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Warrant of Appointment for tailoring and kiltmaking for the duration of her reign. Kinloch Anderson designed a number of tartans for the Royal Household, including the Old Stewart Tartan, underlining its unique place in Scotland's textile and ceremonial heritage.
The Queen would personally select her own handbag and gloves to complete an outfit and was rarely seen carrying out official engagements without them. Dents created gloves for Her late Majesty throughout her 70-year reign.
Floris was the only perfumer to hold a Royal Warrant from the Queen,
Beginning in the 1960s, the Queen became known for her use of transparent "Birdcage" umbrellas, designed and supplied by Fulton Umbrellas. Decorated with coloured trims to match her outfits, the clear umbrellas ensured that she could be seen by bystanders in inclement weather. For the 100th anniversary of the Queen's birth, the brand released a special commemorative "Birdcage" umbrella. The new design featured the "Old Stewart Tartan," which recalled the Scottish landscapes loved by the late Queen.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II MEMORIAL
According to Marie Claire, "A monument honoring the life and legacy of the late Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to be unveiled in London on what would have been the iconic royal's 100th birthday on April 12th. According to a new report from the Daily Mirror, the sculpture will live in St. James's Park in London to commemorate the former matriarch's centennial year. News of the new monument is part of the previously established plans for both a permanent monument and a national legacy program - both in honor of the former Queen of England. Instead of a statue showing Queen Elizabeth riding a horse, as originally thought, she'll now be standing. Sculptor Martin James explained, "After careful research and thought, my design for the Queen's monument will emphasize her role as head of state and proudly follows a sculptural tradition that shows kings and queens from the House of Windsor in a standing position."
According to the BBC on April 9th, "The statue of the late Queen who died in 2022, will be placed at Marlborough Gate, the entrance to the park. A companion statue of Prince Philip, who died in 2021, will accompany the Queen's monument. To make way for the principal statue, the Grade II listed Marlborough Gate will be dismantled and re-erected in modified form further south. There will also be a memorial path and a bronze wind sculpture in honour of the Commonwealth by Yinka Shonibare decorated with flowers and plants from each of the 56 member nations. A bust of Queen Elizabeth II will also be installed at the Birdcage Walk entrance to the park...The statue will not be far from memorials to the late Queen's parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and they are shown standing."
BRITAIN'S WEATHER IS PART OF ITS APPEAL
CNN reported, "Britain is far from the wettest place on Earth, but its reputation as a gray landscape populated by perma-sodden umbrella-clutchers is so longstanding, it's seeped into the national identity. When it comes to annual average precipitation, however, it ranks 83rd in the world, behind Colombia, the Maldives, Jamaica, and New Zealand, but more than the United States. However, while other countries battle extremes of downpours and drought, in Britain the rain hits different.
Of all the vignettes of Britain in the rain, however, perhaps it is that of the umbrella — hurriedly opened as showers break over the Wimbledon tennis championships each July, and used as an aerial conveyance by Mary Poppins — that endures. Fox Umbrellas, based in Croydon, South London, has been crafting umbrellas since 1868, currently producing 20,000 to 25,000 a year. Many view the umbrella as a "quintessentially British item." In Victorian times, a gentleman wasn't properly dressed if he wasn't wearing a bowler hat and carrying an umbrella, although today more casual dress has taken over."
Carl Walsh, senior vice president, USA at VisitBritain, explained, "Rainy weather doesn't limit the British experience. It simply reveals a different side of the country, from our moody coastlines to our lively cities, and Britain continues to offer remarkable moments even on the rainiest days."
FROM "WICKED" TO LONDON MARATHON
Marketing Dive reported, "Brooks Running is one of the rare legacy brands that can still lay claim to a challenger status. The company, which was founded more than a century ago, has in recent years eaten into the category share of bigger rivals like Nike through a community-led approach to marketing, tapping into surging post-pandemic interest in marathons and other racing events while preserving a focus on performance products that has long endeared it to the athletic elite. Now, the Seattle, Washington-based marketer's attention is turning more toward the international stage after delivering record growth in 2025. During the first week of April, Brooks also launched a major new campaign starring "Wicked" superstar Cynthia Erivo. "Shine Under Pressure" follows the multi-hyphenate talent as she trains for the London Marathon while penning a poetic love letter to running."
APRIL FOOLS' DAY AND TWEAKED BRANDSTORYTELLING
And lastly, let's end this recent marketing news recap by complimenting the brands that stood out on April Fools' Day with their clever brand storytelling. They include the following:
RYANAIR
This airline brand is known for its friendly style of communication with customers and stakeholders. On April 1st, its Twitter/X post read, "After careful consideration, we've decided to shift Ryanair's communication style and tone of voice. From now on, we will be adopting a more corporate and professional approach in our communications. Thank you for the last few years."
A recent example of the brand's version of communication and humor followed candy brand KitKat's confirmation that its products were stolen while in transit between its factory in Italy and the delivery destination in Poland. RyanAir posted a photo of the front of one of its airplanes with five KitKat candies in the mouth of the cockpit, as if the plane ate the missing candy.
DUBLIN AIRPORT (IRELAND)
This Irish airport shared on Instagram with a fun graphic, "Slide into your summer getaway. Dublin Airport is launching a Park & Slide, a brand new way to start your trip. The service enables passengers to park at rooftop level in Terminal 1 and access departures via a direct slide system, reducing transfer time while offering a seamless, hands free experience with integrated bag drop support. Operating from May to September, Park & Slide will offer limited capacity with passengers encouraged to pre-book in advance."
BUTTERFINGER/TOP RAMEN
A few days before April Fools' Day, candy brand Butterfinger and instant food brand Top Ramen announced the newest flavor of instant noodles, "Your noodles just got the ultimate upgrade. Butterfinger and Top Ramen are dropping a NEW collab complete with a peanut buttery glaze and real Butterfinger pieces. Get ready because your taste buds will never be the same."
KRISPY KREME
This doughnut brand shared its April Fools' Day post, "Krispy Kreme x Mt. Olive Pickle Doughnuts are officially here...April Fools, but why do we feel like some of you would actually eat this."
And it appeared that in response to Krispy Kreme's post, cookie brand OREO shared its "Dill Pickle Flavored Fudge" cookies.
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
Established in 1925, this university's colors are orange and green, so on April 1st, it was a surprise when the announcement was made that, "A new era of The U starts now. Inspired by the culture, color, and energy of Miami, the University is evolving its visual identity to better reflect the city that shapes us. Bold, vibrant, and impossible to ignore, just like Miami." On April 1st, the colors of the University's "U" were pink and blue.
CRUNCH
A few days before April 1st, candy brand Crunch posted, "You've been pairing Buncha CRUNCH with popcorn for years. Now it gets its rightful spot on the concession stand. Introducing the Buncha CRUNCH Concession Dispenser Experience, coming soon." And then, a post on April 1st, "The Buncha CRUNCH Concession Dispenser Experience was an April Fools joke. But maybe not anymore. Let's make it real. Drop a candy emoji in the comments if you want this thing to exist and we might just surprise you. We're counting eyeballs."
JACK IN THE BOX
Fast-food brand Jack in the Box posted on April 1st, "After 75 years, I'm making it official. This brand is bigger than any box we were ever put in, and it's time the name reflected that. Starting today, we're Jack out the Box. Same food you love, same late-night rides through the drive-thru, same me. Just with a name that finally matches the energy we've always brought. I've never been more excited about where we're headed, and honestly, it feels pretty good to be out here. This is just the beginning of the next chapter, and I'm grateful you're in it with us. Signed Jack, CEO, Jack out the Box."
OLIVE AND JUNE/GOLDFISH
Nail polish brand Olive and June announced "Pink Goldfish," its "Most Snackable Shade" with Goldfish crackers.
GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA
Nonprofit brand Guide Dogs of America shared its April 1st post on Instagram, "Guiding you...when they feel like it. Happy April Fools." Further description explained, "Blue and purple colored background with the GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA - TENDER LOVING CANINES logo. The word dog is scratched out and CATS is written in red. The word canines is also scratched out and replaced with the word FELINES in red. The dog graphics also have cat ears and whiskers laid over them, and a cat is sitting looking up at the logo."
And while this product roll-out sounds like it should be an April Fools' Day joke, it's actually real news. Fast-casusal sandwich chain PANERA BREAD launched a new menu category that, according to Nation's Restaurant News, "bridges the gap between the core sandwich and salad lineup. They call the new item "Salad Stuffers," and there are two varieties. The Steakhouse Salad Stuffer includes crisp romaine and arugula tossed with a new Farmhouse Ranch dressing made with buttermilk, as well as tender marinated sliced steak, applewood-smoked bacon, gorgonzola, pickled red onion, grape tomatoes, and crispy frizzled onions, all stuffed into an Italian Stuffer Roll. In another variation, the Santa Fe Salad Stuffer includes romaine in ranch dressing tossed with grilled chicken, bold taco seasoning, roasted corn, feta, sweet peppers, pickled red onion, fresh cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips, all stuffed into the roll."
What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!
Image Credits for top header image: Apple, Brand Innovators (Coca-Cola), Celine Dion, and Krispy Kreme.
Image Credits for April Fools' Day images: Ryanair, Dublin Airport (Ireland), Butterfinger/Top Ramen, Krispy Kreme, University of Miami, Crunch, and Jack in the Box.
Read my post: Welcome Home, Artemis II (April 10, 2026):
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/04/welcome-home-artemis-ii.html
Read "50 Years of Thinking Different" from Tim Cook of Apple:
https://www.apple.com/50-years-of-thinking-different/
Check out a series of British holiday photos featuring RAIN:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/aug/14/british-holiday-pictures-rain-raining-rained
Read my post: These Three Brands Definitely Understood April Fools' Day! (April 1, 2026):
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2026/04/these-three-brands-definitely.html
Read: The 15 Best April Fools' Day Hoaxes from CBS:
https://www.cbsnews.com/media/15-best-april-fools-day-hoaxes/
Check out this interactive version of before and after views of Starbucks' Chicago coffee house:
