Friday, January 31, 2025

Marketing News of the Week: Names, Brand Changes, Pandas, and More


During the last week (okay, the last couple of weeks), there were news stories that reflected advertising, brand identity, brand equity, co-branding, communications, corporate culture, personal branding, product packaging, and more.

FLAVORS FOR 2025

McCormick and Company announced its 2025 flavor forecast: tropical-inspired flavors. Food Business News predicts that beverage-inspired flavors such as strawberry margarita, pina colada, and mojito will be added to desserts during 2025.

PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

Donald Trump's second inauguration took place on January 20th. (On a side note, check out my January 20th post featuring MY choices for TIME's Person of the Year.) Always a solemn day to recognize and celebrate the importance of our American democracy and the value we place on freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and equality, this year's event had dark and disturbing undertones.

SPANISH WHITE HOUSE WEBSITE

According to PBS, "Within hours of President Donald Trump's inauguration, the new administration took down the Spanish-language version of the official White House website. The site (https://www.whitehouse.gov/es/) now gives users an "Error 404/Page Not Found" message. A button was later added to read "Go To Home Page." Hispanic advocacy groups and others expressed confusion at the abrupt change and frustration at what some called the administration's lack of efforts to maintain communication with the Latino community, which helped propel him to the presidency. The Spanish profile of the White House' X (formerly Twitter) account, @LaCasaBlanca, and the government page on reproductive freedom were also disbanded."

"According to 2023 Census Bureau estimates, about 43.4 million Americans — 13.7 percent of the U.S. population age 5 and older — speak Spanish at home. The U.S. has no official language. Monica Rivera, a brand and communications strategist in New York City of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, said the shutdown sends a clear signal. She said, "There are 43 million Latinos who speak Spanish as their first language and removing access to information directly from the White House draws a distinct line as to who they are serving and more dangerously, signals to the administration's MAGA base that we as Latinos are 'other' and a less significant part of this country."

LUNAR NEW YEAR

The Lunar New Year began on January 29th and welcomes the Year of the Snake. Many brands added a snake or the color red (because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil) into their logo, mascot, promotions, or communications. If your brand missed the opportunity, check out my blog post from January 29th for some useful tips for next year.

GULF OF AMERICA & MOUNT MCKINLEY

In one of President Trump's numerous executive orders signed upon taking office on January 20th, he introduced two new names: the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley. Google said it will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" and change Denali to "Mount McKinley." According to CNBC, "Google added that the name Gulf of Mexico will remain displayed for users in Mexico, but users in other countries will see both names. The mountain was named Mount McKinley until 2015, when President Barack Obama's administration changed it to Denali as a symbolic gesture to Alaska Natives."

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

On January 27th, world leaders and Holocaust survivors gathered at the former site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. Leaders from around the world were present including Britain's King Charles III and French President Emmanuel Macron. The site (like many other concentration camps) now operates as a memorial site whose goal is to inform visitors about the atrocities that happened there.

CHEETOS OTHER HAND

According to Marketing Dive, "Cheetos is extending its Other Hand marketing campaign with a custom font timed to National Handwriting Day (January 23). Other Hand centers on people who only use their dominant hand to eat Cheetos, leading to mishaps. The Other Hand Font is deliberately wonky looking, allegedly created by designers relying on their non-dominant hand while indulging in a bag of the puffed cheese snacks. The Other Hand Font is available through Cheetos.com and a Google Chrome browser plug-in that switches out the typeface of other websites. The Frito-Lay snack brand is encouraging consumers to post their own Other Hand Font creations on social media for the chance to win a limited-edition bag inspired by the chicken scratch design."  

NORAH O'DONNELL SIGNED OFF

According to Adweek, "After five years anchoring the CBS Evening News, Norah O'Donnell opened the Eye Network newscast for one last time on Thursday, January 23rd. She said, "This has been an honor of a lifetime to anchor this legacy broadcast. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting us and welcoming hard news with heart." She is not leaving CBS News, but instead shifting into a broader role as the network's senior correspondent focusing on long-form reporting and interviews." 

The broadcast's next era will be ushered in by John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois, who will co-anchor the Evening News out of Studio 47 within CBS News' Manhattan headquarters. The duo will joined by Margaret Brennan from Washington, D.C., and Lonnie Quinn, the chief weathercaster. 

COSTCO FOOD COURT CHANGES

According to ABC7, "Costco shoppers will soon see a difference in drink choices at its food court. Costco's CEO announced Thursday that the company is bringing back Coca-Cola products. The big-box wholesaler said Coke will replace its archival Pepsi. For decades, Coke was a centerpiece at Costco food courts, but the company switched to Pepsi in 2013. Coke fountain drinks are expected to make a comeback at your local store beginning this summer."

STARBUCKS CHANGES

Beginning January 27th, according to ABC7, "Starbucks is bringing back condiment bars after they were taken away during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and baristas will return to hand-writing customers' names on their cups using Sharpies. Both changes are part of Starbucks' plans to reboot the coffee house vibe that's diminished in recent years. The return of milk and sugar stations are a small step for Starbucks, but it represents something much bigger for the world's largest coffee chain. It's an acknowledgment that Starbucks went too far in overloading its baristas with endless ways to prepare drinks. The return of personalizing cups is also a CEO Brian Niccol directive, who previously said the chain had to "track down" 200,000 Sharpies to make it happen."

KIA RECALLS

According to NBCNewYork, "Automaker Kia America is recalling more than 80,000 vehicles due to floor wiring beneath the front passenger seat that can become damaged and prevent airbags and seat belts from deploying properly. Damaged wiring can also cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To remedy the situation, dealers will inspect, replace, and reroute the floor wiring assembly, as necessary, for free. In addition, dealers will install wiring covers. Owners will be notified by letters mailed in March."

ITALIAN MUSEUMS AND DOGS

According to ArtNews, "Italian museums have started offering free dog-sitting services in a bid to boost visitor numbers. The scheme, initiated by the Bauadvisor dog services company, launched on January 26th in Rome at four major cultural sites. Forty dog owners reportedly used the service on its opening day. A 2024 report published by the Eurispes research company found that a third of Italian families have pets, and that almost 50 percent of those pets are dogs. Dino Gasperini, director of Bauadvisor, told the Times of London, "This project means owners can enjoy culture without being separated from their pets for long, and dogs will suffer less stress than they would if left at home." Gasperini claimed that half of dog owners forego visiting museums because they don’t want to leave their pets at home.

The service, which can be booked online, will tour 15 tourist hotspots across Italy for one day each month until April 2026. Dog owners will be able to leave their pets with trained minders at the entrances of selected museums. The dogs will then be walked and fed while their owners roam free inside each institution.

WELCOME TO DC'S PANDAS

Giant pandas have returned to Washington D.C. - and went on public view on January 24th! As part of the National Zoo's 52-year-old conservation partnership with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, the zoo is now home to two new bears, Bao Li and Qing Bao. In a ceremonial opening of the Asia Trail exhibit, the Zoo was declared as the "District of Panda."

According to the Smithsonian's website, "Panda fans nationwide can support NZCBI’s giant panda conservation program by purchasing limited-edition bags of giant panda-themed M&M'S on MMS.com and on-site at the Zoo, at Smithsonian museum stores and at the Smithsonian Store at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. For every limited-edition panda pack sold on MMS.com, Mars will donate $5 to NZCBI's giant panda conservation program. Through purchase of these limited-edition M&M'S, fans can directly contribute to the NZCBI's research and habitat protection efforts for one of the world's most beloved and iconic animals. The $14.99 10 oz. sharing-size bags include candies featuring a panda figure and a pawprint, showcasing the giant panda's pseudo-thumb used to grasp bamboo. The packaging features a fun fact about giant pandas and a QR code that connects fans to NZCBI's website, where they can learn more about this species."

Numerous hotels, restaurants, and even the Washington, DC public library are getting in the panda spirit!

Washington, DC Public Library: "Get ready to greet them with the library! Check out panda-themed books, stream documentaries about the species, create a panda paper mache mask with the help of Creativebug and more."

Some hotels, according to the Washingtonian:

Churchill Hotel: The "Panda-monium Getaway" package at the Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row includes a welcome cocktail for two, take-home panda-themed bucket hats plus a reusable bag, and $10 of your reservation fee will be donated to the Smithsonian Giant Panda Conservation Program. Rooms start at $208 a night.

Conrad Washington DC: The Conrad Hotel's two-night panda package includes a stay in a suite; transportation to and from the National Zoo; a private, in-suite visit from the hotel's panda mascot, Potomac the Panda; a gourmet picnic basket with lunch for four to take to the zoo; a "sponsor circle" zoo membership; luxury keepsakes for parents including a Gucci panda charm and a black-and-white silk twill scarf from Prada; and plush pandas and panda-themed treats for the kids. Packages start at $5,500.

Lyle Hotel: In addition to overnight accommodations at the Dupont Circle Hotel, the "Panda-monium at Lyle" package includes Panda-inspired cocktails at the bar, a black-and-white cookie treat in the room, a late checkout, and an Uber credit for getting to the zoo. Rates begin at $231 a night.

Melrose Georgetown Hotel: The panda package at this hotel includes welcome cocktails for two, take-home panda-themed bucket hats plus a reusable bag, and $10 of your reservation fee will be donated to the Smithsonian Giant Panda Conservation Program. Rates start at $262 a night.

Omni Shoreham Hotel: Just six blocks from the zoo, the Omni Shoreham always offers a zoo package, and the return of the pandas makes it as timely as ever. The package includes a $25 daily breakfast credit, one zoo-themed welcome gift per child, and hotel valet parking for one car. Rates start at $254 a night.

Watergate Hotel: The "Welcome Home, Pandas" package at the Watergate Hotel includes panda-themed treats, a panda-printed pajama set from Bellabubear for the kids, and a stuffed toy panda, plus transportation to and from the Zoo. Rates start at $504 a night.

Restaurants too, according to Axios DC:

Baked by Yael, a Kosher and nut-free bakery by the zoo, has tripled its revenue on big bear occasions. To fuel the craze, it bakes panda pops and cookies and sells merch.

The panda-themed pop-up takes over Duke's Counter, across from the zoo. Owner Daniel Kramer says they're "going all-in," from a green habitat-chic decor to panda-rita cocktails and photo-ready backdrops for the TikTok crowd. Expect bamboo everything, from edible garnishes to sustainable straws.

OREO'S LATEST PARTNERSHIP

According to PRNewsWire, "The OREO brand is starting off the new year with a twist. That is, the Limited Edition Post Malone OREO Cookies. In a sweet new collab, the OREO brand is teaming up with nine-time RIAA diamond-certified, GRAMMY Award-nominated phenomenon Post Malone to drop a cookie that celebrates the "twists" in all of us. The OREO cookies star a first-of-its-kind swirled creme combining salted caramel and shortbread flavor creme, sandwiched between an OREO chocolate cookie and a signature golden cookie for a delicious duet of flavors in every bite."

CHAMPAGNE SALES SINK

According to CNN, "Champagne sales have lost their pop as people around the world aren't in the mood to say "cheers." The total number of Champagne shipments from France sank nearly 10 percent last year to 271 million bottles, marking the second consecutive year of declines as inflation-weary consumers cut back and a generally glum mood permeates across the globe. That's according to new report from Comité Champagne, a trade association representing more than 16,000 winegrowers and 320 Champagne houses, which painted a dour picture of the industry that aligns with sales of other alcoholic beverages. Sales in France of the home-grown beverage also dipped 7 percent, to 118 million bottles, because the domestic market is still suffering from the prevailing gloomy political and economic context."

INSTAGRAM SNAFU

Following the Presidential Inauguration, some Instagram users were mysteriously unable to UNFOLLOW Trump and Vance. Users had previously followed the POTUS and VP accounts because they wanted to read/see posts by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, but for political reasons, chose to unfollow the new leaders. For unknown reasons, some users clicked unfollow, but the requests were denied.

LANGUAGE SNAFU

According to Fortune, "Mark Zuckerberg lamented the rise of "culturally neutered" companies that have sought to distance themselves from "masculine energy," adding that it's good if a culture "celebrates the aggression a bit more."

Zuckerberg was quoted as saying, "Masculine energy I think is good, and obviously society has plenty of that, but I think that corporate culture was really trying to get away from it. It's like you want feminine energy, you want masculine energy. I think that that's all good. But I do think the corporate culture sort of had swung toward being this somewhat more neutered thing. If you're a woman going into a company, it probably feels like it's too masculine. It's — there is't enough of the energy that you may naturally have. You want women to be able to succeed and have companies that can unlock all the value from having great people no matter what their background or gender."

Zuckerberg added that he grew up with three sisters and has three daughters, and wants women to succeed in corporations. Hard to believe!

SPIRIT AIRLINES UPDATES ITS DRESS CODE

According to Travel+Leisure, "In January, the airline announced it revised its passenger policies to enforce a stricter dress code, prohibiting certain items of clothing and forcing passengers with specific types of body art to cover up. In its updated "Contract of Carriage," the airline states that passengers will not be allowed to board if they are "barefoot" or are "inadequately clothed," which it defines as in "see-through clothing; not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts," or "whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature or has an offensive odor unless caused by a qualified disability." The airline decided on the change following several incidents with passengers.

DATA PRIVACY DAY

According to NationalToday.com, "As the line between our offline and online lives continues to blur, Data Privacy Day on January 28 is the little nudge we need at the beginning of each new year to make safeguarding our personal information a priority. Although we live in an increasingly digital world, most of us give little thought to data privacy until after our personal data has been compromised. Our increased reliance on digital technologies to manage every facet of life necessitates the need to rethink what we share about ourselves, when and where we share it, and who we are sharing it with. Data Privacy Day is part of the global online safety, security, and privacy campaign called "STOP. THINK. CONNECT." - an initiative of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).

The unpleasant truth is that most people who have access to our personal data do not need it. These digital strangers with legitimate access to our personal data are the very people we should be preventing from accessing our personal information because they do not need it. Data Privacy Day is an important wake-up call for anyone who is on the grid, meaning, they use any type of digital device for any reason, and thinks having spam software and firewalls are keeping their data safe. Data Privacy Day reminds us to treat personal information like money. It has value and we need to protect it as if our lives depended on it - because sometimes they do."

SUPER BOWL 59

The biggest football game of the year takes place in just 9 days - on February 9th! Which brand's ads are you looking forward to watching?

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!


Image Credits: M&M's (Smithsonian's National Zoo Giant Panda), Cheetos/PepsiCo Foods US, and the White House.


Here's the link to the Giant Panda Cam:

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam


Here's the link to purchase some panda MM's:

https://www.mms.com/en-us/gifts/smithsonian-zoo-panda-10oz/ct2346-p.html


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