If any PR or marketing professional is asked what they are most looking forward to during the Christmas season, they’ll likely answer by saying their Christmas dinner, spending time with family, and, of course, their favourite Christmas campaigns.

It’s well known that in our world, Christmas is in July, so the festive season really is a special time to see not only our long-awaited campaigns come to life, but also the creative work of our peers.

Our account manager, Ellie, and account executive, Daisy, have given us a run-down of their favourite Christmas food and drink campaigns of 2023. 

Cadbury

Image credit: Cadbury

What Daisy has to say about Cadbury’s Secret Santa:

Cadbury’s campaign allows consumers to send a free chocolate bar to someone special in their life. QR codes are popping up all around the country on posters at bus stops, in shopping centres or around town, which when scanned, take you to a website to fill in the details of who to send the chocolate to.

I loved this campaign as it gives people all around the country the chance to send someone a Christmas present for free, which is especially pertinent in the cost-of-living crisis. 

From an ongoing brand perspective, the campaign helps to continue raising awareness and keeping Cadbury front of mind.

Bounty

Image credit: Pinpep

What Ellie has to say about the Bounty campaign:  

Whether you’re a Bounty lover or not, you have to agree that the ongoing PR activity is a spark of genius. Coming to a head this year, Mars Wrigley, who owns Celebrations, enlisted the help of Oxford University and presenter, DJ, and Bounty-enthusiast Chris Stark, to host a festive debate, answering the question “To Bounty or not to Bounty”.

The university’s famous debating Union voted to banish the divisive chocolate for good – and the Mars marketing team achieved brilliant coverage in big-hitting national newspapers and Oxford regionals, too. 

Following on from activity over the last two years, including a ‘Bounty Return Scheme’ and removing them completely from selected tins across the country, the creativity is undeniable, and by honing in on an existing bit of consumer culture, Mars has planted itself firmly among the big dogs at Christmas time. I wonder whether Bounty will come back fighting next year…

Waitrose

Image credit: Waitrose

What Daisy has to say about the Waitrose advert: 

The 2023 Waitrose Christmas ad celebrates how the imperfection of Christmas celebrations often is what makes them feel perfect. It’s a perfect example of how companies straying away from the shiny and idealistic images, in an attempt to make the brand relatable and achievable during the cost-of-living crisis.

National treasure Graham Norton was also the perfect ambassador to feature in the video, thanks to his beloved personality and infectious excitement.

Ikea

Image credit: IKEA 

What Ellie has to say about the IKEA campaign: 

Taking one thing that they’re known for, and making it Christmas-related, is how IKEA has stayed relevant over the jam-packed festive period.

Famous not only for its cost-effective flat pack furniture, but for its great meatballs too, IKEA has launched a limited-edition meatball for our Christmas dinners, and it’s the size of a turkey!

Solely available at IKEA stores, this is an ingenious way of getting customers in, and a simple yet effective coverage driver. They’ve even created a veggie version and have boosted reach further with a social media competition. Kudos to IKEA’s marketing team!

The Beefy Boys

Image credit: The Beefy Boys

What Ellie has to say about The Beefy Boys advert: 

A fresh take on a Christmas campaign, the Beefy Boys ad takes you on an emotional rollercoaster – just make sure you watch until the end!

Ads with a heart-warming storyline can indeed tug on the heartstrings, especially at Christmas time, but the humour of Beefy Boy’s light-hearted advert is refreshing to see and has been a hit with the regional media, local to the flagship restaurant in Hereford, too.

What do you think of these campaigns? Have we missed any festive delights? Let us know your thoughts on social media.