Coke Mixed Fans
By Geometry Global - Dubai
For Coca-Cola Middle East Brand Coke
Highly Commended in category Data-Driven
Insights
Project Description
The brief in itself required the elevation of the World Cup experience. That in turn, implied a solution, which has a high level of interactivity and leads to a sense of belonging. Mixed Fans required engagement, personalization and involvement from our audience, for our idea to manifest. The experiential approach generated high level of engagement at three different phases of interaction: 1st - Take the DNA test 2nd- Pick up the personalized jersey 3rd - Wear the jersey and cheer for their team.
In preparation for the World Cup marketing hype, Coca-Cola wanted to play an active role in amplifying the overall game-watching experience. The brief was to move away from passive advertising i.e. branded content, ATL films, shopper promotions – and move towards inspiring people in Dubai to celebrate the month-long event with Coca-Cola. However we were faced with one major barrier: the UAE’s population is comprised of over 200 nationalities, many of which don’t have a team competing in the WC games. But, Coca-Cola believes the joy of football should be for everyone. So how could Coca-Cola enable people to take part of the World Cup, regardless of their nationality?
In preparation for the World Cup marketing hype, Coca-Cola wanted to play an active role in amplifying the overall game-watching experience. The brief was to move away from passive advertising i.e. branded content, ATL films, shopper promotions – and move towards inspiring people in Dubai to celebrate the month-long event with Coca-Cola. However we were faced with one major barrier: the UAE’s population is comprised of over 200 nationalities, many of which don’t have a team competing in the WC games. But, Coca-Cola believes the joy of football should be for everyone. So how could Coca-Cola enable people to take part of the World Cup, regardless of their nationality?
Agency Solution
Mixed Fans. Helping non-fans find their unlikely national team to support. At the heart of this idea, was the universal truth that everyone’s genetic heritage is a big amalgam of different cultures and nationalities. So, we invited people without a team to support, to take a DNA test. And envisioned a unique way to deliver their results, just in time for the big games.
Every World Cup season, brands ride the wave of national team celebrations. Flags from participating countries take over packaging, social posts, and most forms of communication collaterals. Knowing that Coca-Cola is a brand of inclusivity and diversity, we saw an opportunity to change this traditional paradigm. What about the people whose national teams are not participating? How can we not make them feel left out because their flags aren’t being waved by brands? Our insight uncovered a universal truth: everyone’s genetic composition is made up of different cultures and nationalities. And so, the strategy became clear: Make people see that they already belong to the big football family; they just don’t know it yet.
Two months before the World Cup, we created a bespoke campaign targeting nationalities whose teams weren’t taking part in the World Cup. The unbranded campaign came with a simple message: Find your roots through DNA testing. Out of thousands of applicants, we invited those who showed the highest interest for football to take the test. During the WC opening week, we invited the same people to discover the findings of their DNA test at Dubai’s most popular viewing arenas. We surprised them with an unexpected reveal; a hand-crafted football jersey made up of their DNA heritage. More importantly, proving that they do have a team to support. Turning the World Cup into a moment of discovery and inclusion, and truly bringing the universal joy of football, to everyone.
Every World Cup season, brands ride the wave of national team celebrations. Flags from participating countries take over packaging, social posts, and most forms of communication collaterals. Knowing that Coca-Cola is a brand of inclusivity and diversity, we saw an opportunity to change this traditional paradigm. What about the people whose national teams are not participating? How can we not make them feel left out because their flags aren’t being waved by brands? Our insight uncovered a universal truth: everyone’s genetic composition is made up of different cultures and nationalities. And so, the strategy became clear: Make people see that they already belong to the big football family; they just don’t know it yet.
Two months before the World Cup, we created a bespoke campaign targeting nationalities whose teams weren’t taking part in the World Cup. The unbranded campaign came with a simple message: Find your roots through DNA testing. Out of thousands of applicants, we invited those who showed the highest interest for football to take the test. During the WC opening week, we invited the same people to discover the findings of their DNA test at Dubai’s most popular viewing arenas. We surprised them with an unexpected reveal; a hand-crafted football jersey made up of their DNA heritage. More importantly, proving that they do have a team to support. Turning the World Cup into a moment of discovery and inclusion, and truly bringing the universal joy of football, to everyone.