Posted by: TonyFranco
on Feb 11, 2009
I'm working in Milan at the moment and can't help noticing the number of Fiat 500s on the road. It's a really good-looking car and retains all the style and character of the much loved original. If I was in the market for a new small car, this is definitely the one I'd go for.
Posted by: TonyFranco
on Feb 10, 2009
I've been really impressed by Walker's Do Us a Flavour Promotion, a competition to find the next flavour of Walkers crisps. Various wild flavour combinations have been suggested by the public and we're down to the final 6. Whoever wins, based on public votes will win £50 000 and 1% of future revenues.
I've been doing a fair amount of motorway driving over the past week and so far have picked up 3 different flavours - Builders Breakfast, Onion Bhaji and Chilli and Chocolate. They've all been fantastic, but I particularly like the Builders Breakfast.
Its a really simple idea, but is a brilliant way to create interest in a well established category. And discussing the merits of different flavours is a great way to pass the time on long car journeys.
Whilst browsing the fixture at my M4 service station I noticed that Phileas Fogg had re-launched their crisp range. Compared to Walkers they looked rather dull - sea salt and Indonesian black pepper (yawn) and lacking character. Feels too little too late.
Posted by: TonyFranco
on Feb 7, 2009
I'm really intrigued by Howie's new range of products called Hand Me Down. These are ultra durable products that are designed to last at least 10 years and be passed on to subsequent generations. The only consequence is that they cost a lot of money eg £400 for a jacket.
The rationale they use is that these kinds of products will encourage us to consume less in the long term. Will be interesting to see whether this approach to responsible consumption will be adopted by other brands and categories
This approach reminds me a little of Patek Philippe's long running advertising campaign. This has the famous line. 'You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation' . Of course their consumer insight is very different - the desire to create a legacy and the bond between a father and his son. A fabulous insight and one that clearly resonates.
