Budweiser's Super Bowl ad is a highly anticipated industry event, as the beer brand has released one during a prime time slot since 1984. This year, however, is different, and the brand aims to re-focus its efforts and budgets toward community support and aiding in the fight against COVID-19.
According to U.S chief marketing officer Marcel Marcondes, "We don’t want to go back to normal," he said. "We want to get better, we need to keep the learnings, and we need to evolve." Budweiser has already transformed multiple stadiums into blood drive centers, they support small bars and restaurants and created a scholarship program that hopes to diversify the brewing industry.
By sitting out of this year's Super Bowl ad and reallocating their funds, Budweiser hopes to set a new industry standard.
Vaccine-Supporting Beer Campaigns
No Budweiser's Super Bowl Ad Will Be Run This Year
Trend Themes
1. Community Support Campaigns - Companies are shifting their advertising budgets towards support for communities affected by the pandemic.
2. Social Responsibility Focus - Brands are prioritizing social responsibility initiatives over traditional advertising to make a positive impact.
3. Diversification Scholarship Programs - Brands are creating scholarship programs that aim to diversify industries, such as the brewing industry, to promote equality and inclusion.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage - Beverage brands can invest in community support campaigns to gain positive brand recognition and set new industry standards.
2. Advertising - Advertising agencies can focus on creating socially responsible campaigns that make a positive impact on communities and the world.
3. Education - Educational institutions can partner with brands to create scholarship programs that support diversity and inclusion in industries like brewing and beyond.