16463: Another Merger—Doughnuts + Nuts.

AgencySpy posted on Krispy Kreme choosing a new White advertising agency—the recently mega-merged VML—to handle global creative and media duties. How appropriate, as VML is a sugarcoated box of vanilla-cream-filled unhealthiness.

 

VML Named Creative Agency Partner for Krispy Kreme

 

By Kyle O’Brien

 

Doughnut giant Krispy Kreme has selected VML as its global creative agency partner. The agency is tasked with developing creative strategy and visual identity for Krispy Kreme and will handle both global and U.S. creative and media responsibilities.

 

Krispy Kreme is the first major new business win for VML following its recent merger that found VMLY&R joining forces with Wunderman Thompson under the VML name.

 

The agency appointment marks a significant milestone for Krispy Kreme as it becomes a more global, omnichannel brand. Krispy Kreme is an 86-year-old heritage sweets brand focused on freshly made doughnuts and handcrafted coffee, operating in over 35 countries through a network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers and a rapidly growing ecommerce and delivery business. The brand recently announced a slate of new international locations, including Switzerland, Chile and Jamaica.

 

As global creative agency, VML is tasked with developing the creative strategy and platform to increase brand awareness and drive preference for Krispy Kreme locations and points of access globally. In addition, VML will support Krispy Kreme’s limited-time offers across key holiday periods to grow brand sales and audience engagement.

 

“We are honored to partner with Krispy Kreme, an iconic brand that is only growing in global recognition and love. The team is beyond enthusiastic to help shape the next brand roadmap for Krispy Kreme,” said Jon Cook, global CEO of VML in a statement.

 

VML was selected by Krispy Kreme following a competitive pitch. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but the 2023 spend estimate for Krispy Kreme is $15 million, all in digital, according to COMvergence.

 

“We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with VML. The agency’s data-informed strategic mindset and brilliance in creative global brand platforms offer the partnership we need to elevate the Krispy Kreme brand and captivate audiences across all of our global markets,” said Dave Skena, chief global brand officer at Krispy Kreme in a statement.

 

Georgeanne Erickson, U.S. chief marketing officer at Krispy Kreme added that the brand is looking to the partnership with VML to enhance the Krispy Kreme brand experience across ecommerce, retail and its network of “Delivered Fresh Daily” locations throughout the U.S.

 

“We are energized and inspired by the agency’s caliber of creativity and strategic thinking,” said Erickson in a statement.

 

Krispy Kreme and VML will begin working together immediately, with work set to launch in market in spring of 2024.

12521: Krispy Kreme KKK.

FOX News reported on a culturally clueless promotion cancelled by Krispy Kreme in the UK. It wouldn’t be surprising to learn that a UK advertising agency was involved too.

Krispy Kreme cancels ‘KKK Wednesday’ promotion

By Fox News

A UK Krispy Kreme branch apologized for a promotion created to draw more kids into its store during Britain’s half-term, a short holiday for students in the middle of each the three periods into which the school year is divided.

The branch created a series of promotional events that included “KKK Wednesday,” which was planned to run at the Hull branch in Britain from noon to 5 p.m. However, the branch apparently did not realize what the acronym is synonymous with.

Facebook followers quickly pointed out that KKK stands for the Ku Klux Klan, a racially charged American hate group that has committed unspeakable crimes against African-Americans, among others.

The company originally planned to use KKK as the “Krispy Kreme Klub.” Other activities during the county’s half-term, which runs from Feb. 16 to 22, included Funday Monday, Coloring Tuesday, Face Painting Thursday, Balloon Madness and Board Games Galore.

A company spokeswoman told The Daily Mirror the company apologizes “unreservedly for the inappropriate name of a customer promotion at one of our stores.”

The spokeswoman also said the material for the promotion was withdrawn and “an internal investigation is currently under way.”

Essay 4950

Monday Morning MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Wesley Snipes is not giving up efforts to have his upcoming federal tax evasion trial moved out of Ocala, Florida. The actor’s lawyer filed a motion to relocate and postpone the trial, currently scheduled for January 14. Snipes must think he’s R. Kelly.

• A study shows that Blacks still get inferior treatment for cancer versus Whites, a trend that has persisted since being revealed in the 1990s. Research indicated the problems were just as bad in 2002 as in 1992. Which is almost as long as the wait for the R. Kelly trial.

• The CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts resigned, as the company continues to struggle. America runs on Dunkin’—and apparently runs away from Krispy Kreme.