http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/28/coca-cola-plant-billboard_n_886192.html
So this article came out at the end of June, but I wanted to share it as my article this week. Coca-Cola has teamed up with the World Wildlife Federation to put up its first plant billboard in the Philippines. The billboard is made with Fukien tea plants that are believed to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.
1. What do you all think about these new billboards?
2. Do you think this type of sustainability effort will actually convince people to drink coke?
3. Do you think this effort is too small?
Jesse,
ReplyDeleteGreat find for an article. This is a great example of co-branding as well.
Dr. Mishra
I think with everyone trying to be "green" this is a great way to appeal to them. It could potentially encourage a lot more people to buy coke, but personally, I already love Coke and this ad wouldn't mean anything to me except, "oh, it's another Coke logo." I don't think the effort is too small at all. They put probably put a lot of time and energy into this concept. It's a great idea, but I don't know if it will pay off in the way they wanted.
ReplyDeleteCan you say Kudzu?
ReplyDeleteHopefully the billboard will be removed within the year, before the "fast growing" tea plants take over the coke bottle. Or has Coke included maintenance in its advertising budget?
Okay, all my negativity aside, this is a good "green" campaign. Could you imagine this billboard in Times Square?! Closer to home, could you ever imagine the Raleigh City Council approving such billboard? If the City didn't have a sign ordinance, I bet the Council would approve it. I think a great place for this billboard would be at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park or Walnut Creek Amphitheater (not sure which company has naming rights any more).
Would I change to Pepsi if they changed their marketing efforts to be more sustainable? No. So how would this get other consumers to change to Coke? To me, it's just another billboard. It's cool, but like most billboards, I'm not running out to get the must-have product. (But actually I am . . . only because I'm addicted to DietCoke, not because of the billboard.)
But putting a billboard like this at a venue like the Bulls Park, I might look at it and remember I was thirsty and needed to get a Coke.
I actually like this billboard as a piece of environmental art.
I think this is an excellent way to market coca cola. It's also a great example of co-branding. This billboard shows that Coke is going above and beyond become a target market for everyone. Those who are more earth friendly and "green" would like this billboard. It shows how versatile Coke can be and that they care about reaching out to different audiences. It's a great way to get involved in making the earth a better place!
ReplyDelete