Infiniti signed a deal with Warriors G Stephen Curry, making him a global brand ambassador. The manufacturer will feature Curry in global product and brand marketing campaigns. The first Infiniti campaign with Curry will help launch the new Q50 sports sedan this summer (Infiniti). REUTERS' Norihiko Shirouzu noted the Q50 campaign will include TV hits in the U.S., China and "other markets to coincide" with the August launch (REUTERS, 6/28).
FUEL GIVE ME FIRE: Cubs LF Kyle Schwarber last week was demoted to the minors, and ADWEEK's Tim Nudd noted some are now seeing his cameo in Gatorade's "Make Defeat Your Fuel," ad as a "gaffe" on the company’s part. But it really "just reinforces the ad’s point." Schwarber is "just going through everything the commercial is talking about" (ADWEEK.com, 6/28). In Chicago, Danny Ecker noted Schwarber is "seen behind the wheel of a car wearing a Cubs hat and delivering one line in the ad, which was shot in the spring." Luckily for Gatorade, the ad's theme of athletes "being fueled by defeat somewhat applies to Schwarber now" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 6/27).
DRINK OF CHOICE: Salt Lake City-based KSL.com's Josh Furlong noted the Univ. of Utah on July 1 will "switch over to PepsiCo as its official beverage provider," but the "royal blue background featured on the PepsiCo label will rarely be found on campus, due to its resemblance of in-state rival BYU’s school color." PepsiCo North America President & COO Kirk Tanner is a "Utah alumnus and was instrumental in forging the agreement -- a first for PepsiCo." All signage, including those on "vending machines and coolers, will feature a PepsiCo logo absent the blue background and a U. logo as part of its branding." Several other products, including Code Red Mountain Dew, will be "prominently branded throughout campus" (KSL.com, 6/27).
IN HIS CORNER: Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen's Clubs will partner with Top Rank boxer Bryant Jennings, the first time the company has partnered with an active professional boxer. Jennings will appear in the brand's fall '17 online ad campaign, special events and club appearances. He will also wear the brand's logo during televised fights, and workout gear with the brand logo in training throughout the duration of the sponsorship (Spearmint Rhino).
