Undoubtedly the biggest night in advertising, the Super Bowl attracts all the big players – from Anheuser-Busch InBev to GE – and for the past nine years, Pepsi has been one of the biggest. Until now. This week, the beverage giant announced it will not be advertising in the 2010 Super Bowl. Instead, Pepsi will be investing $20 million into its new cause marketing program.

What a difference a year makes. Last February, we gave kudos to several companies that spent top-dollar to communicate their social and environmental commitments during the Super Bowl. As the 2010 Super Bowl approaches, we are blown away by one company’s decision not to. Pepsi is forgoing millions of guaranteed consumer eyes and ears for higher-touch social media tactics that will be incorporated into its cause program in the coming year. This decision speaks volumes about both the changing role of media and the growth of cause marketing as a central part of brand strategy.

So, as we head into 2010 with hopes of an economic recovery in our sights, there is really no denying that cause has reached new heights. We stand at an exciting moment in time for cause – at the onset of a new year that will bring new opportunity. And with such bold moves from big brands, it appears we’re off to a good start.

Comments

Jane McCleary	February 7, 2010 7:19 PM I think that Pepsi, instead of spending money on Super Bowl adds, they should let people log in and vote to spend money on charities such as the Haitian Earthquake, child abuse, etc. Every time a person logs on, a certain amount of advsertising dollars would go to a charity/ies.
Casey Brennan	February 9, 2010 8:22 AM Hi Jane- Pepsi chose not to run commercials at the Super Bowl, instead investing $20 million in its Pepsi Refresh Project, where consumers can submit ideas to receive funding and vote for those most worthy. You can vote on projects you think are most important by visiting http://www.refresheverything.com/ Enjoy! Casey Brennan Insights Associate Cone

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