Martini and photographer and film director Greg Williams are coming together to curate a once-in-a-lifetime digital photography series of friends reuniting. Friends are being asked to submit images from their in-real-life meetups as lockdown restrictions ease and people come together to create a unique moment.
Williams, admired for his reportage-style images, will launch the series with a collection of photographs in celebration of friendship, featuring his fashion model wife Eliza Cummings. Centred around a typical Italian Aperitivo hour in the early evening sunshine, the scene depicts the group catching up over cicchetti and enjoying the delicious taste of Martini Fiero and tonic.
Williams has created a video guide on how to capture unforgettable moments with friends using just a smartphone. Accessible via his and the Martini Instagram page, the guide includes tips on composition, lighting, making your subjects feel at ease, the importance of storytelling, and more, all done in Williams’ signature relaxed tone and style.
As part of curating the digital gallery, Martini and Williams will be choosing four people to have a once in a lifetime opportunity to be photographed with their friends by Williams himself, using emerging new technology.
“At Martini, we understand the importance of time spent with friends, it’s been at the very heart of our brand since it was founded by three friends over 150 years ago,” said Victoria Morris, Vice President of Martini. “We’ve all missed meeting with friends over the past year but finally, as restrictions ease, we can now enjoy those incomparable face-to-face moments with the ones we love.
Greg Williams added: “The past year has been tough, and I’ve certainly missed being able to hang out with my friends, that’s why I’m so pleased to be partnering with such an iconic brand as Martini on this project. I describe myself as a candid photographer, capturing images in-the-moment, and as friends start to meetup there are going to be so many opportunities to take beautiful shots.
To be in for a chance to be featured in the gallery and of winning a once in a lifetime opportunity to be photographed with friends by Greg Williams, people can submit their photographs to #MARTINIMOMENTS on Instagram.
Pepsi MAX is tapping into the consumer demand for caffeine-free options with Pepsi MAX Caffeine Free 500ml bottles, available across retail and hospitality channels from March 2025. This comes as 79 per cent of 18-35-year-old cold soft drinks shoppers are interested in caffeine, sugar free cola, and it is becoming a key choice for lunchtime and afternoon occasions.
Pepsi MAX Caffeine Free is the leading no sugar and no caffeine cola in the category, growing at 47 per cent YOY and worth £20m RSV. Caffeine Free 500ml bottles will expand its reach – unlocking even more occasions to enjoy a cola without caffeine.
In addition to this, and building on the success of last year's rebrand, Pepsi returns this March with a nationwide Thirsty for More campaign, giving consumers a chance to win exclusive Pepsi merchandise. The promotion is live across all Pepsi packs until 30 April, offering thousands of Pepsi branded prizes including hoodies, hats, bags and skateboards. All shoppers need to do is simply purchase a Pepsi pack in-store or online and scan the QR code for a chance to win. The activity will be supported by unmissable in-store displays and point of sale material across all major retailers.
Summary Terms & Conditions:
UK, 18+. Online Instant Win: Between 06:00 – 23:59 daily, 18/02/25 – 30/04/25. No purchase necessary. Internet Access Required. Scan QR code on can or bottle or visit www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/brands/pepsi/thirsty-for-more, log in or register by submitting details (full name, email address & country) to find out instantly if you have won. Prizes: 10,000 x Pepsi merchandise prizes incl. clothing, bags and skateboards. Prizes allocated randomly. Max 1 entry p/person p/day. Max 1 Prize p/person. Wrap Up Draw (max 1 entry p/p): 01/05/25 – 01/06/25. Wrap Up Draw Prize: 50 x Pepsi merchandise prizes incl. clothing, bags and skateboards. Prizes allocated randomly. Full T&Cs & Prize details: https://www.joy-pepsico.eu/en-gb/promotions/pepsi/thirsty-for-more. Promoter: PepsiCo International Limited.
Lucozade Sport is bringing a zesty new launch to chillers across the nation from March. Lucozade Sport Ice Kick is a new collaboration with beloved England football star and Lucozade Athlete Jude Bellingham.
With a kick of zesty citrus flavours, the refreshing sports drink features Jude Bellingham on the front of pack to drive stand-out in the chiller and appeal to football fans across the country.
Significant marketing investment putting Bellingham front and centre will drive sales for retailers, including video content on both Lucozade Sport’s and Bellingham’s social channels to engage with football fans and shoppers directly.
Lucozade Sport Ice Kick will be available in both standard and price-marked 500ml bottles as well as 4x500ml multipacks from early March. As we move into spring and the weather starts to gets warmer, this new launch is set to boost retailers’ soft drinks sales at a perfect time in the lead up to the key summer selling season, boosted by a new football season on screen.
We have loved working closely with Jude to bring this icy new team member to chillers this season," said Tom Bell, Marketing Director at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I). “This refreshing new addition to Lucozade Sport’s range is set to be a huge hit with shoppers and football fans, and our proven track record of launching new flavours with our sports stars means we’re confident that retailers will see it kick off an unbeatable summer of sales!”
Retailers should cite new Lucozade Sport Ice Kick alongside the brand’s core Orange and Raspberry flavours as well as Blue Force, last year’s popular addition, to capture attention from existing and new shoppers alike. The icy cues of the bottle including condensation drops on the label have been developed to help retailers drive impulse sales from shoppers looking for chilled hydration and fuel, or simply something new and refreshing from the category.
Lucozade Sport Ice Kick will be fully supported by a suite of impactful POS across wholesale and convenience to help retailers and wholesalers drive maximum sales from launch onwards.
The 250-year-old shaving brand, Wilkinson Sword, that is part of the Edgewell Personal Care portfolio, is moving into the male grooming category with the launch of its new pre- and post-shave grooming range.
As the longest-standing shave brand in the UK with centuries of experience in blade making, the £46 million shave prep market presents the perfect opportunity for Wilkinson Sword to drive innovation and growth.
Currently, 42 per cent of UK men use inadequate prep – or none at all – and 67 per cent of shaving prep users are over the age of 45. As a trusted expert in the category, Wilkinson Sword is well-positioned to boost penetration by recruiting younger customers.
The new range directly addresses key purchase drivers for men seeking pre- and post-shave products to address skin-related issues such as getting a closer shave, skin irritation and comfort, while offering these solutions at an accessible price point.
Wilkinson Sword’s prep products are dermatologically tested and alcohol free. With ingredients that care for sensitive skin, including Pro Vitamin B5 (shaving foam and gel) and Vitamin E and Argan Oil (after-shave lotion), the range provides users with the ultimate kind-to-skin shaving routine.
Wilkinson Sword Shave Foam (200ml) - RRP £3.00 The cloud-like foam lifts the hairs for a closer shave and enhanced razor performance. It’s designed to cushion the blade, ensuring an easy, comfortable glide that leaves the skin feeling soft.
Wilkinson Sword Shave Gel (200ml) - RRP £3.00 The gel-to-foam formula helps protect the skin for a smooth and comfortable glide. Ideal for sensitive skin, the gel softens the skin and lifts the hairs, while reducing the risk of irritation from shaving.
Wilkinson Sword After Shave Lotion (100ml) - RRP £5.00 The hydrating lotion helps soothe sensitive skin after shaving. The non-greasy and caring formula will leave skin feeling refreshed and cooled.
The range packaging boasts a sleek green and matte black colour scheme, strengthening Wilkinson Sword’s brand identity across its product range and boosting visibility on shelf.
"Using quality shave prep and aftercare products is essential for a close, comfortable shave, yet often men overlook this vital step,” said Euan Condron, Senior Brand Manager at Edgewell Personal Care. “The challenge for the category is to simplify the routine and highlight its value, encouraging more men to enhance their shaving experience.
"With centuries of expertise, Wilkinson Sword’s new grooming range is a natural evolution of its legacy, designed to meet the needs of the modern man. We are excited to offer a complete grooming experience that delivers performance, sustainability, and skincare, ensuring every shave is smooth and effortless."
Wilkinson Sword will be using its new “Prepare, Shave, Care” messaging in select retailers to highlight the full regime it now offers. This will include free-standing units, branded product trays, and POS media.
To educate consumers on the importance of a proper shaving routine, the brand will also collaborate with leading British influencers and invest in paid social campaigns targeting younger shavers, ensuring strong visibility and engagement for the new range.
This launch follows the brand’s successful relaunch last year with the high-impact "The Blade Masters since 1772" campaign, which humorously showcased the brand's 250-year expertise in blades.
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New Peroni Nastro Azzurro 10-pack format: What shoppers need to know
Lager brand Peroni Nastro Azzurro is aiming to recruit younger and more affluent adult shoppers into the growing can segment by changing the shape of its cans, launching a new 10-pack multipack, and rolling out a new look.
Following feedback, the brand will move its 330ml cans from a slimline format to a "stubby" can, reflecting changing shopper perceptions and preferences associated with premium lager.
The cans will first be available in a new easy-opening 10-pack – designed for fridge storage – which is planned to launch across major multiple retailers, as well as Majestic and Parfetts.
“Historically, cans have been associated with the economy lager segment, but the format is becoming increasingly important to premium lager," said Rob Hobart, Marketing Director at Asahi UK. "For most premium brands such as Peroni Nastro Azzurro there is now a trend towards a more affluent and younger shopper demographic for cans.”
Cans have been growing their share of lager in recent years, reaching a value share of almost 64% in the latest year, up from 59.5% in 2022.
Can sales within premium lager grew in the past year by +10.6 per cent vs 2023, almost double the growth rate in mainstream lager at +5.6 per cent. The number of shoppers purchasing premium lager in can format has also been increasing year after year, with penetration rising from 8.3 per cent in 2021 to 11.5 per cent as of September 2024.
The new 10-pack follows the brand’s 4x440ml can launch in 2023. Last year, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 4x440ml was the fastest-growing premium can SKU within convenience and has added the most value sales to this pack-size out of any premium can brand.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro is also benefiting from a new redesign for its outer packaging, rolling out across the wider range. The new design sees the brand’s key asset – the blue ribbon – sweep across each side of multipacks, designed in a way to create an ‘endless ribbon’ when packs are together on shelf.
The main logo – the Amaretti – has been refreshed to drive standout, but without losing any premium detailing.
The new design was developed by Bristol-based agency Outlaw, which tested two concepts in market before combining the learnings from both for the final version. In tests, the concepts saw the percentage of people who agreed that Peroni Nastro Azzurro "is a premium beer" increase by +19 per cent and those who agreed it is "worth paying more for’" increase by +12 per cent.
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Yellow Tail’s refreshed packaging makes wine shopping easier
Yellow Tail has shared its plans for continued growth in the UK market.
With the revitalisation of its iconic packaging and a dynamic marketing communications campaign launch, [yellow tail] is embarking on a fresh chapter that honours its legacy while engaging a new generation of wine enthusiasts.
“We’re thrilled to see Yellow Tail grow to become the UK’s number-one wine brand in value, and 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year,” said Simon Lawson, Managing Director at Casella Family Brands Europe Ltd. “Our goal is to continue connecting with consumers, ensuring that Yellow Tail remains a trusted and easy choice for wine lovers everywhere.”
When [yellow tail] wine burst onto the scene in 2001, its revolutionary packaging broke away from the traditional, often serious wine branding of the time, making wine more fun, accessible, and inclusive. Its vibrant label and iconic ‘Roo’ logo instantly stood out, symbolising a relaxed, enjoyable wine culture. The refreshed packaging highlights the brand’s playful and optimistic personality, better reflects the wine’s quality, and makes it even easier to find, enjoy, and love.
Key features of the new packaging
Modern and Consumer-Focused: A sleek, contemporary design that appeals to all demographics.
Easier to Shop: Bold packaging stands out on shelves, simplifying choice when navigating the complex wine category.
Clear & Informative: Enhanced graphics and labelling help consumers quickly identify varietals and flavours.
Refined Quality Cues: Premium details elevate the brand, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Revitalised Roo: A dynamic new Roo design embodies [yellow tail]’s lively, energetic, and positive brand personality.
During the transition period, a combination of old and new packaging may be available. The full [yellow tail] range will transition in all global markets by the end of 2025. Customers and consumers can rest assured that the wine inside is consistent and of the same quality regardless of whether it is bottled in the current or new packaging.
New 360̊ marketing campaign coming soon
As part of this strategic investment, [yellow tail] will unveil an engaging 360 marketing campaign launching nationwide in May 2025. The campaign will celebrate the simple moments in life that bring joy and happiness and the role [yellow tail] plays in facilitating them. With relatable storytelling, and a fresh take on the brand’s message, to make the most of the every day, the campaign seeks to deepen the emotional connection with its audience. It will feature a suite of creative executions and roll out across TV, digital, and social channels, along with impactful in-store activations.
“As we continue to invest in growing the brand and maintaining its number one spot, our refreshed packaging and exciting new campaign will strengthen our connection with consumers, making the brand more vibrant, engaging, and accessible than ever,” added Lawson