Cup Noodle - My Vending Machine campaign

Written by: Michael Keferl on January 16, 2009 at 2:15 am | In DIGITAL LIFE, MARKETING IDEAS | 2 Comments

It looks like Nissin, founder of the Cup Noodle and hero to geeks everywhere, is taking a cue from Asahi and their famed Robocco beer-pouring robot promotion in 2006.

Until the end of March, Cup Noodle fanatics will be able to place entries to win one of 3000 limited edition My Vending Machine Cup Noodle dispenser/water heaters. Watch the video below to see more:

There are already cool options available for Cup Noodle vending, especially in Akihabara, but this promotion takes the concept to heart. Like the Robocco robot promotion that took three minutes to open and pour a beer, My Vending Machine clearly complicates what is already a painfully simple task: Open lid. Add water. Eat.

However, also like the Robocco promotion, this is a giveaway that tunes in perfectly to its demographic. So what if it’s unnecessary in a practical sense?! Robots and vending machines are pretty much equally adored in this land of automation, and they make for brilliant promotions.

Press release

Tags: Campaigns, FMCG, Giveaways, Marketing
Category: DIGITAL LIFE, MARKETING IDEAS
Other categories: LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Innovative packaging & promo - Virginia Slims Duo

Written by: Michael Keferl on November 5, 2008 at 12:39 am | In LIFESTYLE / FASHION, MARKETING IDEAS | No Comments

A few years back Virginia Slims kicked off the split package trend in Japanese tobacco products, making two packs out of one for women to carry in small purses. Several other brands have also gone for the slim and dainty female market, and the omake free gifts reflect this as well.

Out in convenience stores now is a split pack and gift set that is all styled together in zebra stripes, from the package itself to the portable ashtray and lipstick lighter. The product itself becomes a fashion and lifestyle statement for more “edgy” women, as opposed to the girly pinkness of a brand such as Pianissimo.

Tags: FMCG, Giveaways, Packaging, Tobacco
Category: LIFESTYLE / FASHION, MARKETING IDEAS
Other categories: DIGITAL LIFE, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Asahi Robocco BeerBot (Beer pouring robot) available to Buy!

Written by: Michael Keferl on June 7, 2007 at 3:19 am | In DIGITAL LIFE | 14 Comments

Since putting up our original video of the Asahi Robocco BeerBot, we’ve had tons of requests to make it available. Well, now it is! You can now get one of the original beer-pouring robots for yourself, most likely becoming the only person on your continent who has one. Complete with refrigeration, they’re perfect for bars, rec-rooms, and just about anywhere a beer-pouring robot would be awesome (everywhere).

Features:
• Stores and refrigerates 6 cans
• Opens cans and pours a perfect glass
• Ensures perfect temperature with internal sensor
• Programmable voice (male, female, or custom)
• Cleaning mode
• Child lock

Included in Delivery:
• 2 custom glass mugs
• 6 Foam cup bases
• Plastic floor protector
• Full documentation
• Instructions in English and Japanese

Robocco is designed for Japanese size (350ml) cans, but we tested it with American-sized (355ml) cans and it worked just fine. Of course, we have no guarantee as to whether it will work with every foreign can, so keep this in mind before you buy. Having the proper can height is the most important factor in opening the can.

Also, please keep in mind that these robots are used, but in near-perfect condition. Returns are not accepted, but we do test every Robocco before they are sent out to ensure proper working order.

Simply click on any picture or HERE to access Robocco in our catalog.

Tags: beer, beverages, Campaigns, FMCG, Giveaways, Marketing, robots
Category: DIGITAL LIFE
Other categories: MARKETING IDEAS, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS

Kirin’s Fire Gold Rush “limited edition” Lamborghini coffee

Written by: Michael Keferl on December 28, 2006 at 1:23 am | In MARKETING IDEAS | No Comments

Kirin’s Fire “Gold Rush” brand of canned coffee has been giving away tiny Lamborghini toy cars inside plastic caps on the coffee cans, and now Fire has introduced a new Fire Gold Rush “Special Edition for automobili Lamborghini” coffee. This blog in Japanese has the cars as well as the coffee together. We always gave our cars to little kids, so nothing from here but the can.

The can is very gold as you can see, and really stands out in the coffee rack at the Lawson’s convenience store. In fact, as far as we can tell, this is only a Lawson’s promotion. Eager to taste a “special edition” coffee, we were at least pleased to find that it does, in fact, taste like coffee.

Tags: beverages, Coffee, Giveaways, Kirin, Limited Edition
Category: MARKETING IDEAS
Other categories: DIGITAL LIFE, LIFESTYLE / FASHION, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS