Solar snackdown 2024: out-of-this-world brand activations inspired by the total eclipse
Creativity shines bright, from SunChips’ Solar Eclipse Chips to MoonPie’s celestial wrestling match.
The Sun and Moon go head-to-head in MoonPie's new campaign / Credit: MoonPie
Prepare for an astronomical spectacle unlike any other as the total solar eclipse approaches on April 8. Compared with its predecessor in 2017, this year’s celestial performance promises to be even more captivating, with a longer duration and darker skies.
As millions prepare to witness the extraordinary event, brands aim to seize some of the spotlight, or perhaps more fittingly, sunlight. From SunChips and MoonPie to Pizza Hut and CosMc’s, join us as we explore the cosmic creativity inspired by Monday’s total solar eclipse.
SunChips to debut ‘Solar Eclipse Chips’ during the eclipse
SunChips is celebrating the celestial event by introducing an extremely limited-edition flavor: ‘SunChips Solar Eclipse Chips,’ available exclusively for the duration of the eclipse’s totality, lasting 4 minutes and 27 seconds. The unique snack pays homage to the celestial object that inspired the brand’s name, the sun.
As part of the campaign, SunChips is also partnering with PepsiCo’s pep+ initiative, pledging $50,000 to the PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good US program. To engage consumers further, SunChips is collaborating with astronaut and solar expert Kellie Gerardi to offer an exclusive flavor mash-up of Pineapple Habanero and Black Bean Spicy Gouda. Fans can participate by visiting SunChipsSolarEclipse.com at 1:33pm CT on April 8, during the eclipse’s peak. The campaign is crafted by the creative agency Tombras.
CosMc’s to open 2 new Arlington locations, host ‘Total Eclipse of the Park’ watch party
CosMc’s, a space-themed beverage concept from McDonald’s, is making its cosmic touchdown in Arlington, Texas, with two new locations opening just in time for the celestial spectacle on Monday. On April 8, CosMc’s invites fans to Levitt Pavilion for ‘Total Eclipse of the Park,’ an eclipse watch party. From 11am to 3pm, attendees will enjoy complimentary eclipse glasses and samples of CosMc’s popular menu items, snagging branded giveaways and grooving to beats spun by special guest DJ SheReal alongside DJ Rob.
Additionally, Earthlings can visit the newest CosMc’s location opening on the same day at 300 E Abram, next to Namoo Korean Bowl, to indulge in the restaurant’s bold beverages and craveable snacks from 6am to 9pm. The news comes after CosMc’s first test location opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The chain plans to expand to approximately nine pilot locations across the Dallas and San Antonio metropolitan areas in the coming months.
MoonPie presents: ‘Sun v Moon ‘24: Brutality in the Totality’
In a new campaign, MoonPie gears up to take down the Sun a cosmic clash of epic proportions. On April 8, the cookie brand is launching a social campaign to generate hype over the total solar eclipse, featuring a spoofed professional wrestling match between the celestial giants.
Dubbed ‘Sun v Moon ‘24: Brutality in the Totality,’ this campaign, crafted by creative agency Tombras, pits the Sun and the Moon against each other in a showdown billions of years in the making. In a pro-wrestling-style trailer, the Sun and the Moon, portrayed by wrestlers, square off as the stage is set for an astronomical rematch. MoonPie is not only bringing the entertainment but also promoting its limited-edition ‘Solar Eclipse Survival Kits’ to ensure eclipse-watchers have the perfect snack for the celestial event. The kits are available at Dollar Tree, Walmart, select grocery stores and online at moonpie.com.
Pizza Hut gets a slice of the fun with its ‘Total Eclipse of the Hut’
In celebration of the eclipse, Pizza Hut is unveiling a stellar (or should we say, “interstellar?”) promotion called the ‘Total Eclipse of the Hut.’ On April 8, the pizza chain is selling large pizzas, the shape of the sun and moon, for just $12. The deal also applies to create-your-own pizzas, with up to 10 toppings or signature recipe pizzas, including Thin ‘N Crispy, Hand Tossed and Original Pan varieties.
Smoothie King shakes things up with its new ‘Eclipse Berry Blitz Smoothie’
From March 27 to April 8, coinciding with the day of the Solar Eclipse, Smoothie King is launching a new cosmic concoction: the ‘Eclipse Berry Blitz Smoothie,’ a blend of bananas, apple, wild blueberries and blueberry juice, white grape lemon juice, protein and blue spirulina.
Guests visiting a Smoothie King within the path of the Solar Eclipse will also receive a free pair of Smoothie King-branded eclipse glasses with the purchase of the Eclipse Berry Blitz smoothie, ensuring they can enjoy the eclipse in style and safety.
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