Pepsi’s Jenny Danzi discusses how creative engagement drives the new promotion, interview
Choosing a particular beverage should be more than a blind grab to quench a thirst. Pepsi and its Better with Pepsi concept invites drinkers to open a bottle, pair it with food, and appreciate the flavor experience. In the new campaign, Pepsi Chase Cars the Friday night pizza tradition pulls into a new lane. Jenny Danzi, Head of Brand Marketing – Pepsi, explains how this next chapter continues the story that has transformed the iconic beverage.
According to the brand, Pepsi Chase Cars is a funny, relatable moment that transforms the Friday night pizza dinner into something a little extra. Although no one needs a “Fast and Furious” maneuver to build up an appetite, the reality is that free food served with the perfect beverage pairing waves that checkered flag for the win.
Specifically, this concept gives pizza lovers a free pie with an order of Pepsi. The offer is available from several national pizza chains including Little Caesars, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and Marcos Pizza.
While free food gets people’s attention, it serves as a reminder that pizza is better with Pepsi. Whether it is a pineapple forward option with that Little Caesars slice or a pepperoni overload with the classic cola, any and every slice is better with Pepsi.
Ahead of the new campaign launch, Jenny Danzi, Head of Brand Marketing – Pepsi, graciously answered some questions about this campaign as well as the beverage brand’s commitment to this “better with” concept. While there seems to be no shortage of potential pairings, the reality is that people want to be engaged in a creative, memorable way.
When asked why the Better with Pepsi campaign continues to resonate with consumers, Danzi shared the following response.
“The Better with Pepsi campaign’s success lies in the taste formulation of Pepsi-Cola, and its ability to elevate the taste of a wide range of foods. The unique blend of sweet brown spices and citrus notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to savory flavors, making it the ideal companion for all meal and snack-time occasions. Our commitment to food is stronger than ever and our goal is to continue showcasing how Pepsi enhances the taste of all foods, solidifying its place as the ultimate beverage to complement any dining experience.”
In today’s world where people are looking for real, honest connections with the food and beverages they love, this concept of a tried and true Pepsi pairing with any and every moment is vital. In a way, it is a new value. Instead of focusing on dollar and cents, it is a way for consumers to appreciate that a brand delivers the best possible product each and every time.
Since eating is about enjoying the moment in and around the table, getting consumers to “buy in” to the Better with Pepsi concept has worked.
As Danzi explained, “We’ve had great success with our Better with Pepsi platform, because it roots Pepsi in occasions where nothing else will taste as amazing. Whatever you're eating, you deserve to enjoy it to its fullest potential - and that means pairing it with the right beverage to enhance your meal. Pepsi, with its citrusy sweetness and refreshing carbonation, is the perfect companion to elevate the taste of your food. In fact, if you're not following your bites with sips of Pepsi, you're leaving taste on the table – and that’s definitely nothing to celebrate!”
In the new campaign, Pepsi Chase Cars, it expands on the pizza pairing. While the idea is quite entertaining, the reality is that people need these moments to engage and re-engage with the brand.
Danzi shared, “’PEPSI Chase Cars’ is a playful stunt that capitalizes on the trend of viral videos captured from ring cameras and other devices. By having some fun with unexpected interactions involving Pepsi and pizza, we aim to engage pizza fans and highlight the unique ways Pepsi can enhance the taste of their favorite foods. This campaign is part of our ongoing effort to connect with consumers in fun, relevant ways, and get them to think of Pepsi during food occasions, so they choose Pepsi as their go-to beverage and discover the superior taste it brings to their meals.”
Still, many people look at this promotion as a cost saving option. Whether or not the savings converts drinkers remains to be seen, but it is vital for food and beverage brands to showcase value to keep consumers coming back.
According to Danzi, “While value-based promotions like “PEPSI Chase Cars” are a powerful tool, our ultimate goal is to prove to consumers, both Pepsi drinkers and non-Pepsi drinkers, that Pepsi enhances the taste of their food. By offering tens of thousands of free pizzas, we're demonstrating how the brand's unique blend of sweetness and carbonation perfectly complements the deliciousness of pizza. This hands-on experience is designed to create a lasting impression and encourage consumers to choose Pepsi as their go-to beverage for every meal.”
Lastly, what is Danzi’s favorite pizza and Pepsi pairing on her Friday night pizza night? She shared the following response.
“Friday night pizza takeout is a staple in my household. The kids always look forward to it, and it gives us the chance to enjoy some quality time together around the dinner table while we debrief the week. I may be known to sample a few pies, but my go-to is Wild Cherry Pepsi Zero Sugar and pepperoni pizza.”
Ready to upgrade Friday night pizza night? It is time to zoom to the head of the flavor game with Pepsi and pizza. That pairing has a flavor guarantee that has no fine print.