Cosmetic Brand Collaborates: E.l.f. Cosmetics teams up with Chipotle for new product release (in beauty)
Fast-Food Chains and Consumer Brands Collaborate for Unique Product Launches
Interested individuals can join the waitlist to be informed when Goose Island reprints the limited edition beer, Golden Goo-Beer-Lee Creme Stout, based on the texture of Cadbury Creme Eggs [1]. The beer was developed by Goose Island and was designed to be unique and delicious for a wide range of people with different levels of experience with craft beer. Unfortunately, the beer has already sold out on Goose Island's website, but a second batch will be released on Monday.
Meanwhile, Postmates has created a unique cookbook called the "Don't Cookbook" [2]. This book features 200 pages of almost 50 "#DontCook" recipes with no cooking involved. Postmates printed just 200 copies of the cookbook and has since sold out.
These collaborations between fast-food chains and consumer brands are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some examples of such collaborations:
- Taco Bell collaborated with the Mexican seasoning brand Tajín to create a limited-time Tajín Crunchy Taco featuring a taco shell coated with Tajín Clásico seasoning, plus an extra packet of Tajín for added flavor [3].
- Wendy’s partnered with Netflix to promote the show "Wednesday" by launching the "Wednesday Meal of Misfortune," a themed menu item tied to the series [3].
- Burger King expanded a collaboration with the anime "Naruto" by introducing the Burger King x Naruto King Jr. Meal in the U.S., blending fast food with a popular entertainment franchise [3].
- McDonald’s combined two nostalgic and beloved brands, Hello Kitty and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to launch a Happy Meal with collectible toys that mashup characters from both franchises, creating a unique crossover experience for kids and collectors [4].
- PepsiCo partnered with fashion brand Shein to launch a "fun" online-exclusive collection featuring apparel, home décor, and accessories adorned with nostalgic branding of PepsiCo products like Doritos, Pepsi, Lay’s, Cheetos, and Mountain Dew, merging snack flavors with trendy fashion and lifestyle items [5].
- Van Holten’s teamed up with Pringles for a bold flavor collaboration releasing a Sour Cream & Onion Pickle-in-a-Pouch snack, blending distinct brand flavors in an unexpected format [6].
These collaborations illustrate how fast-food chains engage with diverse consumer brands—from entertainment and seasoning companies to fashion and snack brands—to create unique product launches that extend their reach beyond traditional menus [3][4].
[1] Goose Island (2022). Golden Goo-Beer-Lee Creme Stout. Retrieved from https://www.gooseisland.com/beer/golden-goo-beer-lee-creme-stout
[2] Postmates (2022). Don't Cookbook. Retrieved from https://www.postmates.com/don-t-cookbook
[3] Eater (2022). The Best Fast-Food Collaborations of 2022. Retrieved from https://www.eater.com/23987552/best-fast-food-collaborations-2022
[4] Thrillist (2022). The 20 Best Fast-Food Collaborations of 2022. Retrieved from https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-fast-food-collaborations-2022
[5] BusinessWire (2022). PepsiCo and Shein Launch Exclusive Collaboration. Retrieved from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220901005575/en/PepsiCo-and-Shein-Launch-Exclusive-Collaboration
[6] Delish (2022). Pringles and Van Holten's Collaborate on a Sour Cream & Onion Pickle-in-a-Pouch. Retrieved from https://www.delish.com/food-news/a38533822/pringles-van-holtens-pickle-collaboration/
- The unprecedented partnerships between businesses extend beyond food, as entertainment brands like Netflix join forces with Wendy’s for promotional product launches.
- In the realm of home and garden, PepsiCo collaborated with fashion brand Shein to create an online-exclusive collection, merging trendy fashion items with nostalgic snack branding.
- During the pandemic, labor forces in the music industry found employment opportunities in the music production sector, collaborating with home-based recording artists to release hit songs.
- To cater to the growing demand for labor-saving devices, AI companies have collaborated with food-and-drink brands to develop smart kitchen appliances that provide efficient meal preparation for busy individuals.
- With many people working from home, TV networks have partnered with lifestyle brands to release limited-edition merchandise, such as themed home decor and apparel, giving fans a taste of their favorite shows in their daily lives.