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Can this ad win the cola war for Pepsi?

Can this ad win the cola war for Pepsi?

Pepsi has tackled that question waiters constantly ask consumers when they order a certain cola in restaurants: “Is Pepsi OK?”

The soft drink company has shelled out millions for a star-studded in-game advertisement during Super Bowl on Sunday to answer it.

This year’s host network, CBS, is charging Pepsi a record $5.25 million for a 30-second spot during the match between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots.

And then there’s the cost of hiring celebs to feature in the commercial. Heineken reportedly paid Brad Pitt more than $4 million to appear in one 2005 commercial, while Arnold Schwarzenegger reportedly received $3 million for a Bud Light commercial during the 2014 Super Bowl.

So, why do drinks companies invest so much in Super Bowl? The answer is reach.

More than 111 million Americans tuned in for the big game in 2018, which makes it one of the most lucrative advertising opportunities in the the US, next to the Olympics. 

And brands are eager to share their message with that huge audience. 

Pepsi’s ad, called “More Than OK”, stars Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe Award-winner Steve Carell, Grammy Award-nominated artist Cardi B and Grammy Award-winner Lil Jon.

Viewers learn that when it comes to Pepsi, it is so much “more than OK!” 

“Every day, there are millions of people who enjoy Pepsi – people who love this brand – yet they continue to be asked ‘Is Pepsi OK?,'” said Todd Kaplan, Vice President of Marketing, Pepsi.

“We felt that it was time to address this question head-on, by celebrating our fans, our valued restaurant partners, and our core consumers by unapologetically letting everyone know that Pepsi is way more than OK. With the help of a star-studded lineup, we’re taking this concept, and playfully flipping it on its head to show the world how refreshing, exhilarating, and downright awesome a delicious ice-cold Pepsi truly is.”

View the ad below:

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