Innovation
Domino’s ® Launches Homemade Film Festival Contest
Domino’s has announced the launch of a Homemade Film Festival Contest, which allows fans to send their home movie that shows their love for the brand. The winner can win free pizza for a year.
The brand is accepting videos through August 21 and vote for their favorite video between September 7-11. Domino’s will announce the winners September 18, when the grand prize winner will win free pizza for a year in the form of $1,560 in Domino’s eGift Cards. The second and third place winners will also receive awards.
“Millions of Americans are spending more time than ever at home and looking for activities to entertain their families,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s vice president of advertising, on the brand’s website. “What better way to have a fun day than to make a home movie and possibly win free pizza for a year because of it? Domino’s might even use some of the submissions in a future TV commercial!”
Reimagining How NBA Fans and Teams Experience the Game of Basketball with Together Mode in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft and the NBA have announced a partnership to create a reimagined fan experience, which is thanks to a new feature in Microsoft Teams called Together Mode. The NBA will put 17-foot-tall LED screens on three sides of the arena that will have 300 fans that have joined the game using Together mode in Teams.
“We are excited to partner with Microsoft to virtually incorporate NBA fans into our season restart,” said Sara Zuckert, Head of Next Gen Telecast, NBA. “This unique live game experience will allow fans to maintain a sense of community as they watch their favorite teams and players.”
Restaurants
Philip Auerbach Appointed to Newly Created Role of Dunkin’ Chief Digital and Strategy Officer
Dunkin’ Donuts has announced the creation of a new role within the company, called the Chief Digital and Strategy Officer. The company has also announced the hiring of Philip Auerbach to this new role.
“Dunkin’ is doubling down on our digital platform and the relationship we have with our guests. Providing a more seamless, best-in-class restaurant experience enabled by technology is a cornerstone of the Dunkin’ U.S. Blueprint for Growth strategy. Phil is a transformational leader who has led the evolution of consumer and hospitality brands and will take our growing digital platform to the next level,” said Dave Hoffmann, Dunkin’ Brands CEO, in a Dunkin’ Donuts news release. “He will be supported by a top-tier team that includes two leaders who have already played significant roles in our digital innovation: Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, head of digital and loyalty marketing for Dunkin’ U.S., and Santhosh Kumar, head of Global IT. Both are being promoted to Senior Vice President in recognition of their many contributions to the company.”
40% of Leading Food Firms, including Kroger, Tesco, Nestle, and Unilever, Now Have Dedicated Teams for Plant-Based Products
FAIRR has released a new report, and it states that two of five global food giants that have combined annual revenues $459 billion now have dedicated teams to develop and sell plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. Tesco and Unilever ranked at the top.
“The company data published today is hard evidence that big food brands are vying for their slice of the plant-based pie,” Jeremy Coller, Founder of FAIRR and Chief Investment Officer at Coller Capital, said in a press release. “They are drastically scaling-up and skilling-up their capacity to research and develop plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. Tangible goals for a protein transition are being put in place. The post-COVID landscape has made 2020 a watershed year for the sustainable protein market: the sector has attracted double the investment of last year in just six months. This engagement shows which food companies are putting in place the infrastructure and innovation to benefit from this seismic shift in the ways we shop and eat; and those that will lose out. Investors are watching closely.”
Loyalty Programs
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Brand Launches Fresh New Rewards App and Direct Delivery
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brand has announced a redesigned Rewards app that offers in-app delivery and simplified user experience.
“The new, updated The Coffee Bean® Rewards app is designed to create a more personalized and engaging user experience, loaded with updated features that allows our Guests to get their coffee, tea and treats easier and faster than ever before,” said Karen Goldner, director global brand marketing, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brand, in a press release. “Our goal is to offer convenience and quality in a seamless experience, whether in-store or on the App, especially as people continue to stay at home or minimize contact.”