Mel the MilkBite: Taking chances in advertising

When discussing the state of today's advertising, it's hard to find ad campaigns that are really impressive. Chrysler's "Imported from Detroit" commercials were left an impression. The Old Spice Guy campaign made great use of social media but it's unclear whether it actually improved sales. It's a lot easier to just throw Justin Beiber in a commercial or use an LMFAO song (I really should use quotes when saying "song") than it is to come up with something creative.

This is why I want to recognize the work that Kraft is doing when it comes to advertising their new MilkBite products. First off, I'm in no way getting paid by Kraft here. No money. No free products. I haven't ever even had a MilkBite, so this is absolutely not even an endorsement of the product. It is, however, an endorsement of the advertising for the product.

Kraft, in partnership with the Jim Henson Creature Shop (yup, THAT Jim Henson Creature Shop), has put together an ad campaign that's not only made up of traditional commercials and the usual social media aspects (YouTube channel, a Facebook page, etc.) but is making use of a puppet character named Mel. He's a MilkBite. And he has identity issues. Not exactly Ronald McDonald.
 
Like I said before, this isn't an endorsement or a product review. As I've said with movies, companies that take chances should be recognized. Not only is Mel an unusual product spokesperson, Kraft brought in the Jim Henson Creature Shop to bring him to life. You're not messing around when you bring those guys in.