How McDonald's Germany Crowdsourced New Burgers (video)

This is a nice case study of how social media can leverage new ideas, product innovation, in this case burger creations, huge media reach, and extensive PR buzz, with just a small digital budget and creative plan. It's all about putting the consumers, fans and people to work! By the way, the winning burger was the Pretzelnator, a masterpiece produced with ham, American and Italian cheeses, and a pretzel-like bun. 

via PSFK

Extreme Japan: BK Offers 15 Strips of Bacon, McD's Mega Teriyaki Burger

The Japanese are always into bigger, better, faster and more when if comes to anything...and in the past few decades, there's a focus on food. Every snack food has an "extreme" or "limited edition" flavor. And spring, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom is a festive time to introduce new "extreme" campaigns. Check out the current burger war...if you could only have one, which one would you try?

Oh yes, you can "have it your way" at Burger King in Japan too! For a limited time, they are offering 15 strips of bacon on your burger! And it only costs ¥110, which is about $1.24. Now the fast food chains are put up to compete with each other in a sort of "burger wars". With "500% Up!!", that's enough bacon fit for a Burger King! 

via Eater

Or would you prefer a McDonals's Mega Teriyaki burger? This is 2 layers of ginger-flavored teriyaki pork burger. Oh and feel free to have it with or without cheddar cheeese or get it as a single with an egg (tama teriyaki). Get it now, because this too, is a limited edition item.

 

Burger King Advertises Using Eyeshadow As Its Platform

Burger King Netherlands, introduces a new wave of advertising using eye makeup and other cosmetics as a platform.

The ad reveals an artisitic expression of the brand's signature product while the contours of the model’s eyes perform specific representations of the burger; the lid serves as the burger bun, the eyelashes are painted green for the lettuce, while the lower eyelids are colored with dashes of yellow, red, and brown to render the cheese, tomatoes, and burger patty, respectively.

PSFK described it in their title as "Immortilizing their cheeseburger", an interesting way of describing a whole new sense of advertising especially during a time when mortality is being challenge by many futurists. 

A fresh take on a classic notion. 

Luxury Fast Food: Wendy's Offers $16 Foie Gras Burger

Wendy’s is beginning to execute on its plans to target international expansion and growth by re-entering Japan with an estimated $200 million investment — and the launch of a $16 foie gras and truffle burger. The burger will be served at Wendy’s in Omotesando, Tokyo’s luxury shopping district, and will be the first of a targeted 100 shops.

Here's a notable unique and localized approach to re-entering an international market with nuanced tastes, demographics and strong competition where the lines of fine dining and mass consumption collide. Masstige at its finest. 

The King and Quaker Makes It Your Way

As we have all read recently, the King has caught "Whole Foods Fever' and is trying to offer up healthier alternatives to the "have it your way" burgers. The newest offering is a collaborative effort with Quaker Oatmeal. With fall and winter just around the corner, a nice hot oatmeal in the morning is a great way to start the day - especially since you can "have it your way" with a choice of toppings. 

What I'm a little fluxed about is the oatmeal bowl and the big calorie try liner. Why does healthy have to look so, well, boring and healthy. I would love to see a little pep in the design, some more appetizing colors that speak healthy yet fun. Some "go get 'em" colors and deisgn. "Start your day right with the King and Quaker" pizzaz. 

Regardless, it's a step in the heart healthy direction.  I love oatmeal and I like having it my way, so...we're going to keep our eye on this one and see how it goes.