Pepsi, IHOP introduce limited-edition maple syrup cola

Adding to a stack of creative brand collaborations, PepsiCo and IHOP have teamed up to produce a limited-edition cola available only to fans online. Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola will be available to the first 2,000 fans who respond with a photo of their pancakes and use the hashtag #ShowUsYourStack on Instagram or Twitter, according to a release. The soda incorporates the flavors of maple syrup and the soda, the companies said. It comes on the heels of several other flavor innovations to have been released by Pepsi recently, including Pepsi X Peeps, a marshmallow flavor based on the popular Easter candy released last spring; Pepsi x Cracker Jack, which the brands marketed to baseball fans during last year’s baseball postseason; and Pepsi Apple Pie, a holiday-themed soda that came and went in 2020. All of these collaborations were available only temporarily in an online sweepstakes format. Pepsi Maple Syrup comes in uniquely designed cans that resemble dripping syrup. Although IHOP is credited as a creator and has its logo on the can, the drink will not be available in its restaurants. Pepsi is a foodservice partner of IHOP. The promotion, however, could help IHOP as it recruits members to a newly launched loyalty program. The collaboration with Pepsi also includes a custom Pepsi Spout, inspired by the iconic IHOP syrup pitchers, that one winner will receive. More from Ad Age April 5: Retail and e-commerce leaders explore latest marketing trends How Lululemon is marketing its first running shoe What's next for media retail networks amid explosive growth “We are thrilled to partner with Pepsi to have some fun and create a moment for our guests to bring home an additional source of happiness with this limited-edition Pepsi Maple Syrup Cola,” Kieran Donahue, chief marketing officer, IHOP, said in a release. The collaboration is directly from Pepsi and IHOP, with PepsiCo Design supporting creative, and Acceleration Community of Companies supporting PR and communications. The launch will be supported through the social media channels of Pepsi and IHOP, including paid placements on Twitter, according to a PepsiCo spokesperson. The brands did not disclose how much they are spending on the project.

Pepsi, IHOP introduce limited-edition maple syrup cola

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