Rundown of December Marketing News — 6 Bite-Sized Stories Every Marketer Should Know  

As 2024 winds down, the marketing world remains as dynamic as ever. The year has been a rollercoaster, from political shifts that could reshape brand strategies to ongoing debates around social platforms. With Trump 2.0 looming and TikTok’s future uncertain, 2025 promises seismic shifts for marketers. 

But before we look ahead, let’s dive into the final marketing rundown of the year. Here’s your dose of creativity, controversy, and optimism to wrap up 2024 on an informed note. 

PepsiCo Foods Canada Unveils Havoc Chips, Targeting Gen Z with Bold Flavors and Textures 

To captivate Gen Z taste buds, PepsiCo Foods Canada has launched Havoc, a new snack brand promising a “multi-sensorial experience” with a twist of bold flavors and textures. 

The launch marks PepsiCo Foods Canada’s first Canadian-led product debut in over a decade, making Havoc a significant milestone. 

“Havoc was born out of the desire to provide Canadians with a multi-sensorial experience paired with a unique combination of intense flavors,” said Jess Spaulding, Chief Marketing Officer at PepsiCo Foods Canada.  

“Flavors, shapes, and packaging have all been carefully considered to align with Gen Z preferences.” 

The brand’s lineup includes three distinct options: Fiery Lime-Flavored Rolled Tortilla Chips, Smoky Nacho Twisted Corn Chips, and Bulgogi Blaze Flavored Potato Chips. 

Leo Burnett Introduces Poop and Pee Emojis for Pull-Ups Rebrand 

In a groundbreaking move for diaper advertising, Leo Burnett has created talking poo and pee emojis as the new faces of Kimberly-Clark’s Pull-Ups rebrand. The animated characters, aptly named Yureen and Terd, take center stage in the campaign aimed at engaging millennial and Gen Z parents. 

The agency’s quirky and bold concept clinched the pitch for Pull-Ups, marking a fresh direction for the brand. The campaign video, already live on YouTube, introduces the playful emojis in a series of relatable potty-training scenarios designed to resonate with young parents navigating this milestone with their toddlers. 

“Rebranding aside, some things don’t change. Kids remain the heroes for the brand, and building their confidence as they potty train remains our core proposition,” said Andrea Zahumensky, president of baby and childcare at Kimberly-Clark. The signature tagline, “I’m a Big Kid Now,” will continue to anchor the campaign. 

Google Faces Backlash Over Holiday Ad Featuring Nonbinary Influencer 

Google’s recent TikTok ad campaign promoting its holiday shopping “Nearby feature” has ignited controversy among conservative groups. The ad stars TikTok creator and nonbinary beauty influencer Cyrus Veyssi, sparking backlash for what critics have labeled “woke advertising.” 

Fox News has heavily covered the uproar, but major publications like The Washington Post have yet to report on the issue. Despite the backlash, the controversy might still work in Google’s favor from a marketing perspective, drawing significant attention to its feature. 

In response to Fox News, Google defended the campaign: “Everyone likes to find a good deal and save money. That’s why we’re promoting Google Shopping as the best way to do that.” 

As debates swirl around inclusivity in advertising, Google’s ad spotlights the ongoing cultural divide over-representation in media and marketing. 

Nearly Half of Americans Feel Overlooked by Advertisers, Study Finds 

A new study from iHeartMedia and Pushkin Industries revealed a surprising advertising disconnect. Despite advancements in hyper-personalization and targeted marketing, 44% of American consumers report feeling “ignored” by advertisers. 

This sentiment is particularly prevalent among white, suburban individuals earning over $100,000 annually. According to the study, 63% of those in the “ignored consumer” category identified as White, followed by Hispanic (17%), Black (15%), and Asian (6%) respondents. 

The findings challenge marketers to rethink strategies and ensure broader representation and inclusivity in their creative content. The results suggest that many Americans still feel left out of the narrative in a landscape that prides itself on precision. 

Facebook Poised to Surpass $100 Billion in Global Ad Revenue by 2024 

Facebook is on track to break a significant milestone in 2024, with global advertising revenue projected to exceed $100 billion, according to WARC Media’s latest “Platform Insights” report. This achievement would place Facebook alongside Google as the only media brand to cross the $100 billion threshold in ad revenue. 

However, the forecast comes with a caveat: Facebook’s dominance in the global social advertising market is waning. Its share is expected to decline from nearly 89% in 2013 to 38.2% by 2025. Meanwhile, another Meta-owned platform, Instagram, is anticipated to experience robust growth, with near-20% increases in ad revenue forecast for 2025 and 2026. 

The shift highlights a changing dynamic within Meta’s portfolio as advertisers increasingly turn to Instagram’s thriving ecosystem for their campaigns. 

Prime Hydration Sales Plunge 50%, Named Fastest-Falling Drink Brand of 2024 

Prime Hydration, the viral drink brand co-founded by YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, has experienced a steep decline in sales, dropping by $80 million in 2024, according to The Grocer’s Top Products Survey 2024. This marks a 50% decrease from its 2023 peak when the brand’s sales soared to an impressive $166 million. 

The energy drink sensation, which captured massive attention in 2023, has struggled to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, competitors like Monster and Red Bull have continued their upward trajectory, capitalizing on consistent consumer demand and robust marketing strategies. 

Prime’s rapid fall highlights the challenges of sustaining hype-driven brands in competitive markets, especially as consumer preferences evolve and loyalty shifts toward established players.