Qualtrics Hero Banner 2024
Bask Bear Coffee takes on McDonald's with cheeky OOH ad placement

Bask Bear Coffee takes on McDonald's with cheeky OOH ad placement

share on

Coffee brand Bask Bear Coffee has put up a cheeky OOH ad featuring their own burgers above a McDonald's outlet in Malaysia and calling them "better".

The OOH ad features the brand's beef burger on a white background and a text that reads "Bask Bear's burgers are better". 

The quote is attributed to a Bask Bear customer named Ronald. Coincidentally, Ronald is the name of the McDonald's mascot. 

Don't miss: ZUS Coffee's minimalistic OOH ad sparks varied discussions online 

Bask Bear Coffee shared a video and picture of their new OOH ad on socials with the caption, "See what Ronald, a Bask Bear’s happy customer, had to say about our new burgers. Come over to Bask Bear and #TasteTheConfidence".  

The ad garnered the attention of Malaysia burger brand myBurgerLab. 

In comments seen by A+M, myBurgerLab asked Bask Bear Coffee who taught them to make burgers. To which, Bask Bear Coffee responded, "Let us think". 

myBurgerLab suggested that it can "beat Ramly burger" - a popular burger brand in Malaysia - by easily adding ingredients such as margarine, Maggi MSG sauce and chilli sauce too. 

In response to a user who told myBurgerLab to not fight and that each brand has a unique style to their burgers, myBurgerLab responded "Agreed. Diversity is what makes the Malaysian burger scene so unique." 

Meanwhile, other users have left comments in support of Bask Bear Coffee, with some calling its decision to put an ad in front of McDonald's "iconic", saying that it is time for local brands to overtake corporations such as McDonald's. 

McDonald's has been a long-time victim of ongoing boycotts in Malaysia following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war. 

In January this year, it was reported that the brand had sued BDS Malaysia for defamation. This was in response to a post the NGO made where it stated names of companies profiting from the "genocide of the Palestinian people".

In the graphic, McDonald's Malaysia was named under organic boycott targets alongside restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Papa John's and more.

In its caption, it noted that more needs to be done by Muslim leading countries in the form of boycotts and sanctions to stop "Israeli crimes".

Gear up for the most captivating PR conference of the year! #PRAsia #Singapore & #Malaysia returns, bringing you the tools and insights you need to dominate in this dynamic environment. Join over 100 industry leaders and experts for an action-packed program filled with insightful discussions and valuable takeaways.

Related articles:   
McDonald's MY drops saucy limited-edition parka  
Should A&W apologise for free beef burger that sparked cultural sensitivity debate?  
KFC Malaysia keeps vow of silence despite being off the boycott list. Is it the right PR move?  

share on

Follow us on our Telegram channel for the latest updates in the marketing and advertising scene.
Follow

Free newsletter

Get the daily lowdown on Asia's top marketing stories.

We break down the big and messy topics of the day so you're updated on the most important developments in Asia's marketing development – for free.

subscribe now open in new window