Pizza Hut HK invites French bulldog to tip the medal wins of HK athletes

Pizza Hut Hong Kong has invited a French bulldog to help tip the medal wins for Hong Kong athletes during the Paris Olympics Games as part of its new “Frenchie predictions” social series. 

With sports fever sweeping through Hong Kong, Pizza Hut seizes the moment to explore innovative ways to show support for Team Hong Kong, said a spokesperson from Pizza Hut when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out.

"The unpredictability of the games results sparks a wave of predictions and forecasts from enthusiastic fans and analysts. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Paul the Octopus, Pizza Hut introduces the 'Predictions by Pizza Hut' series for everyone to experience the excitement of the games in a unique way," said the spokesperson. 

To stand out from the crowded brand presence during the games, Edelman and Pizza Hut go for a unique strategy to spark conversation and engagement for the brand, rather than solely focusing on celebrating the athletes' achievements, the spokesperson added.
 
In the series, the brand has enlisted the help of a French presenter and his trusty fortune teller companion, a French bulldog called ‘Baguette’, to predict whether it’s gold, silver or bronze for Hong Kong’s athletes at the games. This also aims to promote its limited-edition "torch fries" side dish.
 
“Baguette” is given the responsibility of choosing between different Pizza Hut pizza boxes containing the ‘torch fries’ to determine the medal and outcome for the city’s most loved and supported athletes including swimmer Siobhan Haughey, local fencers Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong. 

The latest campaign is forged from the partnership between Pizza Hut and creative agency Edelman Hong Kong. The limited-edition "torch fries" is available from 26 July to 11 August. 
 
Broadcast on Pizza Hut Hong Kong’s Instagram and Facebook channels, the series hopes to see all of Baguette’s lucky tips come true over the coming weeks, and encourages everyone to tune in to find out the colour of the medal the neckerchief-wearing soothsayer picks. 

Alongside the series, Pizza Hut will also launch a special promotion the day after the game results are revealed, celebrating the successes and accomplishments of the local athletes as they pursue glory on the world stage.
 
“The games always grip the city and we didn’t want to let this pass. When you’re not an official sponsor you always need to get more innovative about how you show your support, and our limited-edition torch fries and Frenchie predictions campaign does exactly that – in a playful and fun way,” said Renee Chan, director of customer experience and marketing, Pizza Hut Hong Kong. 
 
Crystal Poon, integrated brand lead, Edelman Hong Kong, said: “When our athletes win, everybody and every brand reacts with joy. So we wanted to get ahead and find a way to celebrate the outcomes before they even happened – and after Baguette correctly predicted the winner of the football game in Germany, and the winning goal scorer, we knew what we had to do!”

Don't miss: Pizza Hut revitalises Cheung Chau Bun Festival to appeal to Gen Z audience

Back in May, in celebration of the annual Tai Ping Ching Chiu, Pizza Hut Hong Kong and Edelman introduced a limited-edition lucky bun and free Cheung Chau ferry rides to spread blessings of peace and health to Hongkongers.  

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from Edelman said it recognised the deep cultural significance and heritage that resonates with the people of Hong Kong. By embracing these elements, it has crafted itself into a vital part of the city's Bun Festival.

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