Tag: absolut

Absolut Opens Its Own Internet Of Things Lab To Develop Connected Bottles

Posted on by Lab Team

What Happened
Absolut has opened an R&D lab in Stockholm to develop connected devices and packaging for the popular vodka brand, tapping into the ongoing trend of “Internet of Things.” For example, Absolut is reportedly looking to develop some connected bottles that can either automatically order a new bottle once it is finished, or be linked to other connected devices to control the lights and stereos in the room.

What Brands Need To Do
Absolut’s decision to build an innovation hub dedicated to connected devices signals the alcohol brand’s determination in leveraging IoT tech to engage with consumers in innovative ways. For brands looking to tap into IoT trend, now is the time to think about how your product can become connected, which may help transform physical products into digital touch points that inspire brand loyalty, while also providing valuable data to learn more about your customers.

Source: Digiday

Blogs for sale

Posted on by Lab Team

Last week’s Brooklyn Blogfest made headlines when it was uncovered that event sponsor Absolut Vodka gave gifts and promotional exposure in exchange for editorial coverage from bloggers who neglected to disclose ties to Absolut.  The ad campaign, created by New York’s Ketchum agency, promotes a special edition Absolut Brooklyn beverage endorsed by Spike Lee, who was also a guest speaker at Blogfest.  The ensuing backlash has invigorated discussion on ethics in the relatively nascent medium of branded blogging.

Last year the FTC published new guidelines for bloggers stating that “’material connections’ (sometimes payments or free products) between advertisers and endorsers – connections that consumers would not expect – must be disclosed.”  The commission investigated Ann Taylor earlier this year for a LOFT campaign that offered bloggers gift certificates in exchange for proof of editorial coverage.  While no fines were issued, the case is largely viewed as a warning to companies to take the lead in ensuring that participating bloggers disclose the nature of branded campaign.

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