Macca’s brings famous Grimace Shake to OZ in ‘Very Important Purple’ campaign via Akcelo

For the much-anticipated release of the Grimace Shake in Australia, McDonald’s has launched an integrated brand campaign via brand experience and innovation company Akcelo, celebrating the unlikely superstardom of its humble and lovable VIP.

The ‘Very Important Purple’ campaign goes all in on the fandom and hype surrounding Grimace and his Shake, by giving the iconic mascot a Down Under welcome fit for a rockstar.

Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director for McDonald’s Australia says, “Grimace has been making fuzzy waves around the globe and now it’s our turn to celebrate. The Grimace Shake is fun, vibrant and bursting with flavour. It’s a tribute to Grimace and the joy he’s brought to Macca’s fans over the years. So buckle up – we’re finally giving Aussies what they’ve been waiting for and we know they’re going to LOVE it.”

In partnership with OMD, the campaign kicked off with a teaser announcement at last weekend’s AFL Grand Final and a baggage carousel takeover at Sydney Airport. This Friday, Grimace’s purple reign will truly hit the stratosphere as the Shake becomes available in restaurants nationwide, supported by an exciting multi-channel campaign across TV, Cinema, Digital, OOH, Social, In-restaurant Experience, Activations, CRM, Influencer and PR.

Oskar Westerdal, Creative Partner Akcelo says: “Macca’s fans of every generation adore Grimace, so his arrival here is a big deal. With this campaign we’ve captured the unfiltered excitement of the Aussie public and Macca’s own crew, a feeling beautifully brought to life by India Harris (Rabbit) and Juliet Taylor (Pool Collective), and all our production partners.”

Aden Hepburn, CEO Akcelo adds: “This project has brought so much joy to every corner of Akcelo. From our restaurant experience and packaging design team, to our strategists, creatives and producers – everyone simply can’t help but love Grimace, and we are thrilled to have been tasked with creating this incredible campaign in his name.”

Client: McDonald’s Australia
Chief Customer Officer: Chris Brown
Marketing Director: Amanda Nakad
Senior Brand Manager: Maxine Netrayana
Assistant Brand Manager: Samantha Lau

Creative Agency: Akcelo
Group Creative Director: Louise McQuat
Creative Partner: Oskar Westerdal
Creative Team: Ilya Aronovich & Misha McDonald, Brandon Piggott & Justin Borromei
Account Management: Max Bennett, Lea Nguyen & April Tunstall
Senior Producer: Stephanie Ceccaldi & Edward Krause
Creative Lead, Restaurant Experience: Paul Critchley
Design & Motion: Dan Martin, Stephen Au & Benny O’Shea
Chief Strategy Officer: Dave Di Veroli
Strategist: Sarah Tan
Chief Executive Officer: Aden Hepburn

Production Company: Rabbit
Director: India Harris
Producer: Karen Bryson
Post: The Editors
Sound: Rumble Studios
Photography: Juliet Taylor, The Pool Collective
Media: OMD
PR & Influencer: Mango CRM: Digitas