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Pepsi is teaming up with NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal to introduce its new flavor in time for the holidays.
The campaign is marked by a short reality show-style spot titled "The Mini Holiday Baking Show," where O'Neal is challenged by the brand to become the "G.B.O.A.T." (Greatest Baker of All Time) in a pseudo-reality cooking show.
Here, he creates the Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread — the soda brand's limited-edition holiday flavor.
“Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread is a truly magical holiday treat, perfectly captured in a can. This limited-edition flavor is the perfect way to celebrate the season and it’s a must-try for any Pepsi enthusiast who loves the flavor profile of gingerbread,” O’Neal said in a statement.
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The new offering contains a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and molasses to boast a festive flavor that's perfect for celebrating the season.
Pepsi fans eager to try the Zero Sugar Gingerbread can get them on the brand's TikTok by purchasing two 10-packs of Pepsi Mini Cans in Original and Wild Cherry.
Additionally, Pepsi will be giving fans a chance to score cans of the new flavor by visiting the "PEPSI DROPS" platform on the brand's website from now until December 11.
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Pepsi Head of Brand Marketing Jenny Danzi expressed her excitement over the launch of the new flavor, bringing fans a "taste of the holidays with this unique twist on a classic cola:"
"With the holiday season in full swing, we're spreading some cheer by bringing Shaq's hilarious baking antics to our social platforms and giving fans the chance to get their hands on this limited-edition flavor on TikTok through qualifying purchases and PEPSI DROPS giveaways."
By teaming up with prominent figures like O'Neal, the latest efforts from Pepsi are a prime example of effective celebrity and influencer marketing that leverages creativity, humor, and wit.
Shaq Becomes the G.B.O.A.T.
The nearly one-minute spot starts with Shaq at the center of a reality holiday baking competition, where he attempts his "most ambitious creation yet" — the Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread.
He then hilariously boxes out the other competitors to hog the ingredients on the shelves, even doing a little bit of trash-talking, to prove to everyone that he is the G.B.O.A.T., with these visuals interspersed with interview clips — just like in a reality show.
The NBA star cracks eggs on his head, tosses them midair, and blows gummy candies into his baking bowl, all while taunting other contestants as he assembles his gingerbread house.
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Suddenly, he smashes his gingerbread creation with a pin roller, before putting it into a mixer and pouring Pepsi Zero Sugar into it as a substitute for baking soda.
With 10 seconds left, he pulls out his creation from the oven, without realizing it caught fire. Shaq flees the scene to get a fire extinguisher, handing it to his opponent James.
In the next scene, the basketball star returns with a Pepsi Zero Sugar Gingerbread Mini Can on top of a tray. "Get yours while mini supplies last," he tells the viewers, closing the spot.
Pepsi is known for its hilarious antics that have fans wanting more.
Previously, the soda giant went undercover to prove that its sodas are the perfect pair to your favorite fast-food burgers.
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