Influencer Misleading Marketing Story of the week
The ASA has banned ads for Huel and Zoe featuring entrepreneur Steven Bartlett for failing to disclose his financial interests in both brands. Bartlett, who sits on Huel's board and has invested in Zoe, did not inform viewers of these ties, leading to the ads being deemed misleading. This ruling highlights the ongoing crackdown on transparency in influencer marketing.
Biggest Buyout Story of the week
Mars is set to make history with its $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the company behind Pringles and Cheez-It, marking the largest buyout in consumer-packaged goods history. This massive deal will expand Mars's snacking empire, adding iconic cereal and snack brands to its portfolio. While regulatory scrutiny is expected, Mars is poised to drive significant growth and innovation in the snacking industry.
Social Media Story of the week
Reddit is on a roll, adding 8.5 million daily users in Q2, bringing its total to 91.2 million. Impressively, growth is evenly spread across the U.S. and global markets. Reddit’s revenue surged 54% year-over-year to $281.2 million, fuelled by improved ad products and a strategic focus on SMBs. With continued investment in AI and data monetisation, Reddit is positioning itself as a rising star in the social media landscape.
