Need to catch up on the latest marketing and advertising news? You’ve come to the right place. Get a summary on the biggest stories you need to know in our Weekly Must Reads. 

Brands Take Their Positions on the Supreme Court Rulings 

Following a week of landmark Supreme Court decisions, many brands have been quick to show their stance on the issues and announce new measures of support. Soon after the Court overturned Roe v. Wade, major companies like Starbucks, Mastercard and Apple responded with pledges to cover employees’ travel costs if they need to access abortions in another state. However, as noted by reporters from TechCrunch and other outlets, many of these outspoken companies, including Citigroup and Uber, have also previously donated to political campaigns that advocated for abortion restrictions, which casts a shadow over the recent statements of pro-choice support. 

While some consumers have praised companies for providing employees with reproductive benefits, legal experts have warned that notifying an employer of an abortion may create a documented record that could later be used against the employee. In the coming weeks, we expect even more brands to come up with creative measures and campaigns to show their stance on the divisive issue. You can read more about companies’ current statements here: https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/24/tech-companies-respond-to-u-s-supreme-court-abortion-decision/ 

Miller Lite Honors Women in Brewing 

As beer brands struggle to keep up with fast-growing hard seltzer and cocktail sectors, Miller Lite is appealing to an often-disregarded audience with an exclusive can design. Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, Miller Lite released limited-edition beer cans honoring Mary Lisle, the first documented female brewer. Lisle’s name replaces the Miller Lite logo on the cans, while the brand’s traditional “A Fine Pilsner Beer” is removed in favor of the phrase “There’s No Beer Without Women.” Miller Lite will distribute the cans to select consumers who provide their contact information with a contest entry. 

In a recent survey they conducted, Miller Lite discovered just 3 percent of Americans over 21 knew about the role women played in bringing beer to the US. According to a brand spokesperson, the cans are designed to “remind people during the biggest beer-drinking weekend of the year that without women, there is no beer.” Check out the exclusive product design here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/miller-lite-female-brewer-mary-lisle-limited-edition-cans/625956/ 

Ally Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Title IX 

Last week, the US celebrated the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which prohibited discrimination in school or athletics on the basis of sex. To further support equality in women’s sports, Ally Bank recently launched a new campaign titled “Watch the Game, Change the Game.” The ads will feature female athletes in action and emphasize the overwhelming correlation between women’s sports and future career success. According to EY, 94% of female executives have a background in sports.

In addition to television commercial and digital ads, Ally will also create rally scarves and field signage to be used at upcoming National Women’s Soccer League and Women’s International Champions Cup games. Find out more details about the campaign here: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ally-pledges-equality-in-media-spend-issues-bold-call-to-action-to-further-drive-parity-in-womens-sports-301573566.html

Kraft’s Macaroni & Cheese Rebrand  

Kids’ favorite macaroni and cheese brands just got even more comforting. Last week, Kraft announced new branding for their macaroni and cheese product, now officially shortened to Kraft Mac & Cheese. The new packaging simplifies former designs, directing more attention to the brand’s classic single noodle logo. The rebranded products will arrive in grocery stores by the end of the summer. 

The brand’s shift to the conversational version of their famous product’s name, along with other new design choices, indicates their renewed focus on comfort food and casual familiarity. and other new design choices show their focus on comfort food and casual familiarity. Kraft is just one of many packaged food brands hoping to revive classic foods and connect with consumers’ changing priorities. Dive into more details here: https://www.marketingdive.com/news/kraft-rebrands-macaroni-and-cheese-comfort-food-inflation/625955/