What are the top marketing and advertising stories this week? We’re glad you asked. Catch up on the news you need to know this week with our Weekly Must Reads.

Burger King’s Whopper of a Deal

The fast food war has reached new heights. Last week, Burger King launched their “Whopper Detour” campaign to troll their biggest competitor, McDonald’s. When customers download the Burger King app, they can redeem a Whopper for just one cent – but only if they order within 600 feet of a McDonald’s.

The stunt worked. Users downloaded the Burger King app more than one million times in the first 36 hours of the campaign, and it reached the No. 1 spot for free apps on Apple’s App Store. The promotion will run through December 12. Will you take advantage of Whoppers for a penny? https://www.adweek.com/creativity/after-trolling-mcdonalds-burger-kings-app-was-downloaded-1-million-times-and-hit-no-1/

Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year

As is their yearly tradition, Pantone has released their Color of the Year for 2019: Living Coral. According to Pantone, Living Coral is a nurturing color that encapsulates both our natural surroundings and digital presence. The color has also been noted as a nod to coral reefs and their role providing shelter for a diversity of life.

In 2019, expect to see Living Coral take over products everywhere, from clothes to furniture to kitchen accessories. How will you use the color next year? Check it out here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/megykarydes/2018/12/06/pantones-2019-color-of-the-year-channels-nature-once-again/#2f864bef4b9c

Samsung World’s Largest Advertiser

Step aside, P&G. The consumer goods corporation has been replaced by Samsung as the world’s largest advertiser. The electronics company spent $11.2 billion on advertising and sales promotions in 2017, just edging out P&G’s $10.5 billion. Samsung’s ad spend is part of their overall repositioning as an “aspirational consumer electronics brand.”

Samsung will likely hold on to the title next year; they’re projected to spend $14 billion on advertising in 2018. They spend a larger percentage of their revenue on advertising than the world’s top 20 companies, according to data from Thomson Reuters. Market leader Apple spent just $1 billion last year on advertising, but their global brand is still valued at 50 percent more than Samsung. Will the increased ad spend help Samsung catch up to its competitors? You be the judge. http://www.adnews.com.au/news/samsung-topples-pandg-as-world-s-largest-advertiser

A Chipotle Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are great on their own, but what’s the one thing that could make them better? Being edible, of course. Chipotle recruited food sculptors to create holiday-themed window displays in one of their New York City stores using only ingredients stocked in their restaurants. The trees, made up of food like lettuce, avocados, peppers, tomatoes and onions, look strikingly like real Christmas trees and have been attracting lots of attention. There’s only one rule: no snacking, unfortunately.

In addition to serving as festive decorations, the edible trees highlight Chipotle’s continued mission to serve food made with fresh, local ingredients. None of the food used in the sculptures will go to waste, either. After deconstructing the trees, all the food will be composted and donated to local farms. Pique your appetite and find out more here: https://www.today.com/food/chipotle-mexican-grill-makes-holiday-window-displays-its-food-t144481