McDonald’s is tapping into its rich potato legacy with the launch of its new Mini Hash Browns as part of a campaign titled “Descended from Greatness.” This initiative pays homage to the brand’s iconic hash browns, tracing their lineage back to the original crispy favorites that have delighted customers for years.

Campaign Overview

Highlighting the “family history” of this beloved breakfast item, the campaign aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection among fans. It spans multiple platforms, including out-of-home advertising (OOH), social media, radio, and digital displays, leveraging the affection that customers have for McDonald’s classic hash browns. With the Mini Hash Browns, the chain emphasizes that great taste truly runs in the potato family.

The campaign kicked off on October 21st with three playful OOH executions that feature themes of genealogy. Using visual elements like family trees, portraits, and ancestral statues, the advertisements celebrate the connection between the new Mini Hash Browns and their famous predecessors. Media planning and buying for the campaign were handled by OMD UK.

Marketing Insights

Lucy Johnson, the marketing manager at McDonald’s, expressed excitement about the new product, stating:

“We know if asked, most people would say an iconic McDonald’s breakfast would not be the same without a cheeky Hash Brown. This is why we are so excited to be launching Mini Hash Browns, playing on this latent love and tracing their lineage back to the OG golden-hued, crunchy McDonald’s Hash Brown. This simple yet playful campaign shows how excited we are that they are a part of the ultimate family tree.”

Engaging Consumers Through Social Media

In addition to the OOH campaign, McDonald’s has launched the “Mini Hash Brown Ancestry Service” on TikTok, a fun activation designed to engage users with the brand’s heritage. Spearheaded by McDonald’s Mini Hash Brown Ancestry Expert Patty Fry, this TikTok initiative invites users to explore their own ‘Hash Brown’ ancestry.

Creative Direction

Creative directors James Hodson and Jason Keet from Leo Burnett UK commented on the campaign’s unique angle:

“DNA testing at home has sparked a craze for ancestry and lineage. What does this have to do with launching a tasty new breakfast snack? Thanks to the magic of creativity, everything. New Mini Hash Browns are so tasty because their lineage can be traced back to true greatness: the original McDonald’s Hash Brown.”

Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy

The campaign also includes paid social media promotions featuring live animations of the Hash Brown family tree, showcasing the new bite-sized Mini Hash Browns as delightful descendants of the classic. This playful approach aims to engage both genealogists and McDonald’s breakfast enthusiasts alike.

With additional spots on radio, digital display, and paid social driving awareness and urgency for this limited-time offering, McDonald’s Mini Hash Browns are available from October 16 to November 19, 2024.

Product Availability

The Mini Hash Browns are offered in two convenient portions:

• Single Portion (£1.49): A quick breakfast bite featuring five pieces.
• Sharebox (£2.99): A larger option providing fifteen Mini Hash Browns, ideal for sharing.

Conclusion

McDonald’s launch of Mini Hash Browns represents not only a new product offering but also a strategic marketing initiative that taps into nostalgia and consumer engagement. By celebrating its heritage while introducing a modern twist on a classic favorite, McDonald’s aims to enhance customer loyalty and attract new fans.

As this campaign unfolds across various platforms, it will be interesting to see how effectively it resonates with consumers and influences their perception of McDonald’s commitment to quality and innovation in its menu offerings. The integration of fun digital experiences with traditional advertising reflects a comprehensive approach to modern marketing in the fast-food industry.