I can’t help but think that as the ‘breaking news’ is announced that Jezza (Jeremy Clarkson) has been dropped from the BBC *please insert sarcastic shocked face here* causing Twitter to go into meltdown and every media group in the country to fight for the front page scoop, the world is missing the bigger picture.
You see, at the same time as this announcement was made it was also released that two of the world’s largest and most iconic brands will combine. Heinz and Kraft are coming together to create a portfolio that few pantries in the country can live without.
I have to admit that I like Jeremy, I think he is funny but intelligent, aloof but aware – however he has gone more than one step too far over recent years and enough is enough. I’m sure this isn’t the end so why the drama?
On the other hand two massive companies have come together to create a powerhouse that will inevitably have an impact not by country but on a global scale. Think about the possibilities; chocolate ketchup (Philadelphia got there first but it seemed to be a winner), Kraft slices on beans and salad cream with your Lunchables – and that’s just the start!
The business talks of ‘integrating these two companies’, which may sound simple but with hundreds of products to consider, along with two huge global teams, will be no mean feat. The results however are almost certain to lead to one of the world’s largest food production and distribution companies and I cannot believe that this is not breaking news.
After a quick google search Jeremy is everywhere, hitting every headline, appearing already on many a blog (ahem, yes, this one included) but the news about Kraft and Heinz is relatively low key, featuring on a few trade titles but interspersed with general news from each company.
Now don’t get me wrong, I work in PR, so understand the principles of having to make an announcement but doing it in such a way that you actually avoid wide scale headlines – but the news is out there now, it’s ready for sharing.
The media should be all over this not least as it ticks all the boxes; business, consumer, trade and fun. Imagine the fun you could have with this story and the images you could create with taste tests of combined products from each range. It is perfect for print and broadcast, a dream for daytime and headline.
My biggest worry is that the way the news today has been reported is actually a true and accurate reflection of society; no focus on business or real interest for future strategies in relation to the global economy but a bun fight over the first pictures of a man that makes headlines through singing nursery rhymes!
And this is why I ask us all to take a step back and to think this through – again, a man who has behaved badly (according to media reports) is rightly punished for his actions OR a global business is launched? I know what headlines I want to read about and in this instance Jezza you’re just not my top gear.