MERCURY TOUGH TEST

THE

BRIEF

Mercury Cider is a drink aimed at blokes, and the product’s above-the-line launch creative ‘Tough Test’ aimed to celebrate those that step up to tough circumstances through TV advertising showing NRL and AFL players doing hard day jobs.

Bastion Effect was engaged to drive discussion around Mercury’s Tough Test creative, and tough jobs generally in order to broaden the conversation around what constitutes tough today.

THE

SOLUTION

The meaning of tough has evolved over time so it was important to consider how the Tough Test creative concept would land and evolve in editorial. Because editorial is an uncontrollable medium we considered the Me Too and Times Up movements in order to ensure the PR response was sensitive to the current environment. 

Our strategy was to authentically deepen the discussion around what tough today looks like, by engaging men to take ownership of the meaning and set the right tone.

To do this, Mercury Cider commissioned research to uncover what tough means in today’s context and identify the toughest jobs across the country.

It resulted in recognition for qualities beyond physicality. We generated a Top 20 Tough Job List to spark conversation online and in media circles. To spark further conversation, AFL and NRL talent were leveraged to personalise the message and create media interest.

The result was more than 20 pieces of media coverage that importantly deepened the conversation about the brand, rather than simple product placement. This reached more than 40 million Australians.