For the Love of Wispa campaign proves successful for Cadbury

Monday, 22 December 2008

For the Love of Wispa asked the nation to pledge people, pets and places to feature in a special advertisement to celebrate its return.

Since launch, Cadbury has been overwhelmed with pledges as the UK scrambles to join the celebration, with a staggering 40,000 items, people or talents put forward to take part.

The credit crunch, it seems, has had little impact on a nation determined to celebrate a true British icon - at a time when pennies are tight, the public has been relentless in donating its time.

An unbelievable 4,482 cheerleaders signed up to cheer on the chocolate bar, whilst a whopping 1,325 rugby players wanted the chance to flex their muscles for Wispa.

With the ad set to air on Saturday 20th December on ITV1, the UK has revealed just how determined we are to achieve our five minutes of fame. 256 grandparents wanted the chance to strut their stuff on national TV alongside 32 choirs and 1,618 musicians and 1,177 acrobats.

Whilst the content of the ad is being kept under wraps, Cadbury has revealed it is due to be shot at a central location next week and will feature at least 300 hardcore Wispa fans.

It will only be shown on national TV once in 2008 and has been created as an opportunity for the fans who brought Wispa back to celebrate its return. See www.fortheloveofwispa.com

So what has the UK been donating? Below are some of the most weird and wonderful pledges received:

• A group of 50 cheerleaders from Essex
• A dog called Wispa
• A knight
• 30 female rugby players
• A family of three ponies
• A husband and wife ballroom dancing team from Birmingham
• An Indian RnB band
• A Samba Band from the Isle of Wight
• The UK's top freerunners
• A drumming group from Nottingham

Since its official return, Wispa has been selling six bars every second; the brand had seen over 30 million bars sold in just eight weeks; and the Facebook fan base continues to grow - there are now over 185,000 Wispa fans and approximately 47,577 members of Wispa groups.

It remains the fastest selling Cadbury launch in the last four years.

Tony Bilsborough, Cadbury spokesman comments, "We knew Wispa's loyal fanbase would be keen to celebrate its return, but we never expected this volume of activity.

"Once again the public response for Wispa has been overwhelming. The concept has grown to epic proportions and we can't wait to see the final result!"

Cadbury last week also said it is giving its iconic Roses a re-design.

Source: Cadbury