Lipton Launches “Be More Tea”

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. – Tea is clearly the antidote for animals frantic and running amok according to Kermit, the wise frog of Muppet. The message and delivery was pitch perfect during the Oscar presentations. “Be More Tea” is Unilever’s first global campaign to elevate its Yellow Label brand and Kermit is the epitome of mindfulness as he sips his way through the antics of Miss Piggy and pals. A horde of “Animal” puppets driving cabs, shouting and racing about New York City set the scene for the thoughtful frog who is captured placidly walking amid the mayhem doing good turns and going with the flow as he is bumped and jostled about. Kermit will be the face of Lipton in North America and Europe where the puppets are well known but “Be More Tea” is a slogan that will be translated into many languages in advertisements designed to create single global positioning for the world’s leading brand of tea. "We live in a busy world.  It's easy to slip into a routine with our heads down, moving from one place or obligation to the next.  Lipton wants to inspire consumers to 'look up', take in all that life has to offer and enjoy what you may have otherwise missed," said Alfie Vivian, vice president of refreshments for Unilever. "This is what 'Be More Tea' means to Lipton and the philosophy we will bring to life in our new national ad campaign starring the Muppets." Alessandra Bellini, VP-brand development for Unilever Refreshments, told Ad Age that Unilever is doubling Lipton marketing spending to more than $40 million this year compared to last. The campaign will run four weeks. “The campaign backs both Lipton hot tea and iced tea. While Lipton has had global campaigns in the past for ready-to-drink tea, this is the first global effort behind the entire brand lineup,” Ms. Bellini told Ad Age. “Lipton -- in both cold and hot forms -- trails only Coke in sales among global beverage brands,” she added. "Making movies and dating Miss Piggy can be stressful – especially the dating part. But I always try to stay cool and look on the bright side," said Kermit the Frog. "That's what this Lipton campaign is all about.  In a world filled with high-stress wild-in-the-street types like Animal, you have to take time to enjoy life and 'Be More Tea.'"