Kellogg’s, Crumbl, and Angry Customers

Kellogg’s, Crumbl, and Angry Customers

Author: OCR October 18, 2024 Duration: 30:33
Communication Breakdown
Business NewsNewsBusinessManagementMarketing
In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the controversy surrounding Kellogg's and its failure to eliminate artificial ingredients from its cereals, despite a decade-old promise. They analyze the implications of consumer activism led by influencers like Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe, and explore the various strategies companies can adopt when faced with protests. The conversation then shifts to a misadventure involving Crumbl Cookies, where an unauthorized pop-up in Australia sparked discussions about brand management and consumer expectations. Finally, the hosts suggest ways companies can contribute to hurricane relief efforts by providing reliable information to affected communities, emphasizing the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility during crises.


Takeaways
  • Kellogg's has faced backlash for not fulfilling its promise to eliminate artificial ingredients.
  • Consumer activism can significantly impact corporate reputation and practices.
  • Crumbl Cookies' unauthorized pop-up highlights the risks of brand misrepresentation.
  • Corporate responsibility can extend beyond donations to include reliable information dissemination during crises.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Corporate Reputation Strategies
00:31 Kellogg's Controversy: The Food Babe's Protest
12:46 Crumbl Cookies: A Pop-Up Misadventure
26:25 Corporate Responsibility in Crisis: Hurricane Relief Suggestions


(Audio clip of protests is from @thefoodbabe on Instagram)

Communication Breakdown is a production of the Observatory on Corporate Reputation.
Hosted by Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling.
Produced by Shawn P Neal and the team at AdvoCast.

For questions, feedback, or episode suggestions, reach out at podcast@ocrnetwork.com

Communication Breakdown is a sharp, fast-moving podcast for PR and communications pros who want to understand what really happens when reputations are on the line. Hosted by OCRs Craig Carroll and Steve Dowling, each postgame-style episode breaks down how organizations navigate high-visibility crises, product launches, policy debates, and other make-or-break moments in the public eye. Drawing on experience from institutions like USC Annenberg, UNC Chapel Hill, OpenAI, and Apple, the hosts dissect real-world cases, exploring what worked, what failed, and why. Listeners can expect candid analysis of messaging, leadership, media strategy, stakeholder management, and internal alignment, all grounded in current events across news and business. Whether youre in marketing, management, or corporate communications, listen episodes of Communication Breakdown to sharpen your judgment, stress-test your own strategies, and better anticipate how communications decisions play out when it matters most.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 79

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