Kellogg’s, Crumbl, and Angry Customers

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 in partnership with Advocast and  Shawn P Neal.

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