Arla and Wieden+Kennedy have created a multichannel campaign this spring to introduce Iceland’s traditional and nutritious yogurt, Skyr.

Arla Skyr is made from skimmed cow's milk and is carefully made following traditional Icelandic methods, which results in a delicious, silky texture that is low in fat, reduced in sugar and naturally high in protein. Known for their strength and courage, Icelandic people through the centuries have at least one thing in common: they’re all powered by Skyr. And now, it’s set to conquer British shores.

Launched in the UK with a 90” film directed by Dougal Wilson through Blink, the TV spot is set in the 1960s and tells a story laced with Icelandic pluck and, of course, plenty of Skyr. A young telephone exchange messenger goes to extraordinary lengths to keep his community connected to the world, and each other, via the only telephone in their remote village. Naturally, bowl after bowl of Skyr keeps him going; whether the message he’s delivering is difficult to swallow or a little more mundane, no obstacle is too big and no news too small for the young hero.

In the coming months, outdoor executions will support the TVC, heralding the arrival of Iceland’s super yogurt, photographed by British photographer Andy Sewell.

Campaign activity will continue online, with a series of three short documentary films, 'Skyr Guides' launching in late April, featuring modern day Icelanders. From the doorman at the oldest bar in Reykjavik to one of Iceland’s toughest female cyclists, the friendly locals help viewers become more familiar with Skyr, the dairy product they grew up on. The films, ranging from one minute to shorter cutdowns tailored for different platforms, will be shared on Arla’s social channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Vine, as well as YouTube prerolls.

Sam Dolan, Senior Brand Manager, Yogurt, Arla comments, “we are thrilled with how the campaign is looking and the TV spot is an amazing way to launch our wonderful Skyr Icelandic style yogurt. Thanks to Wiedens and Dougal for delivering another great ad for Arla.”

Larry Seftel, Creative Director, Wieden+Kennedy London, says “In their long illustrious history Icelanders have been sailing the oceans, producing world beating strongmen, chess champions and, as the story of our ad tells, a young boy capable of hand delivering phone messages to people all over an often cold and forbidding Island. Now that Skyr is available in the UK we have an inkling of what their secret might be.”

Arla Foods and Wieden+Kennedy London are encouraging Britain to go 'freestyle' with a new campaign promoting Lurpak's soft straight-from-the-fridge butter, Lurpak Spreadable. 

The campaign aims to inspire cooks to loosen up, get creative and embrace the more spontaneous side of food. Casual kitchen dabblers and adventurous cooks alike know that sometimes, the most wonderful creations happen in the kitchen when inspiration strikes and instinct takes over. Whipping up a spot of lunch can turn into a delicious experiment when there’s no recipe, no plan, no carefully measured ingredients. Just a little bit of this, a pinch of that and a drizzle of the other.

Directed by Juan Cabral, the film captures the beautiful, rhythmic chaos of freestyling in the kitchen and takes viewers on a journey of flavour experimentation and explosive taste sensations. Cooks throw unusual and enticing dishes together to a rip-roaring jazz soundtrack, whilst the voice of Lurpak, Rutger Hauer, steers the show like the leader of the band. Energetic cuts coupled with expressive movements, choreographed by New York dancer, Storyboard P, bring a dynamic feel to the film; depicting the beautiful frenzy that freestyle cooking creates. 

Delicious and inspiring bread creations were captured for print and outdoor executions by Gustav Almestål. Coupled with bold statements, the ads invite cooks to re-evaluate their sandwich endeavours and embrace the art of going freestyle.