RKCR/Y&R ads unveil the Actimel challenge

The multimedia campaign for the health-focused pro-biotic drink features two 20-second television executions, and will also run on bus sides nationally and London Underground tube card panels.

Actimel's main rival is the Japanese health drink giant Yakult, and the product also faces competition from brands launched by Muller and St Ivel.

The campaign focuses on the brand idea "The Actimel Challenge. Give it a Go", and challenges consumers to try the drink every day for two weeks to see how much better they feel. The parent, Danone, is offering consumers their money back if they don't feel a difference. The multimedia activity will also include a website for consumers to find out the benefits over time of taking up the challenge.

One execution opens on a typical winter morning. A woman is seen standing at a kitchen window watching snow fall as she drinks a bottle of Actimel.

The scene cuts to a snow-covered hill with parents and children lined up outside a school gate.

The woman is seen sliding down the hill using her briefcase for a sled, halting outside the gate and surprising onlookers by walking into the school to teach classes.

"January is a key time for people trying to establish new habits and sticking to New Year's resolutions," Cath Pickering, the marketing director for Danone Dairy, said. "Actimel is a simple, healthy habit to maintain. We are challenging consumers to try Actimel for two weeks and see the benefits for themselves."

The television spots were written by Tim Cordell, art directed by Alex Bamford and directed by Jon Greenhalgh of Stark Films.

Media planning is by Mediaedge:cia with buying by Carat.

RKCR/Y&R also handles the advertising for Danone's Activia and Baby Actimel brands.

This article was first published on Campaign