Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched a new advertising campaign showcasing lamb as the “ultimate social device”.
Launched last week and running for four weeks, the Australian Lamb Spring campaign parodies the advertising style of technology brands but introduces a device that actually facilitates in-person connections: Lamb.
MLA Marketing and Insights general manager Nathan Low said that this year’s spring lamb campaign was targeting younger shoppers.
“Appealing to younger demographics is important to foster the next generation of lamb consumers and forms a part of Australian Lamb’s brand vision of making lamb the go-to for bringing friends and family together,” Mr Low said.
“The majority of frequent lamb buyers skews older in Australia, but in the last year we have seen positive brand growth from younger segments off the back of retail price decreases and the Generation Gap summer campaign.
“To continue building affinity with younger segments, we have styled this year’s spring campaign in a format they’re very familiar with, and using humour that also resonates with all demographics to showcase lamb as a social device that brings people together.”
Over the four-weeks, ads will run across digital television, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and out-of-home panels, including skyscraper style billboards close to retail centres, reminding shoppers to buy lamb as they head into store.
To drive purchase at the major supermarkets and retailers, the campaign will be activated online when shoppers are planning meals, and at shelf to capture the unplanned shopping trip.
According to Mr Low, spring is an important opportunity to drive consumer demand for lamb, as there is traditionally good supply available.
“This year’s Spring Lamb campaign coincides with 2024 being the largest lamb production year on record, resulting in a record supply of lamb available in the domestic market,” Mr Low said.
“The Australian Bureau of Statistics said Q2 of 2024 saw lamb slaughter across Australia lift to its highest number ever, with 7.2 million head processed. This was 4.2% higher than last quarter’s record figure and 19% higher than at the same time last year.
“Lamb slaughter is forecast to lift on last year’s record to 27.7 million head. This is an increase of 11% or a further processing of 2.7 million head and would place 2024 as the largest year on record for lamb slaughter, beating 2023, which was also a record.
“Therefore, this campaign will help drive demand for the biggest supply of Australian lamb meat yet again. There will be plenty of lamb hitting the shelves over spring and summer, and we encourage everyone to share the lamb with friends and family.”
