Have to admit, this did make us laugh. Last night we saw the first airing of Kevin the Carrot returning to Irish television screens as part of ALDI’s new fresh food campaign launched as rugby takes centre stage in France next month.
The ad sees Kevin the Carrot join the Irish Rugby camp in the build up to the trip to France.
Under the watchful eye of Ireland’s coaches and players, including Paul O’Connell and James Ryan, Kevin is put to the test as he hopes for a spot in a match squad.
He may only be three inches tall, but he’s good with the ball. The ad also includes cameos from Gilbert the Grape and the imposing Sebastien L’Oignon. Gilbert especially has a challenging time.
“Just when you thought the Irish Rugby team couldn’t get any stronger, ALDI wanted to give our lads a ‘fresh’ new secret weapon,” said Aldi Marketing director, tongue firmly in cheek.
“As Fresh Food Partners to Irish Rugby we are delighted to make the iconic Kevin the Carrot available to join the Irish camp. With the help of ALDI ambassadors Paul O’Connell as Coach, and senior player James Ryan, we’ve put him through his paces with the hope of getting him up to scratch.”
“Kevin the Carrot has his roots in Ireland – some as long as 14 inches! – and we know Irish viewers will be only delighted to see Kevin back on their screens.”
“Paul said he’s looking forward to seeing me at the team’s famous Thursday Roasts,” added Kevin, obviously through a translator. “Not sure what that involves.”
From September 7th, ALDI customers will be able to get their hands on exclusive merchandise, including limited-edition Irish Rugby Kevin the Carrot Plush toys and Kevin the Carrot Inflatables with a portion of proceeds being donated to Barnardos, as well as Official Rugby World Cup Balls and Rugby World Cup Tops.
The ad was created by McCann, features a familiar soundtrack from Dropkick Murphys and will be airing on Irish TV and online throughout the autumn.
