Heineken Revives Cities Program

Heineken has brought back its 360-degree Cities program, which aims to inspire consumers to break from their usual routines and make the most of their cities whenever they enjoy a Heineken or Heineken Light.

The second iteration of the Open Your City campaign will once more feature a limited run of city-specific bottles throughout summer 2015 in 14 select markets -- five global cities and nine U.S. cities, among them New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston, San Francisco and Honolulu. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, shoppers can scan any limited-edition Heineken City bottle, as well as Heineken Lager, Heineken Dark and Heineken Light bottles, with augmented-reality app Blippar to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to one of the program’s 14 featured cities, as well as daily instant summer rewards.

"Heineken consumers embrace the thrill and endless possibilities of city life," said Jonathan Simpson, director of commercial marketing at White Plains, N.Y.-based Heineken USA. "As city insiders, they make the most out of every moment, wherever and whenever that may be. Through our Cities program, Heineken is inspiring our consumers to discover and share summer's unique experiences every time they interact with Heineken. When they choose Heineken, they can bring summer to life anywhere."

Targeted TV advertising in both English and Spanish, along with with shopper-targeted digital media such as Ibotta, Brand.net and Blippar, will build awareness and interest while driving shopper traffic to participating retail outlets through relevant content and interactive experiences. In store, Heineken is joining forces with 7-Up to expand program reach and drive incremental sales of both brands. Dual-branded display and POS elements, in addition to cross-merchandising offers, will capture shoppers' attention and encourage cross-category purchase.

The Cities promotion runs through Sept. 30.