In 2024, Diplom-Is faced fierce competition. While its main competitor celebrated its 100th anniversary, the ice cream market was crowded with everything from premium brands to low-cost labels. So, how could we capture the audience’s attention? By tapping into the insight that classic products can unlock great value, we decided to reintroduce the Gullpinne and launched a nationwide treasure hunt with a unique prize: five ice cream sticks made of 18-karat gold. From TV to TikTok, wrapped ice cream trucks to freezer aisles, we talked about Gullpinne and its weight in gold.
It wasn’t just the treasure hunters who struck gold. Sales of Gullpinne skyrocketed by 512%, making it the 7th most consumed ice cream in Norway. Thanks to the buzz generated by the campaign, Diplom-Is rose from 42nd to 11th place on the YouGov Brand Index. Total ice cream sales increased by 184%, and Diplom-Is went from challenger to leader – becoming Norway’s largest ice cream brand. A golden reminder that the best adventures are often hidden in the simplest pleasures.