We have officially reached the stage of the combined pandemic/supply-chain/inflation crises that major corporations are shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars for customers who can't find their product:
Kraft is using its cream cheese shortage as a marketing opportunity.
For just a few days this holiday season, a limited number of people will be able to spend $20 on dessert and charge it to Kraft, owner of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The premise: People who can't bake cheesecakes because they can't find cream cheese can get another baked good on Kraft's dime.
Here's how it works: People interested in the offer can visit a special website set up by Kraft. On December 17 and 18, up to 18,000 of them will be able to nab the right to get reimbursement for a holiday treat. They'll be able to submit receipts to the company a few weeks later.
For Kraft, the campaign is a way to soften the blow of empty cream cheese shelves -- and keep customers thinking about Philadelphia cream cheese, without souring on the brand.
Twenty bucks if I can't find a tub of cream cheese?! Folks, it isn't my usual brand, but for 20 smackers we just became a Philadelphia household for the Christmas season!
