Mads Mikkelsen Lives Life the Danish Way in Carlsberg's Latest Campaign

Carlsberg has launched a £15 million, integrated marketing campaign called 'The Danish Way', aimed at revitalising its Carlsberg and Carlsberg Export brands in the UK with a premium positioning, reflective of its rich history and Danish provenance.

The campaign sees the brand emphasise its Danish roots, with the nation’s philosophy on life forming the centrepiece of activity across multiple consumer touch points including packaging, TV, cinema, out of home and digital channels.

Central to the campaign is a new TV spot, which will run in 60-second and 30-second time lengths, starring Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, who plays the role of a modern-day Danish philosopher pondering the secrets to his nation’s happiness as he cycles through the streets of Denmark.  

Mads’ Danish guide takes the viewer on a magical journey to discover 'The Danish Way' – he cycles past iconic Copenhagen landmarks such as Amalienborg Palace and the Kastrup Sea Baths. After cycling through a Danish apartment and a beautiful ‘hygge’ forest picnic, Mads arrives at the Carlsberg Brewery, where he enjoys a Carlsberg Export featuring the brand’s new ‘København’ glassware and ‘Dansk’ font, which launched in the UK on-trade in January.

The campaign marks the start of a bold new marketing approach from Carlsberg in the UK, aimed at confronting the long-term decline in the lager category by helping key consumer groups and beer drinkers to reappraise the brand through its rich history and Danish provenance.

New Danish-themed packaging for both the Carlsberg and Carlsberg Export brands rolled out in February, and wider out-of-home, experiential, digital and social activity is also planned throughout the year.

A new trade marketing drive has also been developed in partnership with Shazam. Designed to connect consumers with “The Danish Way” campaign, users are invited to photo-scan shazamable Carlsberg Export branding on a number of touch points spanning the on and off-trade. 

Once scanned, consumers are transported to an immersive digital Carlsberg platform where they can discover content and win Danish-inspired luxury prizes, including hygge home kits, wireless headphones and a trip for two to Copenhagen.

The TVC, produced by advertising agency Fold7, has already been trailed through a series of ten-second teasers this week on linear TV and VOD. The full launch, on 21 April, will see Carlsberg’s full 60 second advert run in the first break of Channel 4’s Gogglebox at approx. 9.10pm, before featuring in a further six spots, around which the iconic Channel 4 blocks have been designed to reflect the essence of Carlsberg’s rebrand. 

The TV campaign will run for an initial four week burst until 15th May, with a second burst in September. The TVC will also appear on VOD and in cinemas across the country for an extended period, supported by short-form content rolled out across Carlsberg’s social media channels. 

Liam Newton, vice president of marketing, Carlsberg UK said: “Denmark is known as being one of the happiest nations in the world, and their philosophy on life forms the centrepiece of our campaign. Consumers will see Carlsberg sharing the Danes’ rituals and philosophies throughout the year, helping them to live life the Danish way.

“Some consumers see mainstream lagers as interchangeable, and we know from extensive research that it’s incredibly important for them to be aware of the heritage of the individual brands they consume. We want our campaign to celebrate our Danish origins and bring new meaning to the iconic ‘Probably’ line.”

Ryan Newey, founder and chief creative officer, Fold7 said: “The new campaign marks the biggest shift the brand has ever made. We’ve gone back to what makes Carlsberg so iconic: the magic of its Danish roots. The Danes’ perspective on life is unique and it’s no wonder such a happy culture makes the best beer in the world.

“We wanted to cast a modern-day Danish philosopher with enough life experience and wisdom to be seen credibly by UK audience, and Mads was a perfect fit.  Consumers will see Mads continue to share his observations and knowledge throughout the year as the campaign rolls out.”