Virtual product promotion
Shoppers in Belgium will be introduced to Mondelez International’s latest products by a group of five state-of-the-art Tensator Virtual Assistants, at Carrefour, Cora and Makro stores.
The Virtual Assistants will be installed in supermarkets and independent stores across the country to promote the food manufacturer’s new product lines, including the Côte d’Or, Milka and LU confectionery ranges.
The consumer-facing Ultra models, with a compact 50cm by 50cm footprint, will stay in each location for two weeks before continuing on their tour of retailers, allowing customers to find out more about Mondelez International products.
The Tensator Virtual Assistant is a next generation digital signage solution that uses cutting edge technology to project the image of a real person that can deliver a variety of messages. With the ability to capture shoppers’ attention more effectively than signage, it can bring messages to life and create interest in new product lines.
The first of Mondelez International Virtual Assistants was delivered in May 2013 and drove significant sales increases for Mondelez International retail partners, following positive responses from consumers.
Frank Hoeckx, in-store activation expert at Mondelez International, says: “The Virtual Assistant Ultra has proved to be a great asset to our marketing as it takes up a relatively small area of valuable shop floor space. Thanks to its dimensions and weight, and the fact that the device is on wheels, it can easily be transported in a small van by one merchandiser. This made it budget friendly and easy to roll out for us.
“In the Belgian market, Mondelez International has a strong tradition of seeking out innovative ways of communicating with customers. The Virtual Assistant has real stopping power in-store and we see it as way of creating an event that delivers real sales results.”
Tensator Group CEO Ben Gale adds: “We are excited to see Tensator Virtual Assistants in more FMCG settings. The public is very familiar with them in airports, but bringing these applications into the European retail sector adds a new dimension to sales possibilities and customer engagement.
“Technology continues to play a vital role in retail spaces and beyond. Consumers have become de-sensitised to traditional marketing methods, so it is important to us to ensure that brands can interact as much as possible with their customers in-store. We look forward to seeing further results from the models that Mondelez International has taken on.”
