News

Brandon Reimagines Idahoan Ultimates as an Elevated, Restaurant-Inspired Experience

Date
1 Oct 2026
Author
Brandon
Ultimates Idahoan Foods

Brandon has launched a national integrated campaign for Idahoan Ultimate Mashed Potatoes, positioning the new Ultimates line as the easiest way to make everyday meals feel rich, elevated and restaurant-inspired—without the extra effort.

Built to reach busy “meal upgraders” who want more indulgent meals without added exertion, the campaign highlights premium ingredients, restaurant-inspired flavor and ready-in-minutes convenience. It’s a reminder that ease and elevation aren’t mutually exclusive.

The creative platform took an intentionally bolder, more provocative tone than is typical for the category. Using cinematic visuals, moody music and a playful reveal, the team set out to make mashed potatoes feel closer to a premium dining moment than a mild weeknight staple. A central challenge was balancing that more posh, restaurant-inspired positioning with the accessibility consumers expect from Idahoan.

“You don’t usually get to shoot mashed potatoes like they’re the hero of a film. When you’re talking about something that offers real indulgence, it earns that kind of spotlight,” said Austin Scott, Chief Creative Officer at Brandon. “Idahoan has been a trusted name at the dinner table for decades, and Ultimates gave us a chance to show that legacy in a whole new light.”

The campaign includes a new hero shot produced in :30 and :15 versions, supported by a full suite of digital creative spanning social, influencer, display, rich media, CTV/OTT, pre-roll and paid search. It runs nationally across two windows—September 28 through December 27, 2026, and March 1 through April 30, 2027—across Meta, TikTok, Google, YouTube TV and programmatic CTV/OTT inventory including Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Sling TV, Disney and Scripps. 

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Don't miss out on our latest news and commentary and white papers, subscribe to our newsletter now!
You may also like
Hannah Wexler
News

Meet Hannah Wexler, Brandon’s New Media Buyer

Brandon is excited to welcome Hannah Wexler as our newest Integrated Media Buyer.
Haley Brandon
News

Haley Brandon Named One of the Best & Brightest 35 & Under

Our CFO, Haley Brandon, has been named one of B2B Grand Strand’s Best & Brightest 35 & Under, recognizing young professionals making an impact at work and in their communities.
Paper Airplane flying
News

Brandon and Avelo Airlines Launch “If You Know, You Avelo,” Repositioning Regional Airports as the Smarter Way to Fly

Brandon, named creative and media agency of record for Avelo Airlines in May 2026, has launched “If You Know, You Avelo,” a new campaign that introduces travelers to the convenience of nearby regional airports and encourages them to rethink how they fly. The campaign beg...
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines plane
The campaign didn’t just take off—it soared. Awareness climbed, buzz spread, and more travelers discovered a smarter way to fly.
Pernicious IPA
Pernicious IPA
The creative matched the beer: bold, distinctive and hard to ignore. The work helped Wicked Weed stand out and build stronger connections with consumers.