How to Create Food Advertising That Actually Sells
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Ogilvy & Mather didn’t just make food ads—they researched 512 of them to figure out what really makes people buy. This vintage ad outlines timeless truths every marketer should steal when selling food.
Marketing Analysis
The ad works because it markets marketing itself. Ogilvy uses authority (“217 food products in 18 countries”), proof (“512 studies”), and clear advice to sell their expertise. It positions their agency as both data-driven and creative—exactly what clients want.
Why It Works
Authority built through data and experience
Actionable insights (“Tell her how and when to use your product”)
Storytelling with concrete examples (Hershey’s, Sanka, etc.)
Clean, credible layout that reads like a trusted guide
Examples
Hershey’s bar: positioned as “The Great American Chocolate Bar”
Sanka: repositioned from “fake coffee” to “smooth coffee” and revived sales
Maxwell House: used photography of steaming coffee to double recall
Creative Variations
Hand-drawn pen style
Classic 1950s print ad
Futuristic style
Funny style
Analyzed by Swipebot
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