How to Create Food Advertising That Actually Sells

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