Amidst the global pandemic, declining job security, and an unprecedented economic crisis, Nabisco has launched these Pokemon-themed Oreos. And, this launch isn’t as rosy as it seems.
During the height of the pandemic, when most of us were locked inside our homes mindlessly consuming snacks, Nabisco saw a sharp rise in demand. Nabisco decided to coax its workers into doing 12-16 hour shifts without any overtime pay to fulfill this demand. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that Nabisco workers decided to go on a strike to protest against this inhumane behavior.
Admittedly, this collaboration was announced in June – way before the strike materialized formally. However, it does make one wonder why the company decided to go through with the launch anyway. After all, the strike has continued for two months, and the company has still failed to give a satisfactory solution to the workers’ problems.
The Limited-Edition Cookies.
These limited-edition Oreo cookies have been available for purchase since September 13th. Each pack contains cookies featuring embossed images of 16 different Pokemon. The list includes all the fan favorites like Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur, alongside a few other iconic ones.
The Three-Pronged Plan.
The details surrounding the launch, in addition to the impeccable timing, are deviously ingenious. First, let’s discuss the collaboration itself.
Like the game and the collectible cards that go hand in hand, the cookies also will have a rarity system. This rarity system or Gacha (Or Gotcha! – The Japanese term for such schemes) is an intentional inclusion to boost sales more than anything else. While Nabisco would love it if you believed that all they wanted was to emulate the actual game mechanics, you are sorely mistaken.
Their press release explicitly states that some of these Pokemon cookies will be intentionally hard to find. In fact, there is a high likelihood that you will never find all 16 Pokemon cookies in a single pack.
Now, combine this artificial scarcity with a product that will be undoubtedly popular with impressionable kids. Then, launch it at this impeccable timing when there are ongoing strikes surrounding their treatment of workers. Suddenly, it does start to feel like an effort to sway the public’s attention from something grave to something shiny and lighthearted.
Conclusion.
Now, I will be the first to admit that most of these allegations are just speculations on my part. Therefore, I won’t tell you whether you should go out and buy these or not. All I would request you to do is consider what’s happening with the people making these products before you inevitably go to your nearest store to buy them.
Liked reading this article? Then, you will love reading about this thousand-dollar cookie.
