How an unexpected DM Sparked Custard by Giggs

How an unexpected DM Sparked Custard by Giggs

Oatly’s Vanilla Custard had not been a core focus for the UK market until an unexpected Instagram DM from rap icon Giggs turned a simple request into ‘Custard by Giggs,’ a bold, culture-shifting brand collaboration raising awareness of lactose intolerance and dairy-free accessibility.

Challenge

Oatly’s Vanilla Custard had not been a core focus for the UK market until UK rap icon Giggs sent an unexpected Instagram DM. A fan of the product (and cake) he voiced his struggle to find dairy-free custard for him and his son. Inspired, the Swedish oat drink company took the opportunity to raise awareness around lactose intolerance and the inaccessibility of dairy-free products by transforming a personal request into a bold, culture-shifting brand collaboration: 'Custard by Giggs.' Oatly's brief to Jellyfish was simple: use media to make Londoners (and beyond) excited about an unexpected collaboration while ensuring cultural credibility and maximum reach.

Solution

Leveraging Giggs’ influence, Jellyfish created a bold mixed media strategy to highlight both the creative storytelling and an immersive brand experience. A teaser campaign built anticipation, followed by a South London bakery pop-up that echoed limited-edition fashion drops—where fans received Cake & Custard kits, merch, and an unforgettable brand interaction with Giggs himself.

A dynamic media mix (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Spotify, Vevo) amplified the campaign, while organic social sharing from music, food, and culture influencers further propelled engagement. 

Custard by Giggs | Cake & Custard Tasting | Oatly

Custard by Giggs | Cake & Custard Tasting | Oatly

Impact

By blending cultural credibility, social impact, and an unexpected product spotlight, ‘Custard by Giggs’ turned a simple DM into a moment that resonated across music, food, and brand culture - a truly authentic and inspiring brand partnership.

Results

43.2M impressions

(exceeding target by 25%)

14.2M reach 

(77% above forecast)

168% 

Uplift in Oatly searches post-YouTube exposure

500+ 

Cake & Custard kits, 600+ samples distributed

A multi-award winning campaign

The campaign's innovative approach and meaurable impact have not gone unnoticed. It has earned multiple awards across brand strategy, egagement, audience reach and measurement, and social video—proof of its cultural credibility and social resonance.

The Drum Awards Festival 2025
Gold - Social: Brand Partnership/Collaboration

2025 Shorty Awards
Gold - Brand Partnership - Strategy & Engagement Category

Google Measurement Awards 2025
Silver - Audience Reach & Brand Measurement

Resources

10 Feb 2026

HOKA Illuminates East London with High-Visibility UV Mural

Staying active in the cold isn't easy, but HOKA’s latest chapter of its global 'TOGETHER WE FLY HIGHER' campaign found a way to brighten the path. Created in partnership with Jellyfish, OOH specialists Billups, and the advertising agency Global Street Art, the activation brings the "Night Run" experience to life through innovative, light-reactive technology.

Read News
12 Jan 2026

Media Agencies: The Year Ahead

The agency model built on executing media buys is reaching its limits. Featured in Campaign UK’s 'The Year Ahead 2026,' Nick Fettiplace, Managing Director, UK, shares his perspective on how agency and client partnerships will evolve. From navigating AI-led transformations to mastering data and measurement, Nick breaks down how agencies must step up as strategic advisors in an increasingly automated world.

Read Article
5 Jan 2026Jellyfish

2026: Navigating the Next Wave of Change

2026 has officially landed and this year will mark the acceleration of agentic-driven Gen AI content at scale. From agentic commerce to privacy-first attribution, the year ahead will reward brands that integrate AI strategically rather than tactically. See what some of our Jellyfish experts predict for brands ready to scale smarter.

Read Article

Up Next

The Deadly Billboard marks Final Destination Return

To mark the 25th anniversary of the cult horror franchise, Final Destination returned in 2025 with Final Destination: Bloodlines. Warner Bros partnered with Jellyfish to design a bold, eerie activation designed to reintroduce the saga and tap into Gen Z's taste for twisted thrills.

Read More