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

28 Jul 2026Jellyfish

Can Creativity Win Minds and Models?

In a new research project with INSEAD’s David Dubois, Tom Roach, VP Brand Strategy and Natasha Wallace, CSO, Strategy, AI & Planning at Jellyfish used Share of Model™ to explore whether and how AI and humans respond to creativity differently, uncovering what brands need to create for a world of dual audiences and AI-mediated consumer journeys.

Read Article
28 Jul 2026Jellyfish

Tinder and Jellyfish unveil “Dump Traditional Dating” brand campaign

Tinder has launched “Dump Traditional Dating,” a new brand campaign celebrating its Double Date feature, as a more social, relaxed way to meet. Created by Jellyfish, the campaign is based on a simple insight: dating hasn’t evolved, but Gen Z has.

Read News
9 Jul 2026

How FitFlop broke the performance plateau

Ash Singh, Senior Strategist at Jellyfish, joined the WARC podcast alongside our client FitFlop to discuss how they tapped into The Multiplier Effect. Through embracing a smarter way to invest in both brand and performance marketing, FitFlop drove +30% YoY revenue growth and +68% ROAS. Listen to the podcast.

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