Tilda creates lively ad putting rice centre stage

Cheerful.

This idea is brought to life in a TV spot directed by Guy Manwaring through Merman. Opening with the line ‘I can make everything nice with Tilda steamed rice’, it sees an amateur (but enthusiastic) home cook grow in confidence and ambition as he crafts an array of dishes of increasing complexity – from halloumi wraps and bibimbap to leftover Thai in a stir-fry; dinner for one to a banquet for everyone – all with rice at their heart.

It was created by Rosie May Bird Smith and creatively directed by Dave Mygind at Havas. Planning and buying has been handled by media agency Goodstuff. The £1M campaign will run across TV and video on demand from today launching at prime time on Channel 4 in Devon & Cornwall. This will be the biggest investment Tilda have made in advertising to date. The campaign will be further supported by digital executions and a social campaign from fellow Havas agency, Cake, rounding off the new campaign for the much-loved brand, which is purchased by at least a quarter of all UK households.

Anna Beheshti, head of marketing at Tilda says: “As well as raising consideration versus own-label and competitor brands, we wanted to champion our premium quality Tilda rice itself as so much more than a side. With people eating at home more than ever before, we know it can be hard to find the inspiration – or the time – to cook delicious meals day in, day out. Luckily, Tilda’s tasty 20-plus varieties – including Japanese Teriyaki, Peri Peri, and Coconut Basmati – make it easy, whatever dish of the world you fancy.”

Dave Mygind, creative director at Havas London adds: “Tilda’s steamed rice makes it so easy to take your midweek dinner from meh to magnificent, so we wanted to celebrate the taste, variety and potential of the mighty grain in all its glory. With cooking just about the most fun we’re legally allowed to have during recurring lockdowns, we think it’s important to do it with a healthy dose of energy, colour and excitement.”

Harry Moss, group planning director at Goodstuff adds: "With the nation getting back into their kitchens, it’s a great opportunity to elevate Tilda's delicious and diverse range of products. Showing consumers that rice doesn’t just have to be rice. This campaign marks Tilda's biggest investment in media, so we’re excited to see this new creative make a big impact on our screens.”