Fastcompany iconFastcompanyAug 31, 2026 ~1 min source read

Pabst Blue Ribbon pulls a KitKat: Why brands are turning cargo theft into marketing stunts

If that sounds familiar, it's because an almost identical scenario played out for KitKat five months ago. Back in March, the candy brand turned the (again, real) theft of more than 413,000 candy bars into a marketing campaign that included multiple social media posts, a bespoke website, and countless organic media placements.

Pabst Blue Ribbon pulls a KitKat: Why brands are turning cargo theft into marketing stunts

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If that sounds familiar, it's because an almost identical scenario played out for KitKat five months ago.

Back in March, the candy brand turned the (again, real) theft of more than 413,000 candy bars into a marketing campaign that included multiple social media posts, a bespoke website, and countless organic...

Since August 21, Pabst has taken to Instagram multiple times to implore users to be on the lookout for a " missing truck " carrying its 40,000 pounds of beer.

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The useful part

If that sounds familiar, it's because an almost identical scenario played out for KitKat five months ago. Back in March, the candy brand turned the (again, real) theft of more than 413,000 candy bars into a marketing campaign that included multiple social media posts, a bespoke website, and countless organic media placements. KitKat ultimately won multiple awards —including a prestigious Cannes Lions trophy this summer—for seizing upon the heist and spinning it into a marketing opportunity.

How it works

  • Since August 21, Pabst has taken to Instagram multiple times to implore users to be on the lookout for a " missing truck " carrying its 40,000 pounds of beer.
  • Now, it seems like Pabst is looking to have its own lemons-to-lemonade moment.

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