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Harvest Snaps and Cutwater launch music-driven TikTok experience

Plant-based snack Harvest Snaps has teamed with digital agency Cutwater to create a music-driven TikTok branded effect, designed for US college students starting the fall semester.

The branded effect, entitled “Snap Sounds”, can be accessed directly through TikTok or by scanning the QR code on the newly launched Mixed Snack Pack from Harvest Snaps, an offering with six, single-serve bags of veggie snacks in three flavors. Sanp Sounds invites audiences, especially college students, to create their own music via head movements. Each motion triggers one of six beats, many of which are recorded sounds pulled directly from Harvest Snaps’ packaging and products, such as the memorable crunch that happens when you eat the tasty snacks. Beyond solo pieces, the branded effect allows the opportunity for duet content as well.

Cutwater Group Creative Director, Adam Vohlidka, said: “During the early stages, everyone loved the idea of making music while snacking. TikTok was the perfect platform for reaching those hungry for tasty, healthy snacks and fun experiences. Users can jam by themselves and with friends. Vocals, instruments, dance choreography, anything goes. The beauty of the beats is that they create an ownable sonic identity for Harvest Snaps that wasn’t there before.”

The work marks several milestones. For Harvest Snaps (owned by by Caibee America Inc.), it’s their first major activation following their recent rebrand and, most importantly, foray into TikTok (@harvestsnaps_official). For Cutwater, the project comes on the heels of winning the digital creative agency of record title for the plant-based snack.

Calbee America, Inc.’s Head of Marketing, Sandra Payer, commented: “This activation presents a unique opportunity for Harvest Snaps to attract and engage with a younger and relevant target audience of Gen Z college students, often looking for tasty and better-for-you snacks to eat while studying or share with their friends. We’re thrilled with how Snap Sounds turned out and can’t wait to hear and see what this creative group of consumers comes up with.”

The media strategy, spearheaded by Cutwater, boasts targeted ads across social channels as well as influencer partnerships. The latter includes @veryveryvinny, @stavemusicofficial, @andy_morris, and more. As an extra treat, the paid support will run in parallel with a nationwide college sampling events program for the Mixed Snack Pack, which will feature limited-time coupons for all Harvest Snaps items at a wide range of major retailers carrying the product lineup. The Mixed Snack Pack will be sold at Sprouts Farmers Market for a limited time starting in mid-August and direct to consumers on HarvestSnaps.com.

Cutwater Founder and CCO, Chuck McBride, said: “We couldn’t ask for better collaborators from the teams at Harvest Snaps and TikTok. There was a real trust in our artistic vision and media plan. I can’t wait to see what the community comes up with. The beats with the most flair and likes have the chance to be spotlighted within the brand’s official feed.”

Audiences can make their own “Snap Sounds” beats on TikTok here