Macadamia Nuts Take On Fast-Food Giant For Title Of The Original ‘Macas’
By Alexa Heah, 28 Aug 2023
For those down under, fast-food chain McDonald’s is often referred to by its nickname, “Macas.” But what if something else is laying claim to the popular title?
It appears Australian Macadamias—yes, the nut—are taking on the restaurant giant with new billboards poking fun at the difference between the native seed’s 60-million-year history on the continent as compared to the chain’s 50 years.
Crafted by creative agency Hopeful Monsters, the campaign launched its first display outside McDonald’s St Peters in Sydney, starring Queensland farmer Michael “Maca” McMahon, who aims to educate residents on the historical significance of the tasty kernel.
Hopeful Monsters CEO Katie Barclay told Marketing Mag that the idea was to have a “playful pop” at a well-known franchise while educating the public on macadamias, of which most people are unaware are native to the country and also have the nickname “Macas.”
To accompany the tongue-in-cheek billboards, Macadamia Australia is tapping on media personalities to create McDonald’s-style dishes using, of course, actual macadamias.
First NationsHopeful Monsters Mindy Woods came up with the “Original Macas Mylkshake” featuring macadamia milk, which foodies can pair with the “Original Macas Burger” that uses kangaroo meat and roasted nuts in the mince.
As the advertising agency playfully challenged, “Who is really the OG Macas? An American burger joint that arrived here in 1971 or the macadamia. A native nut that’s been down under for over 60 million years.”
[via Marketing Mag and Fruitnet, images via Hopeful Monsters]