Pretty in Print: Shanghai

For this week's feature of Pretty in Print, I will be sharing stunning ads from Shanghai, China. They show some aesthetics that are distinct to eastern cultures, making their ads quite refreshing, especially in the realm of art direction. I think these ads are effective, showing a universal message that a global consumer market can appreciate. A good ad translates. It not only appeals to its specific geographical market, but it draws in all.

Shanghai is China's largest commercial and financial center with a population of over 23 million people. The city is a beautiful blend of modern and traditional Chinese culture.  With a culture that focuses on the pursuit excellence and innovation, Shanghai undoubtedly presents many creative pieces of advertising to reach out to its many consumers.

Here's a few of my favorite ads:

1.     Hitachi Brand: "World of Wind"
        Y&R Shanghai

Would you try these strange flavors?

My mom always said you won't know if you like it, if you don't try it. So I took a look at what they have available in the world's kitchen. I wasn't surprised that each country had their own unique way of snacking. Who would have thought there would be so many flavors for a potato chip?

A lot of what we accept as "norms" center around the culture that we have experienced. As brands are globalizing, they develop specialties to appeal to the local culture's taste preferences. It is part of their segmented branding strategy to develop products that would be popular in different global markets.

As an American, perhaps I have my own culturally-biased taste. Considering the different snacks and drinks from around the world, I see ones I would dare myself to try and others just too bizarre for me to consider. I must admit that some of these flavors are really intriguing, and I wish that they were available in America.

These are some of the most surprising snack flavors I've found from other countries. (I would probably try #4, 9, 10 and but stay away from #3, 6, and 11).  Let me tell you-- when you search for strange, you will find it.
 

 1.   Japan: Wasabi KitKat

via kotaku.com