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How Amstel Vibes Lit Up Brazilian Supermarkets with Tokinomo Shelfobot

Written by Corina Mihalache | May 21, 2025 8:22:55 AM

How do you make a new RTD beverage stand out in Brazil’s crowded supermarket shelves? For Amstel Vibes, the answer was a bold in-store activation powered by Tokinomo’s motion-sensor technology. In partnership with Outpromo and Creative Display, this campaign didn’t just capture shopper attention - it turned it into engagement, brand love, and a Silver POPAI Award.

The challenge: capturing consumer attention in a crowded RTD market

Amstel Vibes, a new ready-to-drink beverage launched by Heineken in 2023, aimed to carve out a niche in Brazil’s rapidly expanding RTD category. With flavors like Strawmelon and Lemon, the product was designed for lighthearted, social moments. But in a market saturated with stylish cans and catchy slogans, standing out at the point of sale was critical.

To disrupt passive shopping behavior and drive trial, Heineken needed a sensory experience that would draw eyes to the shelf.

Why Tokinomo: technology that turns heads

Heineken, in collaboration with Outpromo and Creative Display, selected Tokinomo’s Shelfobot technology for its proven ability to create immersive, animated in-store activations that engage all the senses.

Tokinomo had previously partnered with Creative Display on successful POPAI-awarded campaigns, including the Halloween-themed “Fanta Misterio” activation. That history, combined with Shelfobot’s ability to utilize motion, sound, and light in a compact format, made Tokinomo the ideal partner for bringing Amstel Vibes’ vibrant branding to life.

The execution: A futuristic display with local flavor

At the center of the campaign was a custom Tokinomo Shelfobot display, developed to emphasize the can’s UV-reactive neon design and speak directly to Brazilian shoppers.

Key elements of the activation:

  • Motion sensor: Detected shopper movement and triggered the experience.
  • UV cradle: Illuminated the can’s glowing design, revealing hidden elements.
  • Automated push mechanism: Gently offered the product forward, mimicking a personal handoff.
  • Localized voice-overs: Spoke in regional slang, delivering culturally relevant messaging across all three target cities.

This combination created a futuristic yet friendly interaction that surprised shoppers and made the product feel personally introduced.

“Every time consumers passed in front of the Vibes shelf, it was as if the company was delivering the innovation for summer directly into their hands.”
Jamille Reimberg, Business & Growth Manager at Outpromo

The results: engagement, reach, and industry recognition

The campaign ran across 40 supermarkets in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro, reaching a wide consumer base through a blend of innovation and cultural resonance.

Quantifiable Impact:

  • 23 media insertions across press and digital channels
  • 102,000+ people reached
  • Amplified further through Heineken Brazil’s own media channels

The unique combination of sensory tech and local messaging didn’t just resonate with consumers, it also earned the attention of industry experts.

Award-winning innovation: Silver at POPAI Brazil 2024

The campaign took home Silver at the POPAI Brazil Awards 2024 in the "Displays and Merchandising – Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco" category. The judges recognized the campaign for:

  • Creative use of retail robotics
  • Seamless integration of regional cultural elements
  • Strategic storytelling through product design
  • Perfect alignment with Amstel Vibes' youthful branding

This marked another milestone in Tokinomo and Creative Display’s growing legacy of innovative, award-winning retail activations.

Key takeaways

  • Sensory engagement matters: Movement, sound, and light transformed a shelf into a stage.
  • Localization drives relevance: Regional slang created an emotional connection.
  • Innovation wins: Combining tech with storytelling leads to standout results, both commercially and creatively.

Looking ahead

Tokinomo continues to lead the way in in-store marketing automation, working with global brands to make physical retail more interactive and memorable. The Amstel Vibes activation is a shining example of how creative collaboration and technology can bring a brand’s personality to life, right at the point of purchase.