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Exploratory Thinking

The smartest brands don’t just compete, they collaborate 🤝

Some partnerships are just meant to be, like a legendary comedy duo, an iconic music collab or a flavour combo that hits. They don’t just grab fleeting attention; they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

And just like the most iconic partnerships, the smartest brands battling for relevance don’t just compete, they collaborate.

Opening avenues for one another to go wackier, weirder, wilder and funnier than ever before. A freedom to push boundaries, break norms and make an impact that feels authentic, fresh and unexpected.

And when two brands unite with real purpose, the impact goes beyond just about reach and revenue, it’s about redefining categories, sparking cultural movements and opening doors to new audiences.

But let’s be clear: forced collaborations often fall flat.

The strongest ones share more than just a logo clash. It’s about a unified vision, cultural alignment and perfect timing. They feel inevitable because they deliver something fresh, authentic and valuable.

That’s why the best co-branded drops and exclusive partnerships don’t just trend, they create demand, justify premium pricing and stay unforgettable long after the campaign ends.

And there’s numbers to back it up!

You see the best brand collabs and partnerships aren’t just seen, they’re felt. They shift perceptions, spark cultural moments, connect with new audiences and leave a lasting imprint.

So, who’s top of the class? Well, that’s always going to be up for debate.

But to help get you thinking about how a collab or partnership might look for your brand, we’ve curated a top 5 picks of our favourites and why they work.

1. GREGGS X PRIMARK: A SAVORY FASHION REVOLUTION

Greggs and Primark united to create a clothing line that fans had long asked for. Combining accessibility, value and relatability, the collab generated massive buzz.

Strategic store displays and limited releases heightened anticipation, while the Soho pop-up sold out in minutes.

Why it worked?

The impact speaks for itself, the campaign reached 87% of the UK, boosting both brands’ buzz scores and winning the Marketing Week Award.

2. GOPRO X RED BULL: BREAKING BOUNDARIES IN THE STRATOSPHERE

The GoPro x Red Bull collaboration reached new heights, literally. Felix Baumgartner’s space jump captured on a GoPro camera was not just an extreme sports moment but a groundbreaking global event.

Why it worked?

The Stratos jump broke three Guinness World Records and captured over 52 million views on YouTube. The collaboration between two adventurous, boundary-pushing brands created an unforgettable moment that resonated with millions of viewers and showcased the power of pushing limits.

3. PORSCHE X AIMÉ LEON DORE: A RIDE INTO LUXURY AND STREETWEAR

Porsche and Aimé Leon Dore’s collaboration merged luxury and modern cool, creating a custom 933 Turbo that captivated audiences.

Why it worked?

Their partnership elevated both brands, Porsche’s heritage and Aimé Leon Dore’s trendiness, making them a symbol of exclusive yet accessible luxury. The media buzz turned their co-sign into a coveted cultural moment.

4. HEINZ X ABSOLUT: A SAUCE TO SAVOUR

Heinz and Absolut’s collaboration was the perfect example of capitalizing on a social media trend. By creating the UK’s first tomato vodka pasta sauce, they tapped into the viral pasta trend, driving a massive social media campaign.

Why it worked?

Influencers and food lovers alike flocked to try the new product, resulting in a buzz that generated over 6.2 million TikTok views within a week. Sales of Heinz pasta sauces surged, proving that a well-timed product innovation can lead to impressive results.

5. KAPPA X POMPEII: SIMPLICITY SCORES

Why it worked?

Kappa and Pompeii proved that creativity doesn’t need complexity. With just a ball, two chairs and a bucket of paint, their campaign captured the essence of the game, raw, playful, and real.

Why it worked?

In just five days, it racked up over 3 million organic impressions, proving that simple ideas win big.

Big ideas don’t happen by chance, they happen through THE right strategy, creativity and most importantly, the right partnerships.Let’s explore what’s possible for your brand. Book a free 1:1 discovery session and unlock new opportunities, fresh perspectives and game-changing insights.

🗓️ Book a FREE 1-to-1 discovery session today and let’s unlock your brand’s full potential together.

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About Excursion Studio

We are a brand consultancy, design studio and ideas shop for a noisy planet.

The marketing world is increasingly crowded, noisy, fake, and complex. So we help brands thrive by taking them into expansive new spaces.