Pocket PERi-PERi was a small-but-mighty companion designed to help students tackle the chaos of exam season. A 50ml squeezy bottle with a carabiner clip, it became the ultimate revision accessory, giving students the boost they needed—both literally and metaphorically—to survive those long, stressful study sessions.

April is crunch time for students. Revision takes over, stress levels skyrocket, and motivation is hard to find. Recognising the challenges students face, we wanted to show up in their world with something fun, unexpected, and genuinely helpful for Nando's student superfans. Pocket PERi-PERi was the answer—a quick power-up on the go that could help boost morale and keep spirits high when they needed it most.

To make Pocket PERi-PERi a hit, we built the campaign around hype, exclusivity, and student relatability. From teasers that piqued curiosity to a gamified flavor selection mechanic that matched heat levels with ‘revision personas,’ the campaign was designed to engage students on their terms. Every touchpoint—from social media to the Nando’s Yard microsite—was crafted to build anticipation and create a memorable experience that felt like a reward during a stressful time.

The campaign launched with a teaser video on Nando’s Instagram Stories, directing students to the Nando’s Yard website. The site was transformed with a countdown timer, signaling the moment Pocket PERi-PERi would drop.

When the big day arrived, we released a stop-motion launch video that brought the product to life and kicked off the drop. Students visiting the site were invited to select their favorite flavor using a gamified ‘PERi-Ometer.’ The flashing light mechanic encouraged playful interaction, with each heat level linked to a ‘revision persona,’ letting students align their sauce choice with their mood.

The Pocket PERi-PERi campaign was a runaway success, smashing expectations and creating a tidal wave of buzz. On launch day alone, 41,536 users flooded the site, with over 16K people queuing to claim their sauce. In total, 79,532 students registered, and the campaign exceeded demand by a staggering 900%.

Social media impressions hit 381,841, with a CTA response rate 1176% higher than the account average. The campaign also drew 85% new users to Nando’s Yard Online, while brand sentiment soared to 97.3%. Beyond digital metrics, Pocket PERi-PERi generated 61 pieces of earned PR coverage, amplifying the hype even further.

With its perfect mix of fun, flavor, and functionality, Pocket PERi-PERi wasn’t just a drop—it was a movement that proved Nando’s could be a true power-up for students, even during the toughest times.