Over the years, the franchise has been not only a pioneer but also the king of brand associations. These are not cheap and they help Bond get off the ground. Not much has changed with more recent installments. Along with the usual suspects, there are Coke, Sony, P&G and Honda. But perhaps the brand tie-up that has received the most attention is one with Heineken. Many fans were outraged at the thought of 007 pounding a pint in Skyfall, a drink that cost the Dutch brand $45 million.
In a company statement, this is what Alexis Nasard, chief commercial officer of Heineken had to say about the connection between Bond and beer; "Not only a hero, Bond is the ultimate 'Man of the World' — confident, resourceful and ready for new experiences, personifying the values of the Heineken brand." The brand has been associated with the 007 franchise through several movies — Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.
'Crack the Case' the Heineken-Skyfall campaign asked consumers to slip into their well-cut Tom Ford suits, holster the Walther PPK and put their best Bond foot forward for a series of spy tests whilst protecting the contents of the briefcase from the villains. But while you're at it, saving the world that is, remember to enjoy a drink or two. After all it is the only job in the world where not drinking on the job is not an option.