Aldi brings Kevin the Carrot back for Christmas 2026

The campaign marks another chapter for Kevin the Carrot, who first appeared in Aldi's Christmas advertising in 2016. McCann Manchester has continued to develop the character and his festive adventures over the years.

Aldi has brought back its Christmas advertising character Kevin the Carrot for a festive campaign centred on a family search for their missing pet, Cauli Dog. Created by McCann Manchester, the advert features Kevin and his daughter Chantenay as they embark on an adventure to find their beloved companion, reinforcing the campaign's message that Christmas is about spending time with loved ones.

The story begins with Chantenay wishing for Cauli Dog's safe return. Kevin and his daughter put up missing posters before following a trail of paw prints into a snowy landscape in search of their missing family member.

Aldi's Christmas advert follows Kevin the Carrot's search

During their journey, Kevin and Chantenay receive misleading directions from a scarecrow and encounter what initially appears to be a grizzly bear, which turns out to be a cuddly squirrel. Kevin also takes a tumble, adding humour to the adventure.

The paw prints eventually lead the pair back home, where the family searches every corner before discovering Cauli Dog asleep inside a Christmas cracker. Chantenay's wish comes true as she reunites with her companion, declaring: "Cauli, I love you." The advert closes with Aldi's festive tagline, "All You Want For Christmas".

McCann Manchester continues Kevin the Carrot campaign

Dave Price, CCO, McCann Manchester: "Kevin the Carrot was just a seed in the McCann Manchester allotment back in 2016. If I'm honest, I thought we'd get 2 or 3 years out of him at best. But here we are, 11 years later with a Christmas icon. The McCann team feel incredibly lucky that the British public have taken Kevin into their hearts. I hope everyone enjoys this year's story as much as we've loved creating every single one of Kevin's adventures. It's been a privilege."

Aldi focuses on family connections in festive campaign

Kristin Sonfield, Marketing Director, Aldi UK: "Kevin has become a much-loved part of Christmas for so many families, so we're thrilled to have him back on our screens alongside Chantenay and Cauli Dog. Their latest adventure brings plenty of festive fun, familiar faces and, of course, a little bit of Christmas chaos. But at its heart is a lovely reminder that, for all the presents and celebrations, the real magic of Christmas comes from spending it with the people who matter most."

Media agency Starcom is also involved in the campaign, supporting its media strategy through shared media activity, contextual partnerships and product-led initiatives.

Darren Guy, Managing Partner, Starcom: "This is always such an exciting time of year for us, and our ambition for 2026 was to show consumers that Aldi really does have all you want for Christmas. From big shared media moments to several exciting contextual partnerships and product-led activity, it's been a huge team effort and we can't wait to finally see Kevin, Cauli Dog and the campaign out in the world!"

www.aldi.co.uk

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