This November, Domino’s and Pizza Hut served up fresh takes on customer engagement, proving that the pizza industry is as much about experiences as it is about food. Domino’s expanded its commitment to agriculture education through a scholarship program, while Pizza Hut took a bold leap with its limited-edition “Pizza Wine.” These initiatives highlight the creative ways these pizza giants aim to connect with their multiple customer bases. Here’s a closer look at how these two brands continue to innovate and keep pizza lovers intrigued.
Scholarships and slices
Domino’s announced a significant expansion of its scholarship program in partnership with Future Farmers of America (FFA). The initiative provides 10 $10,000 scholarships for students pursuing careers in agriculture education. With applications open until January 9, 2025, this program reflects the industry’s pressing need for agriculture science teachers. The applications can be submitted until January 9 at midnight through FFA’s website, winners will be notified in late April and funds will be distributed in July 2025. Domino’s joined as a national sponsor in 2017 and has donated $2 million to the FFA since then, a $2.5 million scholarship pool fosters future leaders in agriculture, directly benefiting the pizza supply chain. Domino’s will contribute $500,000 to support the new scholarship initiative, work-based learning grants, sustainability-focused curriculum, and workforce development programs that align with FFA’s Food Processing and Products career pathway. The scholarships are aimed for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“When Domino’s first committed to supporting FFA, we acknowledged that without farmers, there would be no pizza,” Carrie Ballew.
Pizza Hut pours the fun
Also on November 19, Pizza Hut turned heads by launching a limited-edition “Pizza Wine,” crafted from ripe tomatoes and infused with basil. Teaming up with Irvine’s Just Beyond Paradise Winery, a family-owned vineyard, this innovation coincides with the return of Pizza Hut’s popular Triple Treat Box, a festive offering starting at $19.99. The Triple Treat Box delivers two pizzas, breadsticks, and desserts—all wrapped in holiday-themed packaging. The wine is available for $25 per bottle, and designed to complement any Pizza Hut meal, the consumer appeal doesn’t stop here, Pizza Hut is offering a holiday gift set including wine glasses and a branded opener, now you’ve got your gift idea!
Toppings, teachers, and tomato wine
Domino’s and Pizza Hut have mastered the art of connecting with customers on absolutely different levels. Domino’s taps into community and sustainability by investing in future educators and agricultural experts. Meanwhile, Pizza Hut pairs culinary creativity with innovation, offering something fresh for the holidays and an option they have never proposed until now. Pizza Hut loves pouring the wine!
Both approaches reveal a broader trend: brands are no longer just selling products—they’re crafting memorable experiences. Whether it’s empowering future farmers or turning pizza night into a gourmet affair, these initiatives resonate with diverse audiences while reinforcing brand loyalty. Wait. This does ring a bell! Other companies have tried different experiences to engage consumers and provide joyful memories. The Kit Kat and Jolly Rancher partnership for videogames and treats and Purina’s Pet Racin game on Roblox to engage with virtual pets, are also consumer experiences and show the broadness of this growing trend. The holidays are full of new stuff, or old stuff? Little Caesars also shakes up the marketing world with its holiday offerings! These innovations provide new ways to connect with beloved brands, through memories, education or fun holiday products. These initiatives highlight the importance of creativity and sustainability in standing out in a competitive market.
Innovation comes in many forms, from technological advancements to creative business strategies. One powerful way to innovate is through expansion, reaching new customers and bringing beloved products to fresh markets. Shipley Do-Nuts exemplifies this by growing beyond its established territories. This strategic move not only strengthens its brand presence but also delights donut lovers in new communities, proving that innovation isn’t just about new ideas—it’s about bringing great ideas to more people.
November pizza news
Pizza Hut and Domino’s may take different approaches, but both are setting new standards for customer engagement. Whether you’re supporting agriculture education or sipping tomato-infused wine alongside a Triple Treat Box, these brands are proving that pizza is more than just a meal—it’s an experience.
Get in touch with Source86 to know more about industry trends or explore our range of ingredients to create your next innovation!
