iMP witnesses return to analogue joy with Takis student tour

As Gen Z navigates a world saturated with digital noise, experiential agency iMP has kicked off a massive four-city university tour for Takis, demonstrating that real-world, physical engagement remains unmatched in building genuine brand affinity.

The campaign centers around a fully customized, high-energy Takis shipping container unit serving as an immersive hub.

Designed for maximum throughput and engagement during peak Freshers Week traffic, the footprint packs an array of retro and interactive touchpoints:

• Custom Branded Shipping Container: A vibrant purple and yellow focal point carrying the headline tagline “All Intense, Not All Spicy”.

• Retro Arcade & Gaming Zone: Featuring a bespoke 2-UP “Intensity Clash” arcade cabinet, custom branded air hockey, and table football tables.

• Selfie Totem & Instant Photo Studio: Delivering tangible, high-gloss framed prints directly into students’ hands

• Mass Sampling Execution: Custom sampling bins and branded setups built to distribute 80,000+ Takis samples across the tour

While digital sharing mechanics are often treated as default KPIs in youth marketing, the tour’s opening leg at the University of Manchester revealed a compelling trend: the physical photo print outshone every digital feature on site.

Students in Manchester queued continuously not just for free samples or competitive games, but for the tangible keepsake of a high-quality physical photograph in a Takis frame. Rather than opting for instant social shares, participants prioritised keeping the physical print capturing candid poses, unscripted moments, and authentic interactions with friends.

“We’re seeing a massive resurgence in tactile, analogue interactions among Gen Z,” says David Gibbons, Managing Director at iMP. “Students live in a hyper-digital world where everything is behind a glass screen. Bringing together physical photo prints, arcade cabinets, and high-energy sampling creates an authentic, nostalgic anchor. Combining tactile, analogue fun with branded digital experiences is where the real magic happens for youth engagement.”

Following its standout launch at the University of Manchester, the Takis experiential container is bringing its high-intensity sampling and retro arcade setup to three additional major student hubs:

1 University of Manchester

2 University of Liverpool

3 University of Birmingham

4 Queen Mary University of London

By combining high-volume product trial with memorable tactile experiences, the campaign sets a clear benchmark for engaging the UK student market during Freshers season.