When you think of fast food, what's the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it's Taco Bell. This Mexican-inspired food chain has been around for decades, and it's known for its affordable prices and crave-worthy menu items.
But what you may not know is that Taco Bell is also a master at brand collaborations. Over the years, the chain has partnered with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, music, sports, and fashion to create unique and exciting products that appeal to fans of all ages.
In 2012, Taco Bell and Doritos teamed up to create Doritos Locos Tacos. This dish features a taco shell made from Nacho Cheese Doritos, filled with all the usual toppings like beef, lettuce, and cheese. The tacos quickly became a fan favorite and have spawned several flavor variations, including Cool Ranch and Flamin' Hot.
Later, Taco Bell and Doritos took their partnership to the next level with the launch of the Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme. This upgraded version of the original features all of the same delicious ingredients, plus sour cream and tomatoes. It's the perfect meal for Doritos fans who are looking for a little something extra.
The Doritos Locos Tacos were such a hit, Taco Bell had to hire an extra 15,000 employees to keep up with demand.
In 2018, Taco Bell and Milk Bar, the trendy dessert shop founded by celebrity chef Christina Tosi, teamed up to create a new take on the classic taco-inspired dessert. The result was the Strawberry Bell Truffle: a truffle made with strawberry milk and coated in vanilla cream and chocolate fudge. This dessert sauce is topped with chocolate chips, sprinkles, sweet and sour crunchies, and brittle almond chunks.
This collaboration gave Taco Bell instant access to the $16 billion dessert industry and helped them reach a new audience of diners with a sweet tooth.
Taco Bell doesn’t just collaborate with other food chains. In 2015, Taco Bell and Nike teamed up to create a special-edition sneaker called the "TB" Dunk High. Inspired by Taco Bell's popular "Nacho Fries," these shoes featured a bright orange colorway with taco-inspired details like a chalupa-shaped tongue and a "TB" logo on the heel.
This collaboration was a major coup because it positioned Taco Bell as a lifestyle brand that appealed to young, hip consumers. The sneakers were so popular that they sold out within minutes and now fetch high prices on the secondary market.
Taco Bell’s strategic collaborations have helped the brand chain reach new audiences through product innovation. The brand’s mission is to make food everyone can enjoy. Not only do they partner with other fan-favorite food brands to helps them deliver maximum satisfaction, but they also collaborate with non-food brands to sell a fun lifestyle that improves their image in the eyes of young consumers.