While one might see MassMutual's message as controversial because it validates a perceived problem (that Millennials won't leave their parents' homes), it really isn't because it plays both sides of the emotional coin for parents. Parents want what's best for their kids - heretofore to make them as independent as possible, but they also want their kids.

It's no longer enough to sell food. Grocers are doing the work of sous-chefs so time-pressed customers can speed up cooking. Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen says the brand is exploring "megatrends" where it can wield not only innovation but also the advantages of its size, supply chain and distribution footprint, which is why it's going big on meal kits.

Pepsi will launch a cinnamon-flavored limited edition, dubbed Pepsi Fire, later this month. The new soda will be available from May 22 nationwide for an eight-week period. Select Pepsi brand packaging will feature snapcode that can unlock a range of exclusive Snapchat features, such as unique Lenses, Geofilters and a new Pepsi mobile game.

In just the last couple months, the European beer has made a splash with a New York City river pool and a viral "Can opposites attract?" strangers meeting ad response to polarized political discourse. They are the kind of creative concepts one might expect from smaller brands with less at stake, Brand Channel observes.

The BMW Hot Lap Pitch features nine entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to an established venture capitalist in the BMW M550i while rounding a racetrack at 100 mph. The promotion allows BMW to go beyond simply describing the features of its all-new 5 Series; instead, the entrepreneurs experience the car's power, agility and speed first-hand.

The BTS "season" is still relevant, but to focus on the short time frame before the start of school and ignore the entire school year is short-sighted. Likewise, if marketers define their Back to College consumer target as the traditional student, they ignore the range of students that leave millions of dollars behind.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed a multi-year deal with Goodyear to have the brand's Wingfoot logo appear on its jerseys beginning next season. The pact also includes branded merchandise, a $1 million donation to schools in Cleveland and Akron and the Cavs' logo on the iconic Goodyear Blimp for promotional events.

A TV spot that aired last year featuring a crying Danny Glover has raised questions about the role of direct-to-consumer advertising in promoting the use of medicines for uncommon conditions far beyond the narrow population of people who most benefit from them. The ad featuring Glover addressed Pseudobulbar affect, a neurological condition characterized by inappropriate outbursts of laughing or crying.

According to Engagement Labs, Amazon is a conversation commander, which is a brand that performs above average both offline and online. Walmart is missing from the top brands. Although it is the most talked-about retail brand offline and has the third-highest online volume score, Walmart struggles with low sentiment scores both online and offline.

Minneapolis-based Fulton Brewing Co. is launching a limited-edition brew to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Star Tribune. The beverage is one of a variety of activities and items to commemorate the milestone, including restoring a giant globe for the Star Tribune building's lobby and lighting up the Minneapolis skyline in the newspaper's signature green.