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Branding final
Branding final
reasons. Brand management is the process of developing, maintaining and protecting a brand’s
identity, reputation and value over time. It helps businesses differentiate themselves in a market
saturated with similar products and services, creating a unique image that distinguishes them
from competitors. Brands have the power to evoke emotions and create lasting connections with
consumers, Like Apple and its loyal fan base. Apple isn't just selling technology, it's selling
innovation, creativity and sense of belonging to a community. Also a strong brand is consistent
across all touchpoints, from advertising and marketing materials to customer service and product
quality. (Keller et al., 2015)
Purpose of this report to provide an overview of major branding concepts. As a brand consultant,
my goal is to analyse the company’s current branding situation and provide strategic
recommendations on how to incorporate different branding elements to drive overall company
growth, not just increased sales.
Company overview
Camerry Ice Cream owes its origins to the Cousins Group, which was formed in 1990 by five
close-knit families, and headquartered in Ernakulam, Kerala. They are well known in Kerala and
in the growing markets of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It all started with a group of cousins who
shared a passion for creating unique and delicious ice cream flavours by using natural
ingredients. The company’s inspiration comes from combining fruits, milk and nuts to make
delicious, creamy ice creams. One of their unique selling propositions is their commitment to
using fresh seasonal and exotic fruits, along with ultra-modern and state-of-the-art hygienic
plants to create delectable ice creams.
Their target audience includes families and young adults who appreciate quality time and treats,
as well as health-conscious who prioritise natural ingredients.
Brand development
A brand is a mutli-faceted concept that goes beyond just a name or a logo. It includes four
components: products, service, experience and perception. Product includes the physical goods
or digital offerings that a company provides and its the core offering and fulfils the basic needs
and desires of the consumer. The quality, design, functionality and reliability of the product are
crucial as they form the foundation of the brand. For Camerry the product is their wide range of
ice cream flavours. The quality and uniqueness of these ice creams form the foundation of the
brand.
Service means the customer support and services associated with the product, it includes pre-
sales consultation, purchase processes, after-sale support and customer service interactions.
When the product quality is high, the service is excellent and the consumer experience is
positive, the brand perception naturally improves. Consistency in these aspects ensures that
consumers know what to expect from the brand every time, it strengthens their trust and loyalty.
Excellent service can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, creating a strong positive
connection with the brand. Experience means the overall customer journey and interactions with
the brand, including every touchpoint a customer has with the brand, from marketing
communication and website usability to in-store experiences and packaging. Camerry can
provide joy and satisfaction through the ambiance of the ice cream parlours, the marketing and
packaging. Perception assumes the aggregate of how customers, stakeholders and the public
view the brand. It shapes the product's performance, the service quality and the overall
experience. Camerry focuses on natural ingredients and health conscious choices positions it as a
premium, health-friendly option. Their focus on quality and the uniqueness of their flavours
helps in building a perception of a brand that prioritises both state and well-being.
The way Camerry Ice Cream communicates its brand story, values, and product benefits through
advertising, social media, and other channels also shapes perception. Perception can shape the
product and service improvements through consumer feedback, if customers perceive certain
flavours to be exceptionally good or suggest improvements, the company can respond by
refining their offerings, it can enhance the overall brand experience. By maintaining high
standards in each of these areas and ensuring they align with the brand values and promises,
Camerry can develop a strong, positive brand image that connects with its target audience.
Understanding the multi-faceted nature of a brand is essential when discussing brand image and
brand awareness. Brand image refers to the network of associations that consumers link to a
particular brand name. It includes the various attributes, perceptions and beliefs that people hold
about a brand, forming an overall mental picture of the brand. Use storytelling in marketing
campaigns to build emotional connections and a strong brand image. Share stories about the
origins of Camerry, the sourcing of ingredients or customer experiences to deepen the brand's
impact. And brand awareness means the extent to which consumers are familiar with a brand. It
measures how well consumers recognize and recall a brand. There are two types of brand
awareness, brand recall and brand recognition. Measured by asking consumers to name brands in
a specific category or associated with a particular need without any prompts. Brand recall
involves the ability of consumers to spontaneously remember a brand when thinking about a
product category or usage occasion. Brand recognition involves identifying a brand when
prompted. Measured by providing consumers with a list of brands and asking them identify those
they are familiar with. High brand awareness makes marketing efforts more efficient and cost
effective. (chernev, 2017)
Brand development is a process whereby a company’s brand identity, positioning and image are
developed and strengthened over time. There are four key steps in brand development, brand
positioning, brand design & communication and brand experience:
Brand positioning: it's about creating a distinct and meaningful image in the minds of
customers. Involves identifying strategically important brand associations and making them
primary in the customer’s brand. Camerry’s core values are creating unique and delicious ice
cream flavours using natural ingredients. Their target audience includes families, young adults,
and health-conscious individuals who appreciate quality treats.
Brand design & communication: brand design means the elements that represent the brand. It
includes two components: brand identifiers (brand name, logo, motto and packaging, which are
created and owned by the company) and brand referents (utilising existing elements like
experiences, people or concepts to create meaningful associations).
Brand communication involves relating the brand brand design to the target customers to build
the desired brand image in their minds. Brand identity means creating and communicating a
visual and verbal identity including elements such as the logo, tagline and messaging. it appeals
to the five senses sight, sound, touch, taste and smell making it tangible and recognizable.
(Lalaounis, 2021) Camerry's visual identity, including its logo and tagline, serves as tangible
representations of the brand's values and promise. The logo might incorporate elements like
fruits, milk, or nuts to convey the natural and delicious aspects of their ice creams. The tagline
could focus on freshness, quality or the unique flavour offerings, strengthening Camerry’s
positioning in consumers mind.
Brand experience: involves every interaction a customer has with the brand from the first
interaction to post purchase support are consistent and positive experience across all touchpoints.
Includes aspects like the taste and texture of their ice creams, the cleanliness and ambiance of
their retail locations and the efficiency and friendliness of their customer service. By maintaining
high standards of quality and service, Camerry can strengthen its brand image and build
customer loyalty. (chernev, 2017)
For example, Apple brand positioning is centred on innovation, premium quality and a seamless
user experience. From the beginning Apple has positioned itself as a leader in technology and
design making its products desirable for their simplicity and advanced functionality. This image
is achieved through strategic brand associations like innovation, quality and exclusivity. Their
brand design is minimalist and sleek. The bitten apple logo is instantly recognizable and
associated with cutting edge technology. Apple’s communication strategy focuses on simplicity,
elegance and innovation. From the intuitive design of products to the aesthetic and service
quality of its retail stores, Apple ensures that every customer interaction reinforces its premium
and innovative brand image.
To expand a company’s market presence, to increase revenue and strengthen brand equity
companies must implement brand growth strategies. Among the various strategies, brand
extension, line extension and multi-branding are prominent methods. Brand extension involves
expanding an existing brand into new product categories. It enhances brand visibility and
expands market reach by associating new products with a trusted name. But there is a risk of
brand dilution if the new products fail to uphold the brand’s standards, potentially harming the
overall brand image. Camerry can expand the brand into new product categories. Camerry can
explore introducing products like frozen yoghurt, sorbets and dairy-free ice creams. There is an
increasing consumer demand for healthier alternatives in the dessert category. Introducing
products like frozen yoghurt and sorbets can attract health conscious customers who might not
purchase traditional ice cream. (Chernev, 2017)
Line extension refers to using an existing brand name to launch new products within the parent
brand’s category. It provides more choices and creates stronger brand loyalty as customers are
more likely to find a product that suits their specific needs and preferences. Moreover,
introducing too many variations can lead to brand confusion among consumers diluting the brand
identity and potentially wording trust and loyalty. By this Camerry can cater to different taste
preferences and occasions without deviating from its core product. Offering a wider range of
flavours and premium options can enhance customer loyalty by continually providing new and
exciting choices. (Lalaounis, 2021)
Multi brand strategy also known as a house of brands it involves using separate brands for
different products or product lines. Maintaining multiple brands offers several advantages
including the ability for each brand to carve out its distinct identity and positioning in the market,
thereby reducing the risk of brand dilution.
Each brand growth strategy offers unique benefits and challenges. Brand extension can
significantly broaden a brand’s market but carries the risk of brand dilution. Line extension
allows for increased variety within a category, increases customer loyalty but can lead to internal
competition. Multi-branding provides flexibility and distinct market positioning at the cost of
higher resource investment. Companies must carefully assess their market, brand strength, and
resources to choose the most suitable growth strategy. (Chernev, 2017)
Camerry can expand their product line into new flavours, seasonal specials and health focused
options, like low-sugar and dairy free. In a house of brand strategy, Camerry ice cream would
introduce separate sub brands for different product lines or target markets. Create distinct sub-
brands for various segments such as Camerry naturals for health-conscious focusing on low
calorie, organic and dairy free options. Camerry kids for families with young children featuring
fun flavour and packaging. Camerry gourmet for premium offerings with exotic flavours and
ingredients.
Advanced brand management practices
Brand portfolio is a collection of all brands and brand lines offered by a company in a specific
product category, its success measured by its ability to maximise brand equity without harming
other brands within the portfolio. Firms introduce multiple brands to target different market
segments based on factors such as price, distribution channels and geography. Effective portfolio
management involves brand extension and positioning, where companies utilise existing brand
equity to introduce new products or enter new markets. Companies must balance global, multi-
country and local brands to step to diverse consumer preferences and market segments.
Diversification of the product portfolio helps reduce risks and adapt to evolving consumer
preferences. (Elliott et al, 2018)
Brand hierarchy is a strategic concept essential for companies managing multiple brands within
their portfolio. In a brand hierarchy, brands are organised in a hierarchical manner, typically
consisting of four levels, they are corporate brand, family brand, individual brand and modifier.
For example, General Electric is a corporate brand and is virtually the only brand representing
the entire company. Family brand level is applied to more than one product category but may not
necessarily be the company name. Healthy choice or Kitkat where the brand is used across
various products, they create a family of related items also called range or umbrella brand. Brand
at individual brand level are specific single product categories, it allows for customisation of
marketing efforts to meet the needs of a particular target market. Fritos and Doritos represent a
specific product within the category of salty snacks. In modifier level modifiers are used to
distinguish variations within a brand indicating specific item types, models, versions or
configurations. Johnnie Walker Red label, black label and gold label, each modifier indicating a
different quality level within the brand. (Keller et al., 2015)
There are several structures within brand hierarchy, including house of brands, branded house,
sub-brands, hybrid structure and endorsed brands:
In house of brands operates independently and has its own distinct identity, target audience and
marketing strategy. The parent company’s identity is often minimised. This approach allows
each brand to have a unique positioning and reduces the risk of brand dilution. And brand house
involves a single, overarching brand that covers all products and services offered by the
company. The master brand is the primary driver of the company’s brand equity.
Sub-brands involve creating brands that are extensions of the parent brand. These sub-brands
benefit from the equity of the parent brand while targeting different market segments or offering
differentiated products. Hybrid structure is a combination of different brand structures tailored
to specific market needs. Companies using this approach may employ a mix of house of brands,
branded house and endorsed brands within their portfolio. Endorsed brands are individual
brands that are endorsed by a parent brand. The endorsement provides additional credibility and
brand equity while allowing sub-brands to maintain their own identities.
Camerry Ice cream under a branded house structure. Camerry is a single brand, cohesive brand
that covers its entire range of products. It utilises a central brand name to drive brand equity and
recognition. They had a consistent brand messaging by focusing on natural ingredients and
quality. This approach can help the company build a loyal customer base and maintain consistent
brand messaging.
The proposed shift to a house of brands strategy would involve creating distinct sub-brands
under the Camerry umbrella. For example, “ Camerry Naturals” would cater to health-conscious
consumers with low-calorie, organic and dairy-free options: “Camerry kids” would target
families with young children through fun flavours and packaging and “Camerry gourmet” appeal
to premium customers with exotic flavours and ingredients.
The current single brand structure allows Camerry to utilise its strong brand equity and
reputation across all product offerings, ensuring consistent brand recognition and simplifying
marketing efforts. However this approach limits the brand’s ability to effectively target specific
customer segments with tailored products. The proposed house of brands strategy, while
potentially increasing marketing and management complexity, could enable Camerry to more
precisely cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences, thereby increasing market penetration
and customer loyalty in different segments. This approach would also mitigate the risk of brand
dilution by ensuring that each sub-brand can establish a clear and distinct identity.
Brand valuation techniques essential for accurately assessing the financial worth of a brand.
Market based valuation approaches focus on assessing the value of a brand by referencing the
transaction values of comparable brands. (Salinas, 2016) The primary methodology within
market-based valuation is the net present value of discounted royalty incomes. The calculation
involves forecasting the brand’s expected revenue, multiplying it by the royalty rate of a
comparable brand and discounting it to NPV using the business’s cost of capital. (Lindemann,
2014) (Chernev, 2017)
Another technique is the Cost-based valuation method, it estimates a brand’s value by calculating
the costs associated with its development and marketing. This includes the expenses incurred in
advertising, promotion and other brand-building activities. This cost-based technique includes
two methods, creation costs method and replacement value method. The creation costs method
estimates the total investment made to create the brand. It considers all expenditures on brand
development such as advertising, marketing campaigns, market research and product
development. Replacement value method estimates the investment required to build a brand with
a similar market position and share. It involves determining the costs needed to replicate the
brand’s current status in the market. But it does not consider the unique elements of the brand
that contribute to its value, such as customer loyalty and brand perception. (Lalaounis, 2021)
Another method is Income-based valuation refers to a set of methods used to estimate the value
of a business, investment, or asset based on its capacity to generate income. It involves
forecasting future cash flows or earnings and discounting them to present value using an
appropriate discount rate. (Tamplin, 2023)
When specifically estimating the future profitability of a business based on brand strength, other
three methods can be used: first one is relief from royalty method, it estimates the amount that
the brand owner would have to pay to use the brand if it were licensed from a third party. Next is
excess -earnings methods that estimates the earnings above the profits required to attract an
investor. The price premium method capitalises future profit stream premium attributable to a
business brand above the revenues of a generic business without a brand.
Also there are other methods: book value method, earnings capitalisation method and relative
valuation method. The book value method calculates the brand value based on the book value of
the brand assets. Earnings capitalisation calculates the brand value by capitalising the brand’s
earnings. It focuses on the brand’s ability to generate future earnings and discounts them to their
present value. And relative valuation method, it compares the brand’s value to similar brands in
the same industry. It involves benchmarking against other brands to determine a relative value.
When choosing a brand valuation method companies consider the purpose of the valuation, the
availability of data and industry standards. The availability of data significantly influences the
choice of valuation method. Companies with extensive financial records and access to market
data are more likely to use income-based or market-based methods, providing a detailed and
forward-looking valuation. In contrast, smaller companies with limited data might prefer cost-
based or book value methods, which are simpler and rely on historical costs. Each method offers
unique advantages and disadvantages.
Camerry ice cream seeks to achieve several key objectives in valuing its brand. Primarily, the
brand aims to expand its recognition beyond its established markets in Kerala, Tamild Nadu and
Karnataka. Increasing spontaneous brand call and recognition is also a priority, which involves
making the brand more memorable ro consumers. Another objective is to maintain and
communicate its commitment to quality and natural ingredients, ensuring that these core values
are consistently conveyed through its packaging, marketing materials and customer interactions.
Also they aim to uphold its reputation for premium quality by investing in quality control
measures, efficient supply chain management and regular inspections.
Several factors influence Camerry’s choice of brand valuation method. As a growing regional
player with ambitions to expand globally, Camerry needs a valuation method that reflects its
current scale and potential for growth. Market conditions such as economic fluctuations and
consumer spending habits, impact brand value and should be factored into the valuation. Als
their financial objectives including revenue targets, profitability and investment in marketing
influence the choice of a valuation method that aligns with its long-term goals.
The purpose behind Camerry’s brand valuation significantly affects the method chosen. If
Camerry is considering mergers or acquisitions it would require a comprehensive brand
valuation method that provides a detailed and realistic assessment of brand value to negotiate
better terms. For accurate financial reporting Camerry needs a valuation method that complies
with accounting standards and provides transparent and verifiable data. For strategic planning
purposes the brand valuation method should offer information into brand strength, market
positioning and areas of growth helping Camerry to make infrared decisions about marketing
strategies, product development and market expansion.
References:
Keller KL, Parameswaran AMG, Jacob I (2016) Strategic Management, 4th ed
Elliott RR, Percy L and Pervan S (2018) Strategic brand management, 4th ed, UK
Lalaounis ST, (2021) Strategic brand management creating and marketing successful brands,
London