John Bannermans’

Location

Our Role

Client

The Legacy

John Bannermans is more than just a Scotch whisky; it represents a rich legacy of Scottish tradition and craftsmanship. With its roots traced back to the king’s standard-bearer, Bannermans remains one of the few independently owned blended Scotch whiskies. Distilled just outside Edinburgh, the whisky is known for its slow distillation process, which enhances its beautifully fruity flavor. Bannermans is also renowned for using aged malt whiskies (5-6 years), far surpassing the legal limit of three years, resulting in a bold, complex, and smooth character that stands out.

The Challenge

Monument Distillers approached EM Creative Agency with the mission to introduce Bannermans to the Kenyan market. The task was clear: conceptualize, strategize, and execute a pilot branding campaign in five key stores across Nairobi that would encapsulate the essence of Bannermans, ensuring its legacy was felt and understood by Kenyan consumers.

The Solution

With the slogan “Strong in Character, Bold in Flavour,” we set out to create a campaign that celebrated Bannermans’ rich heritage while appealing to a modern audience.

  1. Brand Strategy
    • Using in-depth consumer and market insights, we crafted a communication strategy rooted in the core values of Bannermans: tradition, quality, and boldness.
    • The campaign emphasized the whisky’s Scottish history, slow distillation process, and its unique, sophisticated flavor profile.
  2. Design & Artwork
    • We developed consistent store branding and artwork for the five pilot locations, ensuring that the visuals reflected Bannermans’ heritage while blending in a bold, modern aesthetic to connect with the target audience.
    • The design combined traditional Scottish elements with contemporary touches, creating a look that resonated with both whisky connoisseurs and newer drinkers.
  3. Execution
    • We strategically branded both in-trade and off-trade stores across Nairobi, using our extensive database to select high-traffic locations.
    • The messaging was seamlessly integrated across all touchpoints, consistently reinforcing Bannermans’ identity as “Strong in Character, Bold in Flavour.”

The Results

  • Increased Visibility: The branded stores became recognizable touchpoints, successfully introducing Bannermans to the Nairobi market and enhancing its visibility.
  • Consumer Connection: The campaign resonated with consumers, effectively bringing Bannermans’ rich tradition and boldness to life in an authentic way.
  • Proof of Concept: The pilot’s success set the stage for expanding the campaign into more locations across the city.

What Made It Special

This project was an exciting opportunity to merge tradition with innovation, blending Bannermans’ deep Scottish roots with a dynamic, modern appeal for the Kenyan market. By staying true to the brand’s legacy while ensuring its relevance, we helped Monument Distillers create a memorable and successful entry for Bannermans in Nairobi.

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