Benjamin Li
Aug 17, 2012

C’estbon Food & Beverage taps DDB Guoan for brand-portfolio strategy

BEIJING - Shenzhen-based C’estbon Food & Beverage (CBFB) 華潤怡宝食品飲料, a subsidiary of China Resources Holdings, has chosen DDB Guoan to develop a brand portfolio strategy aimed at delivering nationwide growth.

C'estbon Food & Beverage partners with DDB Guoan for consultancy project
C'estbon Food & Beverage partners with DDB Guoan for consultancy project

China Resources Enterprise has a network of more than 3,000 retail stores in China. C’estbon is its principal company for the non-alcoholic beverage business. The company sells a major bottled-water brand under the C'estbon name.

In January, China Resources Enterprise and Kirin Holdings established a joint venture to operate the non-alcoholic beverage business in China, with Kirin investing about US$400 million to purchase a 40 per cent stake in the business.

In China, Kirin has built its business mainly in the Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing areas to date. Its major brands are "Kirin Go-go-no Kocha" (black tea) and "Kirin FIRE" (coffee).
 
Randy Xiao, VP of DDB Guoan, told Campaign Asia-Pacific that his agency will be working in a consultancy capacity rather than as a communications partner. C’estbon is a well-known brand with a 20-year history in South China, he said, adding that this is the first time C’estbon has entrusted a leading 4A advertising agency with its branding development.

The project duration is six months, and C’estbon's goal is to develop a suitable branding architecture and find out the most promising marketing mix for the brands.

Asked why DDB Guoan win the business in a 3-way pitch against two undisclosed agencies, Xiao said the other agencies lacked a local background. "We have both expat cases and good local marketing experience," he said.

The agency has worked with lots of local FMCG brands, including Kappa, Yili and instant-noodle brand Baixiang.

Li Kai, marketing director for C’estbon, said the company was impressed with DDB's industry experience. "We look forward to working with a brand expert and consultant who can help us consolidate all resources in forming an action plan with a solid brand-portfolio strategy," Li said.

C’estbon is currently using a local media agency, and BBDO Guangzhou is working on the creative for Kirin milk tea.

Source:
Campaign China

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