Europes biggest telco wanted to identify emerging trends at the intersection of art and technology. We conduct seminars, a podcast, and a publication exploring weak signals in art and tech.
Task
In a strategic move to expand its market presence, Carlsberg acquired the German beer brand Wernesgrüner. Known for its rich heritage and strong regional identity, Wernesgrüner presented both an opportunity and a challenge for Carlsberg. The main objectives were to maintain Wernesgrüner’s local authenticity, prevent brand cannibalization within Carlsberg’s existing portfolio, and develop a robust market positioning while integrating the local workforce into the new corporate structure.
Challenges
1. Local Characteristics: Understanding and preserving Wernesgrüner’s unique local features and consumer base.
2. Avoiding Cannibalization: Ensuring that Wernesgrüner’s introduction does not negatively impact other Carlsberg brands.
3. Strong Positioning: Establishing a distinct and strong market position for Wernesgrüner within the Carlsberg portfolio.
4. Employee Integration: Successfully integrating the Wernesgrüner workforce into Carlsberg’s operations, maintaining morale and productivity.
Approach
To address these challenges, a series of participatory workshops were conducted on-site at Wernesgrüner. These workshops were designed to be inclusive and collaborative, engaging key stakeholders at various levels of the organization.
Conceptualization
The first step involved thorough planning and design of the workshop formats. This included defining the goals, identifying participants (including local employees, management, and brand experts), and determining the methodology to ensure productive sessions.
Moderation
We facilitated the workshops, ensuring a structured yet open environment. This allowed participants to freely share their insights and ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
Documentation
All discussions and ideas were meticulously documented. This involved capturing the nuances of local preferences, potential market strategies, and any concerns or suggestions from the workforce.
Synthesis
The final step was to synthesize the workshop outcomes. This involved analyzing the collected data to identify key themes and actionable insights. The synthesis provided a comprehensive understanding of how Wernesgrüner could be effectively integrated into Carlsberg’s brand portfolio without losing its unique identity.
Solutions
The workshops yielded several critical insights and solutions:
Local Identity Preservation
It was clear that Wernesgrüner’s local heritage was a significant strength. Strategies were developed to highlight its Saxon roots in marketing campaigns, ensuring that the brand’s authenticity remained intact.
Brand Differentiation
To avoid cannibalization, Wernesgrüner was positioned distinctly from other Carlsberg brands. This involved emphasizing its traditional brewing methods and regional significance, appealing to consumers looking for a genuine, locally-crafted beer.
Market Positioning
A unique market position was crafted for Wernesgrüner, targeting both local beer enthusiasts and a broader audience interested in premium regional beers. This positioning was reinforced through targeted advertising and community engagement initiatives.
Employee Engagement
Integrating the workforce was crucial. Workshops revealed the importance of clear communication and involvement in decision-making processes. Carlsberg implemented continuous engagement programs, ensuring that Wernesgrüner employees felt valued and integral to the brand’s future.
Outcome
The integration of Wernesgrüner into Carlsberg’s portfolio was successful, marked by a seamless transition that honored the brand’s legacy while positioning it for growth. The participatory workshops played a pivotal role, providing a platform for valuable insights and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. As a result, Wernesgrüner retained its local charm and gained a stronger market presence under Carlsberg’s stewardship, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-structured integration strategy.
This case study highlights the importance of a thoughtful, inclusive approach when integrating a local brand into a global portfolio. By leveraging participatory workshops, Carlsberg was able to navigate the complexities of brand integration, ensuring both business success and cultural preservation.