Marketing

Durian marketing

Suddenly everyone in China is obsessed with durian. Fancy the challenge of promoting this pungent tropical fruit globally?

I’ll start with a confession, I don’t like durian. In marketing terms I am a rejector, neither am I a considerer (someone who may buy but doesn’t currently) and of course I am not a user. I have my former colleagues in Malaysia to blame. I will not name and shame here as many of …

Suddenly everyone in China is obsessed with durian. Fancy the challenge of promoting this pungent tropical fruit globally? Read More »

Crepe or Galette?

Most people’s eyes mist over when they hear Crêpes, so why aren’t there more Crêperies globally?

I’ll start with a confession. I spent a lot of my childhood in Brittany with a delightful French family. It did wonders for my French plus fast tracked an ever lasting interest and respect for French cuisine. Earlier this month I was back in Brittany to two cities I never visited before, Nantes on the …

Most people’s eyes mist over when they hear Crêpes, so why aren’t there more Crêperies globally? Read More »

What is the secret spice behind marketing curry globally? Don’t ask India, Ask Coco Ichi!

Mention ‘curry’ to a consumer and there’s a fair chance they’ll think of India. This summer I stayed in an AirBnB in London, the host hailed from India originally and the kitchen had the largest display of spices I’d ever seen  – over 40 varieties! I was not surprised that India is the largest spice …

What is the secret spice behind marketing curry globally? Don’t ask India, Ask Coco Ichi! Read More »

Birkenstock IPO

Hippy style Birkenstock speed marches into an IPO. What does its flagship Tokyo store reveal about its growth strategy?

According to Bloomberg, bohemian German shoe brand Birkenstock will IPO shortly for around $8b.  If all goes to plan it’s almost double what PE Group L Catterton, LVMH and Groupe Arnault shelled out when acquiring the business just over 2 years ago. What’s driving such a rapid rise in Birkenstock’s fortunes? To start with Birkenstocks …

Hippy style Birkenstock speed marches into an IPO. What does its flagship Tokyo store reveal about its growth strategy? Read More »

multi level marketing

In today’s digital world is MLM yesterday’s business model?

Let me start by saying I’m not in the MLM (multi level marketing) business. However I work with many clients who battle for market share against MLM competitors. The biggest category is health-nutrition like weight-loss, vitamins, minerals and supplements, and personal-care and toiletry. Whilst these products are pervasive offline in drug stores, pharmacies, supermarkets and …

In today’s digital world is MLM yesterday’s business model? Read More »

Italian Tiramisu

“From Panetone to Tiramisu, many iconic Italian classics are recent innovations.” What say you?

For those of you who think the financial press is just about stock prices, currencies and corporate goings on, think again! Two weeks ago, the Financial Times published a remarkable interview with an Italian academic who questions the origins and authenticity of many well known Italian staples. From Panetone to Tiramisu, many of these iconic …

“From Panetone to Tiramisu, many iconic Italian classics are recent innovations.” What say you? Read More »

Pop up kitchen

Hallowed Danish restaurant Noma closes to relaunch as a pop-up. Next stop Kyoto.

Noma is the Nordic cuisine star of the gourmet foodie circuit. It has 3 Michelin stars too. A concocted name, Noma is a combination of ‘Nordisk’ and ‘Mad’ meaning food in Danish. It’s famous for two things. First its use of eclectic, even bizarre ingredients. Want to try cricket paste, spicy sorrel leaves or reindeer …

Hallowed Danish restaurant Noma closes to relaunch as a pop-up. Next stop Kyoto. Read More »