Cannabis market developments including legalization, and overall reefer madness that this industry brings with it, are growing at the rate of a small, young herb. Those who follow the industry, and even those who don’t, can’t ignore the news budding out of it, along with all the recent news flashbacks; Former IDF Chief of Staff Ehud Barak is now chairman of InterCure, which acquired Candoc (the pioneers in the global medical cannabis industry). Major General Ido Nehushtan, former commander of the air force, will be appointed chairman of Cannasure (traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange). It is just about time that Bibi will join the celebration in his own way. However, in the meantime, he is making the moves that is driving this whole cannabis wheel.
So, what do we have to do with cannabis? Oh, it's really simple, and after all, it's all about branding right? So, beyond the fact that we at Stratigo are already deeply involved in this industry and working with companies in the field, we find the world of branding and design related to cannabis is fascinating as well as interesting and we follow it religiously.
Let's take a moment to analyze the moves of Candoc and Cannasure (regretfully, no one has helped them in the naming process); What’s the connection between Barak, Nechushtan and Cannabis? Well, we all hope they did not consume it during their military service of course. Their professional, academic and even agricultural background probably does not provide them with any advantage in the field, yet they are appointed as chairpersons at these two companies, where cannabis is their entire business.
Take, for example, Bar Refaeli - she did it as simple as possible; She has a brand for glasses, she's also the only presenter. Oh, and she has a brand for clothes, too. So, why not put my pretty face there too? Simple and easy.
Optica Halperin also went for the same idea. Mr. Halperin decided that he was a more than suitable representative to promote his own optics chain. In a brilliant move, with precise messaging (to remind you, "glasses are a basic consumer product"), he turned himself into the Rami Levy of glasses.
When there is a partnership between a celebrity and a brand, the move is strategic. But, it's not really just that. The choice of a celebrity who represents the brand and vice versa involves strategic thinking and planning. When a celebrity chooses a brand (or brand chooses him/her) it should be one that is consistent with their respective goals, are in line with their background and certainly in line with their beliefs. Otherwise, it will not work.
Let's go back to Barak and Nehushtan for a moment (I have to connect them together because there is no coincidence). Both of them have impressive military backgrounds, were great generals, and are heroes of Israeli society. They held two of the most prominent positions in the IDF. Have we ever heard them discuss cannabis, talk about the benefits of the plant, were they involved in research on the subject, did they even know the subject before they were appointed to their positions at these companies? As we have already said, there needs to be a match.
Everything! Trends, branding, market forces, awareness, public opinion, influential marketing, style, promotion of ideas, credibility. Everything we look at and examine in our branding processes. Do you understand the connection now?
P.S. - oh!, and yes... check the branding process we completed for Green Option Holding, a new holding group in the medical cannabis arena.