 |
“Today’s marketplace is vastly different than when this brand started more than 30 years ago,” said Tracey Erickson, vice president of marketing for the American Angus Association subsidiary. “Many fast-food, grab-and-go giants have embraced the rising popularity of ‘Angus,’ and their large marketing budgets have led many to believe that all Angus is equal. This presents a unique opportunity for us to capitalize on consumer interests, educate them about the Angus category, and solidify and separate the differences in Angus.”
A three-city study was conducted with Firebox Research & Strategy LLC, Cleveland, to better understand the consumer mindset. The qualitative research included groups in Chicago, Paramus, N.J. and Denver, geared toward determining what people know about Angus, beef brands and the differences between them.
Focus groups consisted of mostly 35- to 54-year-old women with household incomes of at least $75,000, who buy beef primarily at the grocery meat case and serve it at least twice a week. Although several men were included in each group, the study targeted women because they make more than 90% of the food-buying decisions.
“Our marketing research shows consumers want to know the difference in Angus brands. They want assistance in choosing the best quality and taste,” she said. “So, we wanted a campaign that turned the light bulb on and established that there is a difference in Angus beef.”
Focus group results showed consumers want to see the brand name “front and center” to help define the difference. Overwhelmingly, they selected “There’s Angus. Then there’s the Certified Angus Beef brand.” Consumers also wanted facts to substantiate the brand’s premium claim, choosing “A cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Beef must pass 10 quality standards to earn the brand’s premium name.” Focus group participants also selected “Taste the Difference” as the anchor for the campaign. The call to action, with images of mouthwatering steak, triggers a desire to do just that, they said.
The brand has also launched a new foodservice trade campaign, which features a series of six chefs and six ranchers addressing the product’s premium quality from ranch to table. The campaign kicks off with Chef Peter Vauthy from Red, the Steakhouse, in Miami, Fla., on his passion for serving what he considers the finest: CAB brand Prime. The print campaign will also feature other notable chefs, including Davide Pugliese from Brandywine Bay in the British Virgin Islands.
Ten quality specifications and audited integrity keep CAB a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select, and a staple with more than 13,600 licensed restaurants and grocery stores throughout the world.
