Superbrands III launched: premiere brands honoured

Hosted by the primary sponsor, Ster-Kinekor in The Zone, Rosebank, the evening led by an amusing MC and "Superbrand" Derek Watts kept up to its "Oscars of Branding" theme with a red carpet entry and a good time was had by all. After each Superbrand was given their award by Simon Goddard and Trish Downing, guests were invited to stay on for the premier of the new Roman Polanski movie The Ghost Writer.

In the six years since it was instituted in South Africa, Superbrands has earned the proud distinction of being the one award that brands consistently use as a symbol of exceptional achievement and credibility. The Superbrands logo has been used in press and TV advertising; on billboards, annual reports, product literature, tags and stickers on products, stationery, packaging and even in corporate e-mail signatures.

Eamonn Sadler, CEO of Superbrands Worldwide Limited, says: "Superbrands has always helped companies and brands create a discerning identity in the market. We were delighted to host our third tribute event and celebrate the success of South Africa's strongest brands, many of which are also some of the most recognised brands in the world.

"Superbrands is glad to acknowledge the brands that drive the country's economy and help consumers make an intelligent and educated choice from the many brands available today."

Simon Goddard, MD of MGN Publishing and Project Director for Superbrands South Africa, says: "The evening was full of fun and we were pleased to welcome so many of the representatives of the brands that feature in Volume III. Their presence in the book is once again an affirmation that Superbrands continues to provide an important marketing and profiling tool and is seen as a worthy investment by successful brands."

Goddard says the publication will be displayed in foyers of hotels near the World Cup Stadiums and in the reception areas of the top 1 000 companies in the country. The Superbrands seal has a 75 percent consumer spontaneous recognition factor in Europe and its stature is growing in South Africa and around the world.

"As a Superbrand itself and our primary sponsor for the book launch, we were excited by Ster-Kinekor's innovation which saw guests receive red carpet treatment, befitting brand stars!" Goddard says.

Brands were identified as Superbrands by an independent council of South African marketing and communications luminaries, who gave of their time to evaluate the brands based on a strict criteria.


List of brands in Superbrands Volume III

Amarula
American Express
Auction Alliance
Avis
Backsberg
Budget
Bukhara
Cape Argus
Cape Times
Cell C
Coca-Cola
Corenza C
Cotlands
Crocs
DRUM
DStv
Eskom
Eukanuba
FHM
Flight Centre
Furniture City
Garmin
Hi-Fi Corporation
Huisgenoot
Huletts
Intel
Internet Solutions
J.C. Le Roux
King Pie
LG
Liberty
Link
Look & Listen
M-Net
Montecasino
MTN
Multichoice
Mutual & Federal
MWeb
Nederburg
Pam Golding Properties
Philips
PPC Cement
Ster Kinekor
Sunday Independent
SuperSport
The Star
Thompsons Holidays
Transnet
UCT GSB
UNISA SBL
Venter
Vodacom
Waltons
Woolworths
YOU


COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Basetsana Kumalo - TV presenter and Company Director
Dudu Thabede - Managing Director of Brandsmart
Graham Pfuhl - Marketing and Sales Director at Multichoice
Joy Khaole - Marketing Director of Old Mutual
Mike Freedman - Author and Brand Specialist
Modise Makhene - Group CEO for JWT South Africa
Nomahlubi Simamane - Managing Director of Zanusi Brand Solution
Peter Vundla - Deputy Chairman of African Merchant Bank
Ray Mkhize - Group Executive of Customer Relationship, Executive at South African Post Office
Robin Parker - Managing Director of Bizcommunity.com
Simon Camerer - Executive Head of Marketing for Cell
Tumi Nkosi - Marketing Director at Netcare 911
Vanessa Singh - Head of Card Marketing at American Express