D.E Master Blenders 1753 is operating across Europe, Brazil, Australia and Thailand under brands such as Douwe Egberts, Senseo, L'OR EspressO, Marcilla, Pilão, Moccona, Pickwick and Hornimans.
"With a brand that is beloved worldwide and has been for centuries, this new name and brand identity is the logical next step in our strategy," said Michiel Herkemij, executive vice president and chief executive officer, Sara Lee International Beverage.
"D.E Master Blenders 1753 expresses what we have become as an organization, as well as what we aspire to be -- the best blenders in the world -- transcending the boundaries of traditional companies and bringing innovations that enhance and improve the way the world enjoys coffee and tea."
"When determining the new name, we thought of things like strong heritage, leadership, dynamic brands, bold growth, operational excellence and a great place to work," said Herkemij. "D.E Master Blenders 1753 captures all of those elements."
D.E Master Blenders 1753 was selected after an intensive six-month research and analysis process involving thousands of candidate names. A short-list group of about 50 names, all of which met the positioning and personality criteria for the firm, was evaluated globally for trademark and URL availability, possible cultural sensitivities and local market pronunciation.
The initiative was led by Jan Bennink, executive chairman, Sara Lee Corporation, and supported by the international branding and identity firm IDEO, as well as law firms in several countries who conducted the more than 3,000 trademark searches required under the project's tight deadline.
Ingrid Baron, chief marketing officer, said the company intends to celebrate with its employees with rebranded offices, signage and stationery. "Once the spin is completed, we will launch an aggressive global campaign that will reinforce our marketplace positioning and introduce the new company to our customers, recruits and the public at large."
From the March 14, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.