Golden Kaan, one of KWV’s leading wine brands, has been granted the 2009 Financial Mail Wine Business Awards in the “Best Launch” segment for the roll out of its upgraded pack in 2008/9. This award goes to wine brands that have been effective in breaking into markets with the most creative and effective packaging concepts that drive consumer awareness and interaction with the brand.

In 2009, Golden Kaan advanced towards the mark of 20 million bottles sold since its launch. Within the six years Golden Kaan has been on the global market, the successful South African wine range has consistently leveraged its potential, seized market opportunities, and penetrated new markets. The continued expansion of international distribution activities remains a strategic focus in 2010.  

In the opinion of the judges, Golden Kaan demonstrated a distinct point of difference using a variety of tools from PR events, advertising and marketing to in-depth consumer-research, appealing and unique design and packaging, sophisticated supply-chain management and substantial global retailer/on-trade listings.

Golden Kaan has established itself as one of the top brands within the South African wine segment in numerous other European markets in a relatively short period of time. Since its market introduction in 2003, customers have come to view Golden Kaan as the epitome of a modern, South African wine, and this has given wines from the Cape Region increased visibility in the European retailing landscape especially in Germany where the brand plays a category leading role in the South African segment.  South African wines are currently among the few new world wines with strong sales growth in the global market.

In Germany, one of Europe’s largest importers of South African wines, Golden Kaan continues to distinctively shape the segment of South African wines. The Netherlands, in which South African wines hold a commanding lead among new world wines, continues to represent one of Golden Kaan’s key opportunities for continued growth as well, whereas in the USA, Golden Kaan has become the fourth largest South African wine brand, due to its excellent value-for-money offering.

With its gold-coloured label depicting the African continent, its proud origin, Golden Kaan symbolizes, more than any other wine brand, this African heritage.  It is precisely this African origin that raises hopes for particularly strong growth for Golden Kaan in 2010, a crucial year for South Africa with the hosting of the football bonanza that is the World Cup. The brand is also showcased at the brand home, The House of Golden Kaan, which is located in the heart of the Cape Winelands in Robertson. At this venue, local and international consumers and visitors will find the full offering of the Golden Kaan range of wines and can interact with the brand first hand through tastings and experiential exposure.

“We are very proud of this award, and it goes a long way in strengthening our efforts towards the need for our brands to stay relevant with consumers through continued development” says Martin Ochien’g, Global Marketing Manager at KWV.  “The team that was involved with this pack upgrade and its successful roll out, headed by Marian Kopp did an excellent job and need to be applauded for their effort and commitment” Ochien’g adds.

Golden Kaan was launched as a joint venture between Racke GmbH & Co. of Germany and South Africa based KWV Group. KWV acquired the brand in August 2009, and has already made great progress with the development and sales of Golden Kaan. The company has already embarked on an aggressive growth plan for Golden Kaan as part of their brand portfolio.

The Golden Kaan brand portfolio consists of several distinct tiers: Golden Kaan, Golden Kaan Winemaker’s Edition, Golden Kaan Private Collection and the latest addition African Passion.  

KWV is one of the leading wine and spirits producers in South Africa. Its head office is located in Paarl, in the Western Cape region – one of the country’s top wine producing regions.  The company sources wines and grapes from the best and most sought after viticultural regions in South Africa. KWV is known internationally for brands such as Roodeberg, KWV Lifestyle, Laborie, Golden Kaan, Cathedral Cellar, Café Culture and the KWV 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Year Old brandies.

KWV is a founding member of the Industry Association for the Responsible use of Alcohol (ARA), and supports the responsible use of all its products.

Enquiries:
Martin Ochien’g: Global Marketing Manager
E-mail: ochiengm@kwv.co.za
Tel: + 27 21 807 3151
Fax: + 27 86 646 4731

www.goldenkaan.com
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http://www.winebusinessawards.co.za