Russian Standard Vodka - Advertising Research, Proposal, Media Plan, Sample Creative & Evaluation

PURE RUSSIAN

© 2011 Spark Advertising

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The People

Account Manager: Jaddan Bruhn

As Spark’s Account Manager, Jaddan is responsible for managing client accounts, liaising between our clients and Spark’s creative and media departments, nurturing the dynamic relationships and fl uid information exchanges required to produce our work on time, on budget and en pointe.

Media Strategist: Cedric Chai

Cedric’s skill at maximising the impact of our campaigns by artfully employing cross platform integration ensure the campaign message reaches the designated target audience via the most eff ective touch points, with the requisite frequency. His media strategising increases our client’s ROI by igniting an eff ective execution based on precision research, savvy media planning and canny negotiation.

Copywriter: Sreyna Chao

Spark’s Copywriter Sreyna operates in conjunction with our Art Director to interpret the creative brief and fi lter our client’s campaign objectives into outstanding copy that resonates throughout the campaign.

Art director: Joe Brown

Skilled at producing visual content that hits the mark every time through his mastery of Adobe’s Creative Suite, Spark’s Art Director Joe works closely with our Copywriter and Media Strategist to implement his visual problem solving capabilities, ensuring Spark’s advertising is eff ective, appropriate...........and highly fl ammable.


Executive Summary

Russian Standard Vodka’s 300ml Vodka Citrus glass and can premixed RTD product is the prestige vodka producer’s lowest cost point of entry for consumers. Maintaining the brand’s prestige characteristics, whilst forging a position in the vodka RTD category, aligned to authentic experiences and consumer affi liation with Music, Fashion & Cinema has seen sales build gradually since its launch in 2010.

With the crucial summer season approaching, Russian Standard Vodka is seeking to consolidate the strength of its sponsorship, advertising, sales promotion and public relations activity conducted throughout FY 10/11, and focus precision activity aimed at boosting the profi le and sales of the Citrus RTD product.

Through extensive research and planning Spark Advertising has devised a campaign designed to reach the target audience at the points where a purchase decision is being executed, with tools to drive consumer engagement with the brand, and resonate with the consumer’s desire for excitement, new experiences, connectivity and positive reinforcement.

Utilising technologies that integrate with the devices carried by the target audience, and allowing the campaign message to be received, processed, interacted with and rebroadcast by the consumer, at the time and place most eff ective for them, whilst generating entertainment content intended to have a high pass on value, reinforced by the target audience’s needs for affi liation and affi rmation will see the campaign fulfi lling its communication objectives whilst generating maximum value from bought, owned and earned media. Successfully rolling out the campaign and ensuring that the activity is accurately monitored and effi ciently responded to will ensure optimal ROI, manifesting the campaign’s marketing objectives.

Strategically executing the campaign in cinemas, online, outdoor, through social media, at point of sale and in venues through the summer of 2011/12, with a creative concept focused on high consumer engagement and interaction, facilitating the option on continued consumer engagement beyond the campaign framework, building a direct, valuable, link to the target audience, fostering consumer brand loyalty and providing the scope for future upgrading to premium and super-premium Russian Standard Vodka products.


Table of Contents


List of Figures


Background

CAMPAIGN PLANNING1. The Client Brief

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Launched in 2010 on the fi rst anniversary of the introduction of the Russian Standard Vodka brand in Australia, capitalising on Australian expertise at bringing pre-mix RTD product extensions to market, the RTD product has vied for recognition in the crowded vodka pre-mix category, as it has sought innovative ways to captivate new consumers whilst reinforcing the integrity of its premium brand mantle, maintaining its core brand connections to Music, Fashion & Cinema.

1.1 Introduction

Australia has been tasked with the unique opportunity of being the fi rst market in the world to introduce Russian Standard Vodka’s 300ml ready-to-drink vodka and citrus premixed glass and can beverage to consumers.

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1.2 The BrandThe Russian Standard Corporation is owned by Roustam Tariko. Founded in 1992 it is based in Moscow and operates in 70 countries with over 25,000 employees. It controls Russian Standard Insurance, Russian Standard Bank and Russian Standard Company (producer and distributer of Russian Standard Vodka).

Russian Standard Vodka was launched in 1998 in Russia, and was introduced to Australia in 2009 and has global sales of over 2 million cases a year. It is Russia’s number one premium vodka brand, and in Australia it is the number two mainstream vodka brand, capturing a 7% share of the mainstream vodka market since its launch here . In addition to the premix product Russian Standard Vodka produces Russian Standard Original, Russian Standard Platinum and Imperia, competing in the premium (Original) to super-premium (Imperia) segments of the vodka spirit category. Russian Standard Vodka is the only authentically produced Russian vodka available for sale in the Australian market.

1.4 The CategoryThere is over 130 diff erent pre-mixed ready to drink spirit glass and can products available to consumers in Australia, the world leader in per capita RTD consumption . This includes over 60 choices of premixed vodka . Only 22.1% of sales in the ready to drink spirits category are from Light Spirits, the vodka RTD segment is dominated by Diageo’s Smirnoff brand, controlling 19.5% of the market.

In 2007 304,489,000 litres of RTD alcohol beverages were sold in Australia, with vodka RTDs comprising 56,832,000 litres of this volume . From 2000 – 2007 vodka premixes were the fastest growing RTD category. In the six months following the May 2008 increase in RTD tax, 6%+ alcohol vodka RTD sales shrunk by 38%, and <6% alcohol vodka RTD sales contracted by 21% . The higher alcohol vodka RTD loss in sales was the largest sales percentage reduction of all the RTD categories.

In 2010 RTD sales returned to positive growth; however, in-line with prevailing economic conditions 28% of consumers recorded cutting down their alcohol intake or buying cheaper brands of alcohol during the year to save money . Cider is now the fastest growing alcohol category, with the Coles / Woolworths duopoly, responsible for 70% of all Australian alcohol sales by volume, tempering price increases whilst driving sales through fi erce competition and their own private label alcohol brands .

1.3 The ProductRussian Standard Vodka Citrus 300ml is a vodka and citrus premixed ready to drink beverage available in a glass bottle or can. The product is distributed by Coca-Cola Amatil, and is available for consumption on premise at licensed venues, pubs, clubs and bars, and for consumption off -premise through bottle shops.

1 Coca-Cola Amatil: Australian Beverages Strategy Review November 20102 Impact Databank: The Global Drinks Market 2006, as cited in Excise, Customs & Tariff s, Senate Committee Submission 06A, www.aph.gov.au3 www.danmurphys.com.au4 Nielsen Scantrack Liquor Total Australia Off premise – RTD value trend 2008 to 20105 Just the tonic: Australia set to serve vodka mix back to Russia, Sydney Morning Herald 24/09/106 2009 Nielsen ScanTrack Liquor volume7 2009 Nielsen ScanTrack Liquor volume8 Nielsen, Aussie Consumer Confi dence Stumbles, 21/01/20119 Euromonitor International, Alcoholic Drinks in Australia, April 2011

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2. The Environmental Scan2.1 SWOT Analysis

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2.2 PEST Analysis

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2.3 Competitor Analysis

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Competitor Analysis cont.

* 10 Sydney Bars were visited to ascertain mainstream RTD availability. The bars visited were selected at random and were: Opera Bar, The Establishment, Home Bar,Cargo Bar, Pontoon, Jackson's on George, Royal George, Docks, Mount Batten & Jade Tavern. The value in this column denotes the # of venues the product was available in.

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2.4.1 Vodka Cruiser: The vodka cruiser is obviously a “party drink”, all of their pictures on the website relate to party events they have sponsorship for. They have recently updated their website for the Australian summer, while creating a competition to create a new summer fl avour that is now down to the fi nalist. Their market is a young female based group who feel the need for a “sweet, pretty drink” throughout their night. Their use of competitions all relate to notorious party places, “carnival” or 30k Party Getaway. The events they sponsor also fall under these categories. After looking through their ads, and reading their website. My assumptions on the USP for Vodka Cruisers is-USP:- Most diverse fl avours.

http://www.cruiserrange.com.au/vodkacruiser/about.php

2.4 Competitor Creative Analysis

2.4.2 Midori Range: The Midori RTD range is also a very female dominated market. The target would come under the “look at me” VALS segment. Midori itself is more of a cocktail spirit and they decided to make an RTD of their best selling cocktail which was the “illusion”, since adding another 3 varieties. After analysing their ads and reading their website my assumption on what their USP would be-USP:- The most versatile spirit, in an RTD.

http://www.adoremidori.com/#/home

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2.4.3 Skyy Vodka: Skyy Vodka has defi nitely placed itself as the prestigious woman's vodka. Their market is solely women, focusing on the “look at me” and “Socially aware” VALs segments. Their USP has been up till now “4x distilled”, but now Russian Standard is also 4x distilled so it is subject to change.

www.skyy.com

2.4.4 Smirnoff Vodka: Smirnoff have dominated the RTD market in Australia for a couple of years, with sponsorships of festivals, bars, concerts and events nation-wide. Their market is very much a party drink, which is how they have dominated the market so easily. Smirnoff has directed their advertising purely on males, yet females will still drink it due to its RTD nature. It has worked in the favour very well by keeping the masculinity but not making it too masculine for a woman to look fi ne holding the bottle. From reading their website and analysing their prior RTD campaigns, I would assume their USP would be-USP:- The vodka of the world.

http://www.smirnoff .com/

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2.4.5 Bacardi: Bacardi has taken on the party lifestyle, by using a very Latin theme,(due to the fact its rum) and it has helped create the image of their drink. The Bacardi Breezer is the highest selling RTD in the world. Aimed at women and men, skewed towards women, hitting the young market. After analysing past ads and reading their website I would assume their USP is:- The Drink that Makes the party.

www.bacardi.com

2.4.6 Pulse: Pulse was the fi rst RTD in Australia with guarana in it, giving it a head over other RTD's because of the energy drink angle. The angle they have taken is “a drink that will get the party started”, making people want to drink it early in their night, so they last longer through the night. Skewed towards males due to higher consump-tion rates. Pulse has no website or any campaigns I have seen.

2.4.7 Ruski: The Stolichnaya lemon ruski was the fi rst RTD to hit Australian stores, and it is a premium vodka from Russia, advertising itself very traditionally, with Russian herit-age, and company heritage playing a part. Their USP from my reading and analys-ing of their ads would be: Real Russian Vodka.

http://www.stoli.com/global/

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3. The Consumer

3.1 Target Audience Profi le3.1.1 Demographic

The company had identifi ed the intended age range for this campaign as 18 – 25, with existing product consumption splits refl ecting a 60% female skew; full time workers and students, single, still living at home with parents in metropolitan Sydney, earning $30-60k per year, with a high school / TAFE / Trade education.

3.1.2 PsychographicFrom research undertaken by Roy Morgan Research in their report Psychographic Segmentation of Spirits / RTD / Liqueur Drinkers the target audience we anticipate reaching through our campaign is a segment most closely identifi ed as “Tracey and Sam: The Thrill Seeker”.

The common attributes that link this psychographic segment include a core need for challenge; constantly seeking new experiences, excitement and the opportunity to take risks; seeing everyday as a potential source of new stimulation; enjoy spending time with friends but also indulging their own needs; and, they are born to shop. Their main focus in life is going out and engaging in fun and exciting times with friends.

This segment likes to go to the cinema at least once a month, whilst having a night out at least once a week (travelling mainly by public transport, then taxi, whilst out drinking), weekends are for friends, fun and new experiences, with Monday to Friday a stopgap until the following weekend. Holidays are spent experiencing the most of the fast-pace and bright lights of the big city. Style, fashion and being noticed are incredibly important, as is sharing every aspect of life (opinions, likes, dislikes, thoughts, feelings, experiences, attitudes) through a constant connection to their smart phone; communicating, sharing and keeping up to date through profi les on two or more social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube, Skype, LastFM, SoundCloud and Tumblr. Long term planning / goals aren’t important, but getting the most fun / best experience out of the available cash on hand is critical.

This segment is a heavy consumer of ready-to-drink (RTDs) pre-mixed spirits, and is currently the primary market.

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The profi le of the target audience for this product can best be personifi ed with the example of an individual, whose circumstance and lifestyle and behavioural attributes are aligned to this range.

3.2.1 Kristen:• 21 years old• Full-time TAFE student• Part-time sales job• Single, lives with parents in inner-suburban Sydney• Short-term focus• Has a night out once a week• Goes to cinema once a month• Style, fashion & being noticed• Profi le on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.• Constantly connected through smart phone

3.2.2 Target Audience Media Profi le • 81% use Facebook everyday • 71% still read print magazines • 66% access newspaper content online • 63% use social media to interact with brands • 45% read blogs everyday • 45% read traditional newspapers daily • 44% watch traditional TV daily • 42% watch TV shows online • 27% watch movies online • 25% access his/her mobile devices for social media • 24% read magazine content online

3.2 Target Audience Persona

10 Ruth Burke & Associates: How does Generation Y navigate the media landscape? weknowmedia.blogspot.com 17/2/11

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11 See Appendix 2

12 See Appendix 1

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4.2.2 Consumer Insights4.2.2.1 Going OutWhen asked about their interests and favourite activities, the respondents were generally in agreement that it was predominantly based around socialising and spending time with their friends, primarily at bars and clubs. It is apparent that they would not attend a venue arbitrarily, not even for a DJ that they liked, unless they were accompanied by friends. Eleven out of sixteen participants stated that they prefer the bar and lounge environment, ‘places that you can actually talk, rather than be bombarded with music’ such as the nightclub scene.

A common ritual amongst the slightly younger participants would be pre drinks of their drink of choice at a friend’s house and getting intoxicated before going to a premise, unless it was ‘fi ve dollar Friday or happy hour.’ The more mature participants assumed to have a higher disposable income believes that ‘when going to the pub, price isn’t an issue’ and that they drink whatever pleases them at the time. All participants agreed that a drink of choice is preferred when starting a night out and ‘once you’re drunk, everything tastes the same’.

4. Quantitative and Qualitative

Research

4.1 Primary and Secondary Sources4.1.1 Roy Morgan ResearchOur initial understanding of the product and its target audience was largely informed by Spark Advertising’s access to extensive research already undertaken by Roy Morgan Research. As thorough and exhaustive as the available data is, we felt it critical to test some of the interpretations of the earlier research, and to gain a more extensive insight into the target audience.

4.1.2 Primary ResearchTo facilitate the fullest possible understanding of the target audience, their lifestyle, routine, key infl uencers, attitudes towards alcohol, vodka, RTDs and Russian Standard, Spark Advertising undertook quantitative research via an online Survey Monkey questionnaire , and qualitative research via a focus group .

4.2 Qualitative Research4.2.1 Focus GroupThe focus group was conducted with 16 Tafe students aged over 18. They were recruited as a convenience sample, and provided an opportunity to engage directly with the target audience, interactively exploring activities and processes that fundamentally impact their purchase intention of the product. The focus group also provided the key setting for developing a credible bar-call that would have high re-call and credibility with the target audience, and one that would be distinct and desirable.

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4.2.2.2 Response to RTDs and Russian StandardProjective testing was applied and the participants were asked whether they would consider purchasing the Russian Standard RTD. A female respondent replied ‘maybe if I was sixteen’. It received negative comments about its appearance being too similar to Smirnoff , calling it a ‘rip off of double black’, and that it looked cheap and childish. According to the same female respondent, ‘it detracts away from the allure that people are trying to establish when going out, especially for women’. She also stated that the only time when she will drink an RTD is when she is already intoxicated and she will not drink directly from a bottle.

The other female respondents came to a consensus that drinking out of a glass is their main preference due to a classier perception as opposed to drinking out of a bottle. However, some males do not mind purchasing bottled drinks on premise because it is easier to carry, whilst a minority of respondents believe it is irrelevant. It is also agreed that there is usually no preference whilst drinking off premise.

Despite the negative perceptions, RTDs would be purchased at festivals and sponsored events where ‘everyone’s doing the same’ and options are limited, it’s more convenient and status is no longer an issue. ‘At a festival, everything is so expensive; I’ll just go for the most cost eff ective.’ Depending on the occasion, core attributes that would be considered when purchasing alcohol would be the taste, alcohol content and cost. Females would also take into consideration the packaging and colour.

First impressions of RSV Original were very positive including a response of ‘I want to drink it’. They liked the frosting of the glass, obtaining a cold and refreshing feel. A female responded ‘it is written in Russian and that makes me feel like I’m going to have a fi lthy hangover…It looks like a very intimidating drink; It defi nitely looks like a more masculine kind of drink. The Russian writing sets it hard. It would be something that I am curious of. It’s something that I would bring to a party’

4.2.3 Implications for CampaignA bottle of Russian Standard RTD with the name blacked out was shown to the focus group and they were asked the question of what they would call it if they were to order it behind a bar. The majority of responses were as expected which included ‘the one with the black label’.

Through projective testing and a review of Russian Standard promotional posters, it was discovered that sales promotions and on premise advertisements are highly eff ective and are highly infl uential on the consumers’ purchase decision. A female respondent emphasised that she would only enquire about an RTD if there was a ‘special deal’. Suggestions of promotions that appealed to the focus group included half price Russian Standard drinks or cheap Russian Standard RTD cocktails.

Moderators used word association to uncover top of mind responses to the phrase ‘premium vodka’, which resulted in answers including ice, cold, expensive and alco-hol brands such as Absolut, Belvedere and Grey Goose. This was then followed up by asking the participants to defi ne the attributes that qualifi es for premium vodka. Not surprisingly a clean taste (no methylated spirit taste) was agreed as the core at-tribute in addition to the ‘experience with the brand and knowing how you’re going to feel the next day.’ A respondent believed that premium vodka should be ‘easy for your body to metabolise. It’s not going to give you a hangover.’

All participants were asked to react to the phrase ‘Russian culture’ with the fi rst word or words that popped into their minds. It was imminent that respondents as-sociated Russia with ‘vodka’ and Russians to be ‘hard drinkers’. When probed about the drink that is associated with prestige and luxury, all participants responded with scotch.

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4.2.4 Development of the Bar-CallIt was also requested for participants to provide names and words that they believed were cool, which unfortunately only stimulated one serious answer. A female respondent commented ‘I like the word standard…I think the word standard in a drink is cool… I think it’s clever…considering that people don’t have standards when they drink.’Top of mind responses to the name ‘Pure Russian’ were generally positive and peaceful, evoking the words ‘beautiful blonde, sparse, open like Siberia and endless horizon’. It was a name which the respondents could picture being associated with Russian Standard.Surprisingly, only four respondents knew what a tsar was and all respondents believed that ‘Silver Tsar’ was not an appealing name, with one respondent commenting that ‘it’s an unusual name for a drink’.All respondents strongly disagreed with the name ‘Standard Citrus’ with a respondent explaining ‘I don’t associate citrus with Russia, it presents a confl icting image’. Another respondent noted that ‘you would think it would be sour in taste because citrus is a strong fl avour’.Towards the end of the discussion, participants were asked to develop a bar call, resulting with suggestions including ‘Pure Russian’ and ‘Standard’. According to a female respondent who is a bartender, ‘Standard’ is a suitable and appropriate name for a bar call because ‘nothing else has that word in it behind the bar’.

When informed about the other Russian Standard product lines highlighting ‘Standard’ being too vague, the respondent suggested ‘Standard Black’. The moderators were concerned that ‘Standard Black’ would be too similar to Smirnoff ’s Double Black. The respondents ensured that they do not associate ‘black’ with Smirnoff and that black is a common colour used in other alcohol brands including Bundaberg and Johnnie Walker. ‘Black has the connotation as being the refi ned and the heavily distilled spirits.’ It is perceived to be more ‘pure and stronger’.The participants believe that if the RTD bottle was a smaller version of the Russian Standard Original with an altered silver colour, it would be a signifi cant improvement and would impact their decision to purchase it.

4.3 Quantitative Research

4.3.1 Survey Monkey Online Survey

The results of the quantitative survey are from a convenience sample of 40 male and female 18-25 year olds, who were invited to participate by Spark Advertising and via Facebook invitation. The questions were designed as Likert scale, multiple choice, matrix and open ended questions, and were categorised into sections on:

• Demographic Information• Social Media and Technology• Social Media and Information• Going Out• Venues• RTD Occasions• RTD Selection Criteria• Perceptions of Vodka RTD brands & fl avours• Sources of New Information

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4.3.2 Consumer Insights

02468101214161820

MaleFemale

Figure 1 – Places where males & females are likely to consume RTDs

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4.3.2.1 Drinking HabitsFirst of all, males. Males when deciding on a drink at either the bar, or at a bottle shop think fi rstly of cost, Convenience, taste, and availability. These 4 factors aff ect their decision on what to buy most of all, and when it comes to an RTD drink they are most likely to consume it at a house party or a festival/rave. Evidence shows they also consume them on "big nights out" to make it easier once they are at the bar and makes it a faster trip to get their drink. From our research, males aged from 18-25 have very diff erent drinking habits, starting with 18 year olds who are new to the alcohol market only having a few drinks, purely for socialisation and to try things, going all the way to 25+ year olds who from our research drink everyday at the casino, or high class bars. From age to age, reasons in males to drink vary. From 18-21 there is a constant which is either having fun or socialize. From there it varies, drinking the same drink all the time for 22 to 25 year olds, rather than that experience new things. Venues where males drink change, all ages drink at restaurants and pubs, but most alcohol is consumed at bars and clubs by males, from the ages of 19-23.

Females on the other hand, have quite diff erent drinking habits. When deciding on what drink to buy, females focus on taste, convenience, cost and availability, as well as males but colour and time at the bar are also major factors. When drinking RTD's, highest chance they will drink them at House parties, Friends house with a small group of friends, Festivals/ raves, and like males, out on "big nights out" to save time at bar. Females aged 18 are much like males, drink a few times a week, but not much just to get out there and have fun, which again is a constant all the way to a 22 year old. Only at 20 years of age do girls start to drink a lot more as they grow comfortable with the places they go.

The older females at 25 unlike males, drink less and as more of a dinner thing, with friends at restaurants or friends houses. For females, city bars and clubs are much more common, but less alcohol is consumed than the males on these nights out. From the results, it is proven that the target market does consume RTD products, as our hypothesis expected. Our target does go to Merivale and Solatel bars and clubs, but they do not go there to drink our product. Bottled drinks are perceived as cheap and the target prefer to have a glass.

Figure 2 – Analysis of male drinking habits Figure 3 – Analysis of female drinking habits

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02468101214161820

MaleFemale

Figure 4 – Male & Female purchase considerations when selecting an RTD

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5. The Campaign 5.1 The Creative BriefClient: Beam Global Australia Date: 16/05/2011 Brand: Russian Standard Vodka RTD CitrusAccount Manager: Jaddan BruhnCreative Team: Joe Brown, Sreyna Chao Media Strategist: Cedric Chai

1. Role for Advertising

Increase awareness of RSV RTD citrus in target audience by 10% during campaign period, by increasing consumer awareness of product attributes, and through demonstrating and articulating new RSV bar-call to be used by target audience; increase on-premise sales of RTD by 5% during campaign period; increase off -premise sales of RTD by 5% during campaign period.2. Target Audience

2.1 Demographics

M/F 18-25, 60% female skew, full time workers and students, single, still living at home with parents in metropolitan Sydney, earning $30-60k per year, with a high school / TAFE / Trade education.2.2 Psychographics

“Tracey & Sam Thrill Seekers” segment. Main focus in life is going out and engaging in fun and exciting times with friends. Going to the cinema at least once a month, and having a night out at least once a week (travelling mainly by public transport, then taxi, whilst out drinking), weekends are for friends, fun and new experiences, with Mon-Fri a stopgap until the following weekend. Holidays are spent experiencing the most of the fast-pace and bright lights of the big city. Style, fashion and being noticed are incredibly important, as is sharing every aspect of life (opinions, likes, dislikes, thoughts, feelings, experiences, attitudes) through a constant connection to their smart phone, communicating, sharing and keeping up to date through profi les on two or more social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube, Skype, LastFM, SoundCloud and Tumblr. Long term planning / goals aren’t important, but getting the most fun / best experience out of the available cash on hand is critical.

2.3 Behaviour and Usage

Product is consumed during big nights out drinking with friends (nightclub, pub, bar), at house parties with friends; to socialise, have fun and get drunk. Taste, cost, and experimenting with sophisticated drinks with authentic fl avours, whilst getting good value for money relative to percentage of alcohol are the most important factors when selecting a drink. Males like RTDs as they are easier to carry back from the bar, females prefer drinking out of glass as it looks less immature/more sophisticated.2.4 Key Consumer Insight

I want my drink to refl ect my shift in taste from sweet drinks in bright colours to authentic drinks with real fl avours.3. Key Thought or USP

Russian Standard RTD is the youthful convenient authentic Russian vodka.4. Support

4 x distilled, 4 x fi ltered through charcoal; authentic original fl avour conveniently mixed to the right balance for an authentic vodka experience in a 300ml bottle or can.5. Tone and Manner

All Russian Standard Vodka promotional activity is underpinned by its alignment to Music, Fashion & Cinema. Bright, exciting, engaging, aspirational in tone; direct, fun, competitive in manner.6. Desired Mediums

Cinema, social media, digital/online, mobile, out of home, promotion idea.7. Budget

Media placement $ 1,000,0008. Timing

Nov 2011 – Jan 20129. Mandatories

300ml glass & can RTD product, Russian Standard Vodka logo. Requisite legal statements.Adherence to:Alcohol Beverages Advertising (and Packaging) CodeDistilled Spirits Industry Council of Australia Inc Statement of Responsible Practices for Alcohol Advertising and Marketing

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5.2 The Perceptual Map

5.3 The Campaign Strategy5.3.1 PositioningFrom the competitor analysis and our understanding of the product’s attributes as perceived by the target audience through the primary research, Russian Standard Citrus is positioned as the premium cool party nightlife vodka RTD.

This positioning refl ects the on and off premise consumption patterns demonstrated by the consumer, encompassing the relaxed, convenient yet sophisticated fun the drink is associated with, at the nightlife oriented instances of drinkers who are seeking a real, crisp, authentic vodka taste.

5.3.2 Marketing ObjectivesThe marketing objectives to be addressed through this campaign are:1. Increase awareness of RSV RTD citrus in target audience by 10% during campaign period, by increasing consumer awareness of product attributes, and through 2. Increase on-premise sales of RTD by 5% during campaign period3. Increase off -premise sales of RTD by 5% during campaign period.

5.3.3 Key Problem to be solved by development of Bar-CallRussian Standard Vodka Citrus is a long and diffi cult to remember name for a drink, and for the target demographic especially. Competitor products in the RTD category have shorter, sometimes more colloquial, names by which they are universally known, making them more readily identifi able in both on and off premise environments, by consumers and retailers / bartenders.

It is anticipated that clearly linking the product with an appropriate Bar-Call through the campaign will cement the concept of an easier to remember name with the product, and overcome the primary barrier to the demographic currently ordering the product – not knowing what it is called.

Figure 5 – Perceptual Map of Russian Standard Citrus RTD & its closest competitors

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5.3.4 The Role of the Theme Image AdvertisingThe goal of the advertising is to captivate the target into ordering the drink next time they are out, to see where the night will take them when they are spending it with a Russian Standard Citrus RTD, tapping into their thrill-seeking nature and experience based values.

It is anticipated that this goal will be achieved by aligning this message with a campaign promotion that encourages the target audience to engage with the brand and their friends via Social Media, and to submit content based on how their perception of the creative message is processed and shared, using the premise of where they believe a night with a Pure Russian would go.

5.3.5 The Brand Character and The Tonality

of the AdvertisingThe brand characteristics of Russian Standard Vodka are refl ected in the advertising through the relationship with fashion and music, projected through the fi lter of premium style, sophistication and authenticity synonymous with the brand. Concurrently refl ected are the drink’s attributes of crispness, clarity and authenticity, through the simplicity, accessibility and aspirational nature of the creative.

5.3.6 The Evoked ResponseThe anticipated consumer response to this campaign is:1. The Promotional Response – I’ll have a Pure Russian & see where it takes me, Tweet about it, include it in my next Facebook/Foursquare status update; fi lming something short on my phone’s camera & submit it to YouTube.2. The Advertising Response – Having a Pure Russian next time I go out will add to a fun, authentic experience that could change the direction of the night for the better.

6. The Creative6.1 The Creative RationaleThe aim for this concept is to increase consumer awareness of the Russian standard RTD citrus and adopt “Pure Russian” as the bar call.

6.1.1 Creative SolutionFrom the research we have found that our target audience’s views on RTD is very negative, consumers feel that RTD are just another Alco pop for teenyboppers, who wants to get drunk fast and cheap. Consumers want a drink that doesn’t have the same sweet taste to all of the other RTD drinks. Consumers want real tasting vodka and experience the real deal. So from this we have come up with a concept that will help give the consumers a diff erent view on RTD drink and especially Russian Standard Vodka RTD citrus itself. We want to the consumers to experience the real Russian taste in the more youthful way but still get the authentic feel of this drink.

6.1.2 Concept TestingAfter conducting concept testing with a focus group that were in the target age we tested four diff erent creative concepts that were under development, of these there were two concepts that elicited the highest response.

From these two concepts we had to eliminate it to one. During the process, the focus group rated various facets of the concepts . The chosen concept rated the highest with the target audience. The chosen concept appeared to resonate with the target audience due to its youthfulness and sophisticated setting, that set it apart, whilst still retaining an authentic feel, as shown from research “the fantasy concept was the highest concept with the most female voter, as the product is a 60% female skew we came to a conclusion that this would be the best suitable concept to reach our target audience.

12

12 See Appendix 3 – Concept Test

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6.1.3 Call to ActionOne of the main focuses of this strategy is for the consumers to be more aware of the product and get use to an easier bar call where they can use it at the pub, bar and club when purchasing Russian Standard Vodka (RTD Citrus) how we have adapt this to all the diff erent medium is by having the bar call “Pure Russian” as a tag line in all the diff erent medium from cinema, print and especially social network. The reason for using the tag line is because it is proven that people remember things better when they are tag line/s or quote where is constantly repeated by diff erent medium.

6.2 The PromotionThe other focus of this strategy is to promote the competition and special event about the product, by doing this we can get the target audience involved with the campaign. How we are planning on do this is having competition information on cinema ad, on premise print ad and social networks where audience will get the chance to be creative and entry into the competition with what they think will happen next in “the fantasy’ cinema and print ad scenario. Audiences will have to go onto the main RSV ‘Pure Russian’ competition site by scanning the QR code that is displayed on all the outdoor print ad or any one of the social media (Facebook, twitter etc.) to be in the running to win a major prize.

6.2.1 Youtube1. View campaign video advertisement (cinema / viral)2. Get together with your friends & fi lm how you think the scenario should end / how the scenario will change with “Pure Russian”.3. Go to the pure Russian / rsv website/minisite etc “register” for the competition4. Upload your entry to youtube with the tag “purerussian”.5. Submit your competition entry’s youtube link to the entrant’s gallery on the pure Russian / rsv website.6. The video entry with the highest number of views on youtube during any 7 day period (mon-sun) during the campaign will win.

6.2.2 Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare1. Register to participate in promotion via website (the qr code landing page)2. When you are out having a night out, use Foursquare to “check-in” your location. Using the “shout-out” text box on Foursquare tell your friends how the night is going & include “#purerussian” at the end of your shout-out. Update your facebook & twitter profi les at the same time through Foursquare.3. The fi rst “#purerussian” check-in will earn you the Russian Standard Vodka foursquare badge.4. Use the #purerussian hashtag to update your profi les as often as you like during the campaign period.5. The check-in with the highest number of re-tweets during the campaign period will win.

Once a week, every week during the campaign period, individuals who are registered for the promotion & who have participated in the promotion via Foursquare, Twitter & Facebook during the previous 7 days will be randomly awarded small prizes (rsv rtd packs, hats, branded merchandise, itunes credits etc).

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6.2.3 Off -PremiseUnique number sequences will be printed inside the cardboard packaging of RTD packs sold off -premise. Individuals register for the promotion, go online & “validate” the number sequence to randomly win small prizes.

6.2.4 On LabelQR Codes printed on all rsv rtd glass & can labels; landing on the promotion registration page.

6.2.5 MobileUse of orange highlighted “special off ers” appended to certain venues on Foursquare, detailing promotion & entry details.Mobile Ping patrons at certain venues at the beginning & randomly during the campaign with campaign promotion details +/- venue specifi c sales promotion information.

6.3 The Execution6.3.1 CinemaThe cinema ad will be a 60 sec ad of “the fantasy” concept to show the audience youthful, fun and the status of Russian standard vodka (classy, luxury and prestige) The cinema concept is concentrated on a guy and a girl to refl ect the youthfulness of this concept, it is set out at a classy and more luxury bar and not at a nightclub to show that it is classy and prestige. The reason for using cinema ad is because we want the audience to be able to connect to this concept and responds. The idea was to fade out the cinema ad to when the guy and the girl takes a drink form the pure Russian and it freeze with a caption saying with ‘pure Russian where will this night take you. The audience then gets to be interactive and creative by entering into the competition to win a prize. This would work well as gets the consumers thinking about the product and the company will also receive information about the consumer as they register the competition.

6.3.2 Out of homePrint ad will include the Russian standard vodka bottle with a red square background to show the historical and the authentic feel to this product. There will also be another print ad of a still shoot of the couple from the cinema fantasy ad.

6.3.3 OnlineSmall banner ad will be placed on social network such, as Facebook where audience can like the link or visit the page to view detail of that’s special events and promotions.

6.3.4 ViralA vial video will be uploaded on to YouTube of a small fl ash mop of a guy dancing to Rasputin, the reason why we have chosen to do this is because we hope for the video to go viral and get the consumer interested in the video as this will expose the product to the audience and reach the target.

Audiences can then be creative and get together with one other or a group of friends and fi lm how they would think the scenario would end and how the scenario can change with ‘Pure Russian’ audiences can then go to either pure Russian website to ‘register’ from then upload the video on to YouTube with the ‘Purerussian’ tag, entrants can use social media to help promote their video entry get the most views.

The proposed concept is intended to increase consumer’s awareness of the product and to make Russian Standard RTD Citrus be seen as the convenient authentic “Pure-Russian” vodka RTD choice for 18-25s.

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6.4 The Creative Concept6.4.1 Where Will Pure Russian Take You?

Concept: The Fantasy

Setting/Location: A social event/classy bar

Teaser: Cinema and print ad

- (Cinema concept) starts of with a shot of a Beautiful girl at the bar socializing to her friends. (Wide shot of the surround ing as it zooms up to the girl)- Walking towards her are two guys carrying a drink each try ing to impress her, she turns them down with disappoint ment. - Then comes a handsome man to the bar and orders a RSV, she turns to look at him and both catch each other’s eyes with excitement. (Close up on when they look into each other’s eyes)- As she is looks into he’s eyes she says to the bartender “make that two please”- As the bartender presents the drinks (camera zooms in on to the RTD) - They both take a sip of the drink the room starts to change and it frizzes on them sipping the drink and looking into each other’s eyes. (Close up)- (Medium close up) It freeze on them looking at each other- A voice over comes on… (“Experience the pure Russian vodka”)

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6.5 The Creative Production6.5.1 Cinema Advertisement Story Board

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6.5.2 Outdoor Advertisement

6.5.2.1 Point of Sale (A1) 6.5.2.2 Outdoor (6 sheet)

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6.5.2.3 Outdoor (24 Sheet)

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7. Media7.1 Media StrategyThe media strategy being applied is a Sydney based integrated online campaign which encourages dialogue, engagement and interaction between the consumers and Russian Standard. Online and social media is the biggest medium consumed by the target audience. This will be complimented with point of sale displays, out of home citylights and rail cross tracks to assist in creating brand awareness, driving traffi c to the online competition website as well as reinforcing the messages of the online campaign. Advertisements will also be placed in popular cinemas, where the target audience is most likely to attend. PR will help in creating personal experiences, awareness and encourage consumers to participate in the online competition.

7.1.1 Campaign LaunchAlthough the launch of the campaign is in the beginning of November, Spark’s strategy will revolve around building top of mind awareness during the commencement of university holidays (last week of November), which is usually the time when there is a signifi cant increase in leisure and party activities. Aggressive advertising won’t commence until middle of December, attempting to drive top of mind awareness when it is closer to Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

7.1.2 Out of HomeOut of Home is an eff ective medium that has the ability to target a mass reach over a long period of time, which delivering a high ROI. According to Outdoor Media Association (OMA), Out of Home increases the memory of an online campaign by 30% and has the second highest campaign retention rate.

Figure 6 – Advertising Medium Retention Rates (APN)

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7.1.2.1 APN Rail Cross-Track

The target audience is highly active and spends most of their time out of home. Through conducting primary research, it was discovered that the target market’s preferred transport of choice when travelling to the city and consuming alcohol is by public transport.

Rail cross-tracks have the ability to obtain a massive reach and deliver messages to a captive audience. Rail cross-track advertising is a cost eff ective, highly target-ed medium off ering a powerful visual connection with commuters. Its high peak hour dwell times off er a unique advertiser environment for emotional, rational or interactive messages.

• On a typical weekday, over 1 million people travel on CityRail in NSW• 75% of rail commuters wait between 3 to 10 minutes for a train• 54% of rail commuters are “GenY”, “NetGen” or the “Millennial” generation• 59% think ads catch them when they have time to think • 47% visited a website or store to fi nd out more information as a result of viewing the rail ads• 34% have tried or bought something that was advertised• 59% notice when advertising changes and• 42% read ads time and time again

During November rail cross-tracks will be placed in high traffi c stations including Town Hall, Central, Bondi Junction and Wynard. Our target market that travels to the city for work or attend university will be exposed to Russian Standard on a daily basis and then again on the weekend. Throughout December, there will be an increase in rail cross tracks placed in stations located in the city and around major shopping centres, including Mirranda, Burwood, Bondi Junction and Chatswood. There is an expected increase in traffi c during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, maximizing the reach of the target audience. The majority of commuters will be travelling by train to watch the fi reworks on NYE or to attend festivals such as Field Day or Harbour Life. These rail cross tracks were also chosen specifi cally near major cinemas where our advertisements will be running, strengthening the message and exposure of our brand.

According to APN, 75% of rail commuters wait 3-10 minutes for a train, allowing plenty of time for them to view and interact with the highly impactful billboard which will contain a QR code that will direct the target audience to the registration website of our online campaign.

Figure 7 – Advertising Creative Half Live OOH plus Online & TVC (APN)

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7.1.2.2 JC Decaux CitylightsJCDecaux citylights are very eff ective in reaching people close to points of purchase. They consist of a network of locations close to the most high traffi c areas and high value audiences.JCDecaux off ers exclusive coverage in the heart of Sydney's CBD in addition to the entertainment and lifestyle precincts of the inner eastern suburbs including Bondi Beach, Surry Hills and Paddington, and the restaurant and entertainment hubs of the inner west suburbs including Newtown and Leichhardt.

JCDecaux citylights has the ability to reach 745,000 people in the city of Sydney. 400,000 travel to the city to shop, study, or be entertained and 345,000 forms the daily workforce.

Citylights are a suitable option for our demographic, considering their outgoing nature and that the majority of popular bars and nightclubs are situated in the city, allowing us to reach the target audience at the time and place where they are most likely to consume alcohol. Citylights will be placed a week after university semester ends (last week of November) which is usually inundated with parties and celebrations. A promotional crew off ering branded merchandise and online promotional giveaways will also be present on the same day, assisting in the reinforcement of brand messaging.

JCDecaux allows for 15 citylights to be hand selected and placed at the locations of choice. The 15 hand selected citylights will be 3D special builds and placed around high traffi c areas and nightlife hotspots including Kingscross, Newtown, Oxford St, Darling Harbour, George St and Surry Hills. The special builds are of high impact which will encourage talk and encourage pedestrians to take photos and upload onto the internet. The December citylights and special builds will be placed within the same week when work holiday begins which is usually followed by celebrations on the weekend. Christmas is also near and consumers are doing their last minute shopping in the city, allowing for increased traffi c and maximum reach. Top of mind awareness and exposing the consumers to Russian Standard around this time will help drive off premise sales, especially when they are contemplating on what beverages to bring to Christmas gatherings. To strengthen top of mind awareness during this period, the citylights will be fl ighted in conjunction with online promotions, promotional crews as well as increased social media and cinema advertisements and a live in the cinema performance within that week.

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7.1.3 Point of SaleAccording to primary research, a respondent had stated that she will only enquire about an RTD product if there was a special promotion or if there was a highly impactful advertisement on premise. Point of sale display posters will be placed throughout bottle shops, nightclubs and pubs which will reinforce our brand and image to remind our target that Russian Standard exists and to inform them about the current online campaign. Point of sale material includ-ing posters and coasters will be used to trigger top of mind awareness while the target is in a position to purchase a Russian Standard RTD. The point of sale materials can be used to: • Inform consumers about current campaign• Encouraging impulse buys • Increasing sales • Reinforcing a brand

7.1.4 CinemaCinema is a medium that is aff ordable to run at longer lengths with high qual-ity sound and visuals. It plays to a captive audience that essentially shares the same psychographics and are of a similar demographic.

Cinema advertising is an accepted and integral part of the cinema experience.Moviegoers are receptive to cinema ads, which are often seen as part of the entertainment.The table below highlights that the majority of cinemagoers are Gen Y’s who enjoy shopping and watching movies as a favorite past time, especially when school and work is over.

Frequent moviegoers by age indexed against population

7.1.4.1 November Movies

I Don’t Know How She Starring: Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Olivia Munn, Christina Hendricks Genre: Comedy Audience: Female 25+, Female 18-24, Male 25+, Male 18-24 Synopsis: Kate Reddy (Parker) devotes her days to her job with a Boston-based fi nancial management fi rm. At night she goes home to her adoring, recently-downsized architect husband Richard (Kinnear) and their two young children.

Figure 8 – Frequent Australian Cinemagoers by Age (Roy Morgan 2010)

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50/50 Release date: 10/11/2011 Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anjelica Huston, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anna Kendrick, Seth Rogen Genre: Comedy, Drama Audience: Female 25+, Female 18-24, Male 25+, Male 18-24 Synopsis: Based on an incredible real-life experience, 50/50 is a funny, touching and original story of friendship, love, and survival starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Anjelica Huston. These two movies were chosen on the basis that the comedy genre was the best available option for the November period.

Comedy Movie Age Profi le

Comedy Movie Gender Profi le

Each movie will run at two week bursts one after the other at major cinemas that are either located in or near a shopping centre, which will contribute to the initial awareness of the campaign.More movies and aggressive cinema media placements will occur during the December period as top of mind awareness is to be created close to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Piranha 3DD and The Gates of Hell were chosen primarily because the horror genre attracts more of our target audience. Piranha 3DD will be in 3D which creates a novelty value and has the ability to attract a higher number of audiences. Piranha 3DD will be the only movie with a three week burst where the rest will only have two, as usually after three weeks; most interest in a particular movie dies down considerably. Figure 9 – Comedy Genre Cinemagoers by Age (Val Morgan 2010)

Figure 10 - Comedy Genre Cinemagoers by Gender (Val Morgan 2010)

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Horror Movie Age Profi le

Horror Movie Gender Profi le

Tower Heist was selected due to the popularity of the comedy cast which includes Ben Stiller and Eddy Murphy. A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas was chosen based on the success and popularity of their prequels amongst our target market.

7.1.4.2 Live-in-CinemaLive in cinema is a unique way for advertisers to create memorable, personal connections with audiences and enhance the impact of their on-screen cinema campaigns. Live in cinema transforms a cinema campaign into a face-to-face experience, with exceptional recall and talkability due to the unexpected nature and high PR value and its ability to:

• Create an emotional connection with the audience • Provide unrivalled cut through • Its PR and Viral opportunities • Generate strong word of mouth • Facilitate a heightened cinema experience & increase customer enjoyment • It is highly targeted

Figure 12 - Horror Genre Cinemagoers by Gender (Val Morgan 2010)

Figure 11 – Horror Genre Cinemagoers by Age (Val Morgan 2010)

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Live in cinema will be executed by the Russian Standard promotional crew, who will perform the Rasputin dance, which a viral version would have been most viewed on Youtube a few days prior. The live performance will reinforce the online message and remind the audience about the competition. Russian Standard vouchers and branded merchandise including key rings and t-shirts with a web link to the online registration website will be off ered for free. The reaction and comments of the audiences will be fi lmed and posted on the Russian Standard website and its social media pages. Live at the cinema will occur twice on the 22nd December at George St cinemas. It is expected for the audiences to fi lm the performance and share the content with their friends via mobile or social media and talk about their experience during Christmas gatherings.

7.1.4.3 December Movies

Piranha 3DD Release date: 01/12/2011 Starring: Neil Hopkins Genre: Comedy, Horror Audience: Male 18-24, Female 18-24 Synopsis: Sequel to the 2010 cult classic ‘Piranha 3D’

A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas Release date: 22/12/2011 Starring: Danny Trejo, Neil Patrick Harris, Kal Penn, John Cho Genre: Comedy Audience: Female 25+, Female 18-24, Male 25+, Male 18-24 Synopsis: Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold Lee and Kumar Patel cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree

Tower Heist Release date: 26/12/2011 Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affl eck, Téa Leoni Genre: Action, Comedy Audience: Female 25+, Female 18-24, Female Teens, Male 25+, Male 18-24, Male Teens Synopsis: When a group of hard working guys fi nd out they've fallen victim to a wealthy business man's Ponzi scheme, they conspire to rob his high-rise

The Gates Of Hell

Release date: 8/12/2011 Starring: Michael Piccirilli, Samantha Noble, Christian Clark Genre: Horror Audience: Male 18-24, Female 18-24 Synopsis: Five adventurous fi lmmakers set out to make an online interactive movie exploring the nature of evil.

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7.1.5 Public RelationsFrom the 25th of November onwards, every Friday and Saturday, the Russian Standard promotional crew will be hitting the streets of Sydney, off ering sample tasting and freebies including Russian Standard Cossack hats, t-shirts, caps and key rings in exchange for consumer details. Consumers are encouraged to like the Russian Standard Facebook page and follow Russian Standard on Twitter. They will be informed about the current campaign and will be encouraged to enter the online competition in addition to letting them know about the online promotions, discounts and giveaways that occur weekly. Off ering free sampling in an environment which the target feels most comfortable with, will encourage them to take Russian Standard on as part of their repertoire. The majority of the branded merchandise is highly visible and will allow the consumers to act as a mobile billboard advertisement and assist in generating talk. For example, if a consumer was to walk into a club and almost everyone was wearing a Cossack hat, that consumer is bound to also want one or ask someone about it.

7.1.6 Online PromotionAccording to market research conducted by Sensis, discounts are the most commonly sought after items required from businesses or brands followed on social networking sites. Giveaways, invitations to events and general product information are also sought by a sizeable proportion of followers.

Participants of the Foursquare, Twitter and Facebook promotion will be awarded prizes and giveaways (which include branded merchandise and event invitations) weekly on Friday. This encourages the target to continuously check the Russian Standard social media sites and help create engagement, interaction and top of mind awareness on a weekly basis before the target goes out to socialise.

Figure 13 – Consumer’s Social Media expectations of businesses & brands (SENSIS Social Media Report 2011)

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Online promotions and discounts such as ‘ask your bar tender for a Pure Russian and receive a Russian Standard RTD for only $2’ will be off ered arbitrarily throughout the campaign. Examples of these promotions will assist in driving on premise sales and provide an incentive for consumers to purchase Russian Standard, encouraging and converting those who haven’t tried it before. The name ‘Pure Russian’ is then expected to be slowly adopted by society as a bar call.More prizes and giveaways will be off ered during special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s to develop customer relations and satisfaction, building credibility and making Russian Standard seem benevolent.

For the launch of the campaign, a promotion will be off ered on Facebook, giving away Russian Standard vouchers (which entitle participants to a free four pack of Russian Standard RTD) for the fi rst 50 people that share/post the Russian Standard commercial on their Facebook page. This is an eff ective way of obtaining reach and having a presence on the social media platform, considering that the average number of friends/contacts is over 200, according to data collected from Sensis. The target market is heavily infl uenced by word of mouth and referrals, thus this promotion can be seen as the beginning of an online seeding process.These promotions will be reinforced by targeted advertisements on Facebook and Youtube.

7.1.7 Social MediaAustralians are the world’s most prolifi c users of social media according to new data from the Nielsen Company.It was estimated that Australians spend an average of six hours and 52 minutes per month on social media sites – well ahead of the US, which has the next largest social media usage at six hours and nine minutes per month. The reach of social media in Australia is large, with Nielsen estimating a unique reach of 9.9m Australians per month. The data highlights that a large proportion of the country’s 22m population is engaging with social media, particularly Facebook.

Average time spend (h:m:s) on social media each month:

1. Australia – 6:52:28 2. United States -6:09:13 3. United Kingdom – 6:07:54

The premium video commenting target blocks will be implemented during the launch of the campaign specifi cally targeting 18-25 year olds that reside in Sydney. The target blocks help drive constant awareness of Russian Standard and help maintain a presence in the most utilized social media platform in Australia. The majority of placements will be on the weekends and near Christmas and New Year’s Eve, attempting to reinforce brand messaging, especially the with social media online promotions.

7.1.8 YouTubeYouTube is the fourth largest website in the world and is most popular amongst young adults with 32% of Youtubers being 18-29 who spend an average engagement time of an hour and nine minutes every week. Close to half of Youtubers use the social media platform for watching music videos and 47% of Youtubers share their videos. Research also indicated that 1/3 of users who sees a relevant ad on Youtube will click on it.

Promoted videos and banner ads will be the predominant form of advertising on Youtube within the fi rst few weeks of the campaign launch. Promoted videos are cost eff ective and effi cient, as it is charged on a cost per click basis. The promoted videos could be targeted through AdWords, tagging product related search words – cold, cool, vodka, refreshing, premium vodka, Russian Standard, Russia, authentic, pure Russian, in addition to interest related words such as rock, music, vevo, funny, party, festivals.

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Banner ads will be placed under the categories which are most likely to be viewed by our target market – Music, Comedy, Entertainment, Film and Animation and Peoples and Blogs. During the fi rst week of university holiday, an expandable masthead will be implemented on the Youtube homepage. It is the highest profi le placement on site and has the highest impact, containing an interaction rate of 14%. Around this time, in video ads will be placed together with banner ads to maximize impact and frequency. This combination will be placed on popular Youtube channels including the communitychannel, WongFuProductions, kevjumba, niggahigga, chonnyday, yourchonny, raywilliamjohnson, vevo, fpsrussia. A small portion of the budget will be set aside to ensure that the online video commercial appears in the most viewed section of the Youtube homepage. The homepage audience is actively looking for their next video to watch, so would be particularly receptive to our advertisement.

These online placements will be fl ighted specifi cally to create brand and campaign awareness a few days prior to the weekend where citylights and the promotional crews will be active. One week prior to Christmas, viral content will appear in the most viewed and the top favourite section of the Youtube homepage. This will then be reinforced by in video and banner ads on Youtube and citylights and public relations the following weekend. The viral content will assist in generate talk especially at Christmas gatherings.

7.2 Metrics for Campaign Evaluation• Participation rate in online competition• Click Thru and conversion rate of ads placed online• Participation in online promotions• How many people used QR code to access site• Measurement of sales during & after campaign• Accumulated fans/followers since the launch of the campaign• Number of impressions on sites advertised• Conduct market research for brand awareness

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7.3 Media Flight Plan

Media Format

� � ��

� � � � � � ��

MOVIE/CINEMA

I Don't Know How She 60 Sec Ad

50/50 60 Sec Ad

OUT OF HOME

APN Rail Cross-Track 24 Sheets

JCDecaux Citylights 6 Sheets

POS Display Posters A1

Coasters

PR

Promotional Crew

ONLINE

Facebook Giveaways

Twitter Giveaways

Youtube Homepage Expandable

Masthead

Most Viewed

In Video Ads

Banner Ads MREC

Promoted Videos

Live at the Chapel Website

Live at the Chapel FB page

Facebook Premium Targ Block

NOVEMBER

��

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Media Flight Plan cont.

Media Format

��

� � � � � � ��

��

MOVIE/CINEMA

Piranha 3DD 60 Sec Ad

The Gates of Hell 60 Sec Ad

Tower Heist 60 Sec Ad

A Very Harold & Kumar Xmas 60 Sec Ad

Live in Cinema

OUT OF HOME

APN Rail Cross-Track

JCDecaux Citylights

Special Builds

POS Display Posters

Coasters

PR

Promotional Crew

ONLINE

Facebook Giveaways

Twitter Giveaways

Youtube

Viral Most Viewed

Viral Top Favourite

InVideo Ads

Banner Ads

Promoted Videos

Live at the Chapel Website

Live at the Chapel FB page

Facebook Premium Targ Block

�� !"��

JANDECEMBER

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7.4 Indicative Media Budget Summary

Nov Dec / Jan Total %

Cinema 33,600 87,300 120,900 12%

Out of Home 179,000 272,900 451,900 45%

PR 8,000 44,600 52,600 5%

Online 230,000 147,900 377,900 38%

Total $450,600 $552,700 $1,003,300 100%

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8. ConclusionCoordinated execution of the documented activities will build Russian Standard Vodka’s brand awareness with the target audience, increase consumer desire for the product, provide Russian Standard Vodka with a database that will be benefi cial in the short and long term for communication, engagement and promotion, drive traffi c to Russian Standard Vodka’s online and social media platforms, associate the brand with the lifestyle and social affi liations of the target audience, and drive the broader distribution of the RTD product into a wider selection of venues frequented by the target audience, concurrently building further on the campaign generated increased awareness and word of mouth, ensuring a “Pure Russian” remains a premier component of the target audience’s repertoire of drinks.

9. RecommendationWith affi liated stakeholders and venue partners on board, and requisite planning in place, the proposed campaign activity should be reviewed as a matter of urgency. The stated plan is acutely time-sensitive, the summer period is critical for competitor brands and a decisive implementation strategy will ensure that Russian Standard Vodka is able to successfully execute this campaign in its optimal sequence and manner.

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10. References

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11. Appendices

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11.1 Appendix 1

Focus Group Research

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Focus Group Research n=16

AIM - Provide consumer insights and attitudes towards Russian Standard RTDDevelop drinking behavioural insights of target audience Determine lifestyle characteristics of target audience Determine motivating factors that infl uence their purchase decision Test initial bar calls

HYPOTHESESE RTDs are perceived to be suited for amateur and weak drinkers RTDs are not usually consumed on premise The appearance of Russian Standard RTD is too similar to Smirnoff ’s Double Black

METHODA focus group of sixteen was held by two moderators at building G6.24 TAFE Sydney Institute, Ultimo. Thirteen out of the sixteen participants were within the demographics of the target audience, 18-25. The discussion involved several scripted open ended questions, a round of word association, projec-tive testing and a review of Russian Standard display posters. The discussion was recorded as well as scribed and the qualitative data was collected on the same day. The participants were not informed about the purpose of the focus group until a few minutes prior to the discussion and light snacks were provided to ensure the participants felt comfortable.

CONCLUSIONThe results of the focus group provided invaluable insights of the target audi-ences’ perception of Russian Standard and its RTD. Aside from the appearance of Russian Standard Citrus being too similar to Smirnoff Double Black and the negative perception of RTDs in general, the brand Russian Standard did not transpire with negative connotations. The most apparent implication of the results appears to suggest that social and esteem needs play an important role in deciding the drink of choice for on premise drinking with friends. It has been established that certain alcoholic beverages has the ability to portray attributes of a specifi c personality or identity. For example, RTDs are perceived to be childish whist scotch is a sophisticated and prestigious beverage. There was not enough evidence to support the hypothesis that RTDs were primarily consumed off premise, however it was quite clear that RTDs were not the drink of choice when starting a night out at a bar.

RECOMMENDATIONSConsidering packaging to be a major infl uence on female purchase decisions and based on the insights and suggestions from the respondents, changes to the Russian Standard RTD bottle including frosting of the glass, would demonstrate a signifi cant improvement to its appeal and eff ect on purchase decision.On premise displays and promotions are recommended as the respondents have emphasised that they would drink at a bar more often and would be more likely to enquire or purchase an RTD if there was a special promotion or an eff ective advertising campaign. The word ‘Standard’ should be implemented in the bar call due to the positive reception it received from the respondents and the fact that there is no other brands over the bar with a similar name. The word ‘Standard’ could also be implemented in a bar calls associated with the other Russian Standard product lines including gold and platinum.

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Focus Group Time Line

Monday 28th March 2011

n=16

(4:40 – 6:15) The RTD bottle with the name blacked-out is shown (10:00) When the full size bottle is shown(12:46) When the name of the product is disclosed(13:00) When any images / graphics / current or previous campaign materials are shown(0:40 – 2:45) Lifestyle: what they do, when, where etc. (2:40 - 4:35) Why/who they go to a club?(3:44 - 4:37) How does a night out start?(4:43 – 5:30) When was asked if they would buy this product (5:28 – 6:00) General discussion on drinking(6:17 – 6:48) Discussion on festivals(6:45 – 7:15) Discussion on alcohol content(7:50 – 8:15) What they prefer to drink when at a club – (fi rst drink)(10:00 - 10:50) First impression of the RTD(11:00 - 12:06) Would you buy it?(10:00 – 13:00) If at the bar how would you order this drink?(14:30 – 17:25)Word association • Premium vodka• What makes a premium vodka premium• Russian culture• Prestige:(17:35 –22:05) Word association (20:20 – 21:00)When you’re in a bar or club, you want to order this drink (RTD) what would you call it? (21:03 – 21:44) Do you associate the word black with other alcohol product like double black?(21:51 – 23:47) Bar call: (23:50) Changes to the product:

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11.2 Appendix 2

Survey Monkey Online Questionnaire

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Survey Monkey Online Questionnaire n=40

Aim: To gain insight into where the target market drink, what they drink, and their reason to drink, and their infl uences when choosing a drink.Hypothesis: -RTDs are perceived as a young drinkers drink. -Our Target doesn’t go to MERIVALE and SOLATEL bars and clubs.Method:1. Firstly, do some fi rsthand research as to which the competitors are, and fi nd where they are placing their product.2. Secondly, decide on a target market that would best suit your product.3. The decision of what research can take some time, but an online survey is a great choice statistically. A closed question sur vey gives stats, such as "10/50 males drink every weekend."4. The decision of questions is an easy choice when you know exactly who is being asked, and what result is needed, closed questions work best.5. Once the questions are decided on, upload the survey to an online site and send it out to the target market, and ensure the market know to take the survey honestly.6. Leave the survey up until the survey goals are met, then analyse the results.

Conclusion: Evidence shows, that males and females both drink RTD products in night clubs, at festivals and raves, and at house parties, males have higher consumption rates, with more cases where they drink 10+ drinks in a night.

Recommendations: The best place to sell the RTD Product would be at night clubs, Festivals/raves, and bottle shops, at a competitive price, and in an attractive package.

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11.3 Appendix 3

Concept Test

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The criteria by which the focus group assessed the concepts presented

to them for consideration during the course of the focus group:

• Suggests Russian Standard Vodka (RSV) is a good quality vodka• Suggests RSV would have a smooth taste• Suggests RSV is an authentic vodka brand• Makes me more likely to consider RSV• Makes RSV more appealing to more• Stylish• Classy & Prestige• Exciting & vibrant• Expensive• Brands for people like me• Represent modern & contemporary Russia• Consider purchasing this in the future

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Documents

Russian Standard Vodka - Advertising Research, Proposal, Media Plan, Sample Creative & Evaluation