Govt urges local companies to promote national brands

The DPM, Professor Arthur Mutambara called upon Zimbabwean companies to take steps in aiding government's national rebranding efforts as successful brands are created through perception of management by stakeholders.

Speaking at the Super-brand of the Year Awards hosted by the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe, Professor Mutambara told business people that their brands will never be respected internationally until Zimbabwe is respected as a country despite their individual efforts.

"We are a member of SADC, a member of COMESA so Zimbabwean companies should think regional, think global, but how do you enhance this brand recognition?, by developing the national brand, the Zimbabwean brand," Professor Mutambara said.

Super-brand of the year Chairman, Mr. Herbert Nkala said employees, customers and brands are the most valuable assets in any company and the Super-brand initiative is focused on leveraging brand awareness to build strong companies.

"As you know people are not only buying commodities such as bread but they are buying brands," Mr Nkala said.

Econet Wireless scooped the Super-brand of the year Awards for the second year in a row, while Coca Cola came 2nd and Mazoe Orange Crush came third in the category that pitted both international and local brands.

In the National brands category reserved only for local companies Econet again came first, Mazoe Orange Crush second while Red Seal Roller Meal was in third place.

ZBC's Power FM scooped first place in the electronic media category among the sect awards.