1. Secondary Brand Knowledge
Table of Contents
Positioning
5Ps
CBBE Model
Brand Elements
Secondary Brand Knowledge
Equity Ranking

2. Specialty Sports Drink
Positioning
Brand Mantra
Emotional Modifier
Descriptive Modifier
Brand Functions
Revitalizing
Healthy
Specialty Sports Drink
Emotional Modifier: “revitalizing” represents the theme and meaning behind the strong, favorable, and unique associations of tropical and hydrating. Tropical locations are seen as vacation destinations in which one can relax and recharge, and hydrating nourishes the body. By drinking ZICO, people receive the benefit of being revitalized whether its after a strenuous workout, or a night out on the town.
Healthy: “healthy” is one of the main strong, favorable, unique associations derived by the consumer. Other associations like natural and hydrating reinforce this “healthy” descriptive modifier. ZICO is a “healthy” specialty sports drink, and this descriptive modifier clarifies its nature compared to other sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade that are more unhealthy because of their high sugar content.
Brand Function: ZICO exists in the product category of a specialty sports drink. This product category is fitting for ZICO because it shares many POP’s as Powerade and Gatorade like revitalizing, hydrating, and energy.

3. Zico’s negative associations include the taste and expensive nature.
Coconut Juice
Tasty
Sweet
Healthy
Energy
Natural
Coconut
Tropical
Beach
Flavored Water
Hydrating
Strong, Favorable, Unique Associations with Zico
Positive Perceptions
Negative Perceptions
Zico
Yuck
Disgusting
Expensive
Taste
Fad
Zico has created a strong, favorable, unique association with consumers as a hydrating, healthy, and tropical sports drink. Consumers also associated Zico with sweet, natural flavors. This created strong points of parity between the Zico and its competitors, creating points of difference in the level at which association describes the products.
Zico’s negative associations include the taste and expensive nature.

4. Coconut Water
Sea
Hangover Cure
Electrolytes
Trendy
Hydrating
Hawaii
Refreshing
Light
Tropical
Tasty
Healthy
Strong, Favorable, Unique Associations with competitors
Positive Perceptions
Negative Perceptions
Coconut Water
Not Tasty
Gimmick
Bland
Weird
Because of the industry’s relatively new nature, consumers most commonly linked Zico’s competitors associations similar to those of Zico: hydrating, healthy, and refreshing sports drinks. They also saw coconut water as a hangover cure and trendy.
Consumers negatively associated Zico’s competitors with a lack of flavor and a lack of credibility as a new entrant in the sports drinks industry.

5. Positioning
We placed effectiveness of hydration (POP) and pricing strategy (POD) on the perceptual map axes. 52% of respondents believe ZICO is priced higher than other coconut waters, which shows a premium pricing strategy. In regard to hydrating effectiveness, ZICO contains the hydrating ingredients of electrolytes and potassium. The prominent associations of “hydrating” and “refreshing” on the mental map show consumers’ perception of ZICO being an effective hydration beverage.
Premium Price
Least Effective
In Hydrating
Most Effective
In Hydrating
Gatorade
Water
Discount Price

6. Positioning Statement:
“Zico is the only specialty sports drink that creates a healthy, hydrating, and revitalizing experience for active, young adults.”

7. CBBE: Brand Salience Depth of Brand Awareness
Recall: When asked if surveyors had ever heard of coconut water 30% said no. Of the 70% who responded yes, when asked to list all coconut water brands respondents could think of, 40% said ZICO followed by VitaCoco with 35% brand recall. O.N.E had 19% brand recall and C2O followed with 1%, see graph below.
Recognition: When prompted and asked, “Given the following list of coconut waters, which brands have you heard of? Mark all that apply.” 63% recognized ZICO, followed by VitaCoco with 50%.
Breadth of Brand Awareness
40% of respondents answered “Undecided” when asked how likely they are to purchase ZICO, followed by “Unlikely” with 20%.
Evaluations: What coconut water brands can you think of?
-Although we see strong brand awareness
for ZICO amongst consumers who recognize
the product category, the purchase
consideration is very low.
-We can attribute this low purchase
consideration to the newness of this category
as a whole. Although 70% of respondents
know the category of coconut water, that is
still low when you consider the high awareness
of other categories like soft drinks or energy drinks.

8. CBBE: Brand Performance
When asked, how satisfied are you with ZICO compared to other coconut waters, 29% of respondents said very satisfied and 26% said satisfied. 52% of respondents believe that compared to other coconut waters, ZICO is generally priced higher. When asked to rank on a scale from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest, how much you like the look, feel, and other design aspects of ZICO, 23% of participants ranked ZICO a 5 and 42% ranked a 4.
Evaluations:
-Respondents have strong feelings of satisfaction with ZICO.
-The ZICO premium pricing has not gone unnoticed
by consumers, and yet they still have high Compared to other coconut waters,
feelings of satisfaction with ZICO how satisfied are you with ZICO?
-In terms of design aspects and aesthetics
ZICO ranks highly among respondents.
-The sleek design and premium pricing help
to contribute to a strong brand image of
quality and superiority.
-pricing question

9. CBBE: Brand Imagery User profiles
79% of survey participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 25. When asked what age group you would expect to purchase and consume coconut water, 64% answered 18 to 25. When asked what is your impression of people who drink coconut water 48% answered neutral, followed by 35% with positive. When given several choices, 39% of respondents said upper class was the term that best described ZICO, followed by honest (32%) and down-to-earth (29%). When asked what kind of memories came to mind when thinking of ZICO 45% answered neutral which was closely followed by “happy” with 41%.
Purchase & Usage situations
76% of respondents said they would expect to find coconut water in specialty markets and 58% said they have actually seen coconut water in specialty markets. When asked where they are most likely to purchase ZICO 29% said at Ralphs, then Trader Joe’s (25%), and finally Whole Foods (21%). When asked which drink respondents would be most likely to have after a workout only 21% responded with ZICO. The majority, 34%, said they would drink Gatorade after a workout.
Evaluations:
-We see here the premium pricing and other aspects of ZICO have caused consumers to label the product as upper class.
-In terms of being categorized as a specialty sports drink, most consumers feel that after a workout they would go with a more traditional sports drink like Gatorade.

10. CBBE: Brand Judgments
Brand Quality: 50% of respondents said ZICO is high quality and 18% said it is of very high quality. When asked if ZICO is of good value 29% of participants said it is a good value and 14% said it is a very good value.
Brand Credibility: In order to understand perceived expertise we asked participants how knowledgeable the makers of ZICO are 48% of participants said knowledgeable and 17% said very knowledgeable. Participants were asked, how much the makers of ZICO understand their needs, 45% of participants said understand and 3% said highly understand.
Brand Consideration: 40% of participants said they would recommend ZICO to their friends.
Brand Superiority: When asked to compare coconut waters for superiority, 69% of participants chose ZICO as superior over C2O, O.N.E., VitaCoco, and Harvest Bay.
Evaluations:
-We see overall strong positive associations and opinions of ZICO.
-Consumers see ZICO as premium priced, superior, a good value, and they would recommend it to their friends.
-The strong perceived expertise could be due in large part to the premium pricing. Consumers tend to think that products priced higher are of better quality and made by experts.
-Although only 40% of respondents said they would recommend ZICO to a friend, we feel this is very strong for a brand so new. We feel we are relevant to our customers and the perceived superiority will in the long run evolve into customer loyalty and ultimately strong brand resonance.

11. CBBE: Brand Feelings
Please complete the following question: "ZICO gives me a feeling of...” (Mark all that apply) #
Answer
Response % 1
Social Approval 7
24% 2
Excitement 8
28% 3
Warmth 4
Security 7% 5
Fun 11
38% 6
Self Respect
21%
Other (Please Specify) 13
45%
Evaluations:
-When asked what feelings ZICO provokes 38% of respondents said fun and 28% said excitement.
-Sports drinks are typically thought of as very fun, exciting, outdoorsy, and refreshing products. With consumers seeing ZICO as a specialty sports drink it is bound to evoke feelings of fun and excitement.
-Also, the novelty of trying a new product like coconut water could be a contributing factor to these response feelings

12. CBBE: Brand Resonance Evaluations:
-Overall, brand resonance is low as displayed by the high “disagree” percentage on these questions. There is not a sense of community or loyalty around the brand.
-Although, 34% of respondents said they would really miss ZICO if it went away. This indicates that as ZICO matures (raising awareness), they may be able to build brand resonance.

13. 5Ps: Product 14 oz BOTTLE 11oz TETRA PAK 33oz (1 liter) TETRA PAK
The core benefit that ZICO satisfies is its ability to provide a healthy natural rapid hydration and replenishment. ZICO achieves this core benefit through the high amounts of potassium and electrolytes that exist in its coconut water. Also, ZICO contains zero added sugar, zero cholesterol, and zero fat. Although ZICO still sells its Tetrapak, it is the first and only coconut water company to bottle coconut water in a plastic bottle. With the addition of the plastic bottles and new flavors, ZICO is able to command more shelf space in retail establishments, which increases their brand awareness among consumers.
14 oz BOTTLE
Natural
Pomberry
Lima Citron
11oz TETRA PAK
Natural
Mango
Passion Fruit
33oz (1 liter) TETRA PAK
Natural
Mango
Passion Fruit

14. 5Ps: Price
ZICO builds brand equity through its premium pricing
strategy. Compared to the competition, ZICO is priced fifty to ninety cents higher than the competition with an average price of $2.58 (source). The plastic bottle is priced at a higher premium than the Tetrapak with an average price of $2.88. The premium price creates a brand image of quality and superiority compared to the lower priced competition of VitaCoco and O.N.E.. Additionally, since ZICO and coconut water itself is relatively new, premium pricing is used to legitimize the benefits of providing replenishment and hydration.
1.67
2.00
2.58

15. 5Ps: Place
In the beginning, ZICO targeted Yoga studios, creating a brand image of healthiness, and quality. As a buzz was created within Yoga studios across the country, ZICO expanded its distribution. ZICO can now be purchased at larger establishments like Ralphs, Safeway, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods. By making ZICO widely accessible in large establishments, people become more aware of the product, thus increasing the brand equity of ZICO.

16. 5Ps: Promotion
ZICO builds brand equity by taking advantage of the benefits of experiential marketing to create a positive brand image. ZICO uses experiential marketing by providing free samples at events like The L.A. Marathon , Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon, and Bikram Yoga Sessions. These events feature healthy activities, which reinforce ZICO’s brand image. Also, ZICO hopes people attending these events will attach the positive experiences they had at the event with drinking ZICO.
In order to increase brand awareness, ZICO created a billboard featuring Molly Sims located in New York city on the corner of Thompson and Watts Street as part of its “I Am Natural” campaign. This was ZICO’s first attempt at large scale promotion, and reflects their goal of increasing brand awareness. In an effort to incorporate consumers within this promotion, ZICO created a contest to replace Molly Sims on the billboard. Users on their Facebook page were urged to submit photos of themselves being active, and the photos were judged by the CEO Mark Rampolla, Molly Sims, and distinguished nutritionists.

17. 5Ps: Positioning
ZICO positions itself as the natural, healthy specialty sports drink. ZICO positions itself away from sugary drinks like Powerade and Gatorade by highlighting the zero added sugar, cholesterol, and fat within its beverage. Addtionally, the “I Am Natural” campaign is intended to promote the natural health benefits of ZICO. This positioning reinforces ZICO’s desired brand image of being a healthy, quality product. By positioning the product in this way, and maintaining this brand image, ZICO strives to gain awareness within the health-conscious consumer.

18. Brand Elements Brand Name
The simplicity of the name ZICO reduces the effort consumers have to make to comprehend and process it
The name’s short length facilitates recall because it is easy to encode and store
in the memory
Since it is a non-meaningful name, it can easily be transferred to other countries
ZICO’s pronunciation, however, hinders brand awareness
ZICO (Zee-Koh) is difficult for many to pronounce it hinders word-of-mouth exposure that can help build strong memory links
Those who are unsure of how to pronounce ZICO stray away from actually saying it out loud
Although it is not familiar nor meaningful, the name is differentiated, distinctive, and unique
The brand name is an inherently unique, made-up word that improves brand recognition
The “co” in ZICO can also remind consumers of coconut water

19. Brand Elements
Slogan
ZICO’s slogan, “I Am Natural,” contributes to brand equity by promoting its quality, healthy brand image
It emphasizes the all-natural benefit of the brand and thereby shows how the product is a healthier alternative to other sports drinks. This ultimately enhances the brand image of ZICO being a quality, healthy product.
It serves as an indispensible means of summarizing and translating the intent of the marketing program: to market ZICO as an all-natural way to re-hydrate

20. Brand Elements Packaging
ZICO’s move from carton to bottle plays a role in building brand equity directly through points of difference created by functional elements
ZICO delivers the first all-natural, aseptic bottled coconut water in the world.
No other coconut water competitor bottles their beverage in a plastic bottle
The ZICO bottle allows the brand to provide ideal, on-the-go hydration for an active lifestyle.
ZICO’s new bottle packaging also helps build brand equity indirectly through the reinforcement of brand
Image
The 100% recyclable bottles exemplifies ZICO’s commitment social and environmental responsibility
Also, the plastic bottle can be perceived as a more premium product compared to the cardboard Tetrapak

21. Brand Elements
Molly Sims
By inciting interest and excitement, supermodel Molly Sims enhanced brand likeability, awareness, and credibility
Sims has appeared on a ZICO billboard to help capture the public’s attention. ZICO is leveraging Sims celebrity status and to draw awareness to ZICO
Sims has also handed out bottles of the drink while informing them about the benefits. Sims is a credible source and fits the brand image of ZICO because she lives a healthy, fit lifestyle.
Sim’s approval of ZICO adds credibility to the functional benefits of ZICO

22. Brand Elements ZICO’s New Face of the “I Am Natural” Campaign
Fitness enthusiast Amanda Russell was chosen as the new face of the campaign to enhance brand likability and awareness
Russell, an avid athlete who is in need of a product to naturally re-hydrate, embodies the brand’s core and thereby is able to reinforce the brand’s key product benefits
Awareness and likability were created by having users submit photos of themselves on ZICO’s Facebook page, making the brand relevant to consumers and creating buzz around the contest
Russell is considered to truly exemplify what ZICO is all about because she is athletic, passionate, and health-conscious. Thus, she inspires others to seek out a healthy lifestyle and naturally replenish with ZICO.

23. Secondary Brand Knowledge
Celebrities
A celebrity’s use of ZICO is publicized by ZICO on their Facebook page and website:
Besides Molly Sims, ZICO does not pay celebrities to use ZICO, but ZICO does publicize pictures taken of celebrities holding ZICO
Celebrities include Gisele Bundchen, Alex Rodriguez, Kelly Slater, and Courtney Cox
By choosing to publicize ZIC) use with these celebrities, ZICO is able to increase brand awareness and credibility. These celebrities are fit, and healthy, which is in line with ZICO’s overall brand image. Also, it sends a message of credibility to the consumers that ZICO can help them attain this fit lifestyle.
Sporting Events
ZICO sponsors sporting events like triathlons, surf contests, and Yoga sessions:
By sponsoring these events and passing out samples, ZICO is able to raise awareness of its brand within its target market. Additionally, people can transfer associations from the sporting events to ZICO, maintaining its brand image of being a healthy and quality product.
Some associations that could be transferred include healthy, fun, exciting, and natural

24. Secondary Brand Knowledge16
By focusing its distribution initially to mainly high end “organic” grocers like Whole foods and Tader Joe’s, ZICO was able to:
Transfer the associations of “quality”, “natural”, and “high-class” from these grocers to its own brand
Large retail grocers like VONS and Ralphs do not have these same associations that are in line with ZICO’s image of premium quality and healthiness.
VeeV
ZICO’s engaged in co-branding by by mixing its beverage with VeeV (an acai spirit):
VeeV with coconut water is mixed onsite and promoted at high end clubs in Los Angeles
VeeV, like ZICO, is a premium product, that holds associations of quality and uniqueness
This ingredient branding reinforces the premium image ZICO strives to uphold, and increases brand awareness among its young adult demographic target market

25. Consumer Equity Ranking
STRENGTHS:
-Perceived as high quality and upper class by consumers
-Premium pricing sets it apart from its competitors
-Recognized as being created by very knowledgeable people
-Variety of flavors distinguishes it from competitors
WEAKNESSES:
-Low brand awareness amongst consumers unfamiliar with coconut water as an industry
-A new brand within a relatively new industry leads to low brand recognition and recall
-Have not strongly differentiated themselves as a brand from other coconut waters
-Not a very strong following of consumers. Can easily be replaced by other coconut waters if not available to the consumer
EQUITY RANKING: 4
-Zico is still a very new product trying to break through in a developing industry. Coconut water in general is still new and is seen not as a daily drink but as something trendy and as a specialty drink.