Czech lager producer Budweiser Budvar has unveiled a UK-wide marketing campaign to help generate increased awareness of the brand.
Launched this month across out-of-house and social media spots, the campaign shines a spotlight on what makes Budweiser Budvar unique, despite sharing its name with a well-known American beer.
From promoting the use of premium local ingredients — including Saaz hops and Moravian malt — through to its time-honoured brewing techniques that are key to creating bolder, deeper flavours, Budvar is keen to ensure beer drinkers make no mistake that its lager is a Czech original.
To further emphasise the brand’s unmistakable Czech heritage, Budvar is also launching a PR campaign titled Unmistakably Us (Not U.S.), to champion those who, in a twist of fate — or parental oversight — have ended up living their lives with a very famous American name.
As part of this, Budvar has teamed up with three people from across the UK who share their name with an American celebrity. They are Michael Jordan, from Hertfordshire, Julia Roberts, from Bedfordshire, and Dwayne Johnson, from Glasgow. In an interview with reality TV star Kem Cetinay, each namesake will reveal how their unusual name has affected their home, work, love, and social lives.
Keen to discover other famous namesakes living under the radar, Budvar has set up a national hotline, encouraging people to call in and share what it’s really like to be the UK’s Taylor Swift or Tom Cruise, for their chance to win a free crate of Budvar (conditions apply).
Elsewhere, several taprooms across the country will be hosting ‘Namesakes’ Nights’, a social meet-up for people who share their name with a celebrity to enjoy a free pint of Budvar while bonding over their ‘mistaken identity experiences’. Alternatively, namesakes can send in their stories to unmistakably.us@mccann.com.
“Sharing your name with someone in the public eye can have its frustrations, such as having to explain when someone asks you for the hundredth time that you are not actually related to the well-known person,” said psychologist Dr Jane McCartney.
“But despite its challenges, it is also a unique experience, as blending your own personal identity with a touch of celebrity recognition can be fun.
“The recognition and attention that come from this connection can positively impact how you perceive yourself in social interactions, making you feel more significant or memorable.”
Claire Sharpe, UK marketing manager at Budvar, said: “The team has already been working hard behind the scenes to bring the campaign to life, with the help of our namesakes, Michael Jordan, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne Johnson. We can’t wait to see what other interesting stories we uncover through the campaign.”
