Arctic narratives: brewing a brand with neolocalism

Abstract Neolocalism has been identified as an important component in the current boom in microbreweries. When constructed actively and consciously, it can also be deployed in marketing as a method of brand-related storytelling. This argument is strengthened here through a case study focusing on Tor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Brand Management
Main Author: Ikäheimo, Janne P.
Other Authors: University of Oulu including Oulu University Hospital
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2021
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s41262-021-00232-y
http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1057/s41262-021-00232-y.pdf
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41262-021-00232-y/fulltext.html
Description
Summary:Abstract Neolocalism has been identified as an important component in the current boom in microbreweries. When constructed actively and consciously, it can also be deployed in marketing as a method of brand-related storytelling. This argument is strengthened here through a case study focusing on Tornio Brewery, a microbrewery located near the southern edge of the Arctic in northern Finland. The qualitative research method used here involves the identification of stories related to neolocalism from the brand narrative composed of media releases, advertisements and other promotional material, in addition to beer names and labels. The themes emerging from this material—history and heritage, Lapland and the Arctic as geographic locations, the use of local ingredients and community involvement, as well as the culture and heritage of northern Finland—are then explored. Neolocalism is shown to provide a rich vein of storytelling that can be used effectively for marketing purposes as a holistic concept. While craft brewers have already explored neolocalism in their marketing efforts, the use of professional assistance in creating all-encompassing and meditated storylines is strongly recommended.