Cereal is best original

3 weeks ago I started gym, again. The objective? To eventually flex my 6-pack abs. They will sadly not be showcased this summer as I will be working during the holidays. This is in keeping a promise I made to myself years ago that before I turn 30 years old, I must have developed 6-pack abs. With almost 18 months left, time was running out.

Many of us have read and been told that if you want to reach that ideal weight - its 80% diet and 20% exercise, (some people also add genetics to these percentages). In essence, its all about snacking on the right things. My dilemma has been my weakness for everything sweet and the weight gain 101 is that a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the...hips, cheeks, stomach and every other bit.

Cereals (primarily those high in fibre) target individuals like me with weight loss challenges of eating that specific cereal for breakfast, lunch and supper.  Now in my pre-gym days, cereal would never make it onto my grocery list but this was to be a new chapter in my life and cereal would soon be the center of my weight-loss. 

So I take my trip to my local grocer to start the first chapter of 'good health' and as I turn into isle 7, it felt was as though I had stepped into a candy factory, so many colours and choices that extended down the entire row. You had cereals that were high in fibre or protein; corn; wheat-free; fat-free; raspberry; chocolate; oats; pops; and the list goes on. When did we shelf so many cereal options? Back in my day, you either had  All Bran, Corn Flakes, Wheat Bix and on special occasions - Rice Krispies. My mother unfortunately didn't believe in anything chocolate coated, which was the only other option at the time.

According to a 2013 report compiled by Euromonitor International for the South African market: Pioneer Foods lead breakfast cereals with a value share of 32%. Kellogg Co SA at second position with a 28% value share and Tiger Consumer Brands at  third position with a share of 18%. 

In 2010, the world cereal industry was worth an estimated $28 billion according to Report Linker. Cereals are always changing something and relaunching new flavours, ranges, nutritional content and sizes. The giant brands have kept in-trend with the needs of their target market - parents, children and the health-conscious. I mean 15 years ago, we didn't have granola bars, also known as cereal bars but they are here today and as popular as ever. 

Interesting fact? Known or unknown - the difference between candy bars and a snack bar is largely marketing, rather than the actual nutritional content.

During my cereal research, I bumped into a site called rappersandcereal.com. This is a fiction site showcasing popular American music artists with cereals named after them. So 2Pac Shukar with "Kelloggs Corn Pacs", Drake with "Frosted Drakes" and many others. Endorsing a musician can be complicated due to the nature of the industry and the personalities, however a short-term association could induce trial and possible profits.

Isle 7 might have surprised me with options but it couldn't deter me from my love of Otees. It doesn't matter what the sugar value of Otees are, they are the perfect meal replacement and snack. You can eat them with or without milk. Love it! Many skeptics might view this as a step back but as an optimist - these are my steps of being weened off sweets and hopefully weight-loss.

The cereal industry has proven to me that with change comes innovation and who knows, tomorrow we might walk into isle 7 and find red-velvet corn flakes, cereal in a form of pills or granola bars with an ingredient that burns body fat. Here is to great abs, cereal innovations and my love for Otees. Even though they have bubblegum, chocolate and strawberry flavours, they have kept the original and that's all that matters.

Great moments of unity

We are in our final days of September. Spring has sprung. Our first rains have watered the earth and our national Heritage holiday has come and gone. 

With a history like South Africa, heritage is an important factor in our 'rainbow' democracy. Heritage day allows us to celebrate our diversity but also recognize the things that unite us. In our 20 years of democracy there have been moments that have connected us as South Africans and united us beyond colour, culture and beliefs. 

1. Nelson Mandela's prison release

Nelson Mandela was released when I was only 4 years old. At the time, I had no knowledge of the hate between Caucasians and People of Colour. My family moved to what was then the white suburbs in 1992. We were one of the first black people in the neighborhood. Only when I was older, did my dad tell us the stories of how our delivered milk would be broken in the mornings (the days milk men) or how our refuse bins would constantly be turned over. People were not happy about our presence but as the children we were sheltered from it all.

I can't recall viewing Nelson Mandela's release on television but when I see archived clips at the time of his release, there were cries of rejoice, chants from masses and trails of many who wanted to just take a glimpse of the man. People that day received a new hope.This event will always be deemed historical and even though not everyone in South Africa were united, millions of people around the world stood in solidarity.

2. Rugby World Cup 1995

I sadly cannot follow the game of rugby and in 1995 it wasn't any different. At the opening ceremony stood our first democratic president, Nelson Mandela. Now rugby in SA had always been a sport viewed and played only by Caucasians. But the 24th of June was different and I'm not sure if it was the presence of the Man that broke the stereotype or the fact that it was our first world cup since the international sports boycott. Whatever the reason or influence - that day, we as South Africans stood together behind the Bokke's. It was a perfect day - the skies were clear and in the atmosphere there was a tangible buzz of oneness. Everyone that was there was connected and it was good.

When the final whistle of the match blew and South Africa had won. There was an eruption of cries. The eruption came from my home, the neighbours and victory screams from the entire neighbourhood. The video footage of various sports bars and other locations depicted the same explosive jubilation. I remember when we won, I jumped up screaming, ran outside the house and down the street of my suburb. Those that came out from their homes were so happy, we couldn't stop celebrating. Its a moment engraved in my mind and even as I write this, I smile. It was and is a happy moment in time

3. The 2010 Soccer World Cup Bid Announcement

The day they announced that South Africa would be hosting the World Cup 2010, it was the year 2004 and I was attending netball regional trials. I was running the court in the blistering heat of summer with sweat dripping from every pore in my body. I must have been in the middle of my defense when the siren went off, everyone paused and a loud female voice from the intercom screamed "We won the 2010 World Cup Soccer bid!!!!!" Everything after happened in slow motion, we were hugging, laughing, cheering, some parents even shed tears. 

Our South African soccer team are not the strongest of teams but when we won the 2010 Soccer Bid in 2004, it was the equivalent to winning the cup. The first African country to host the biggest sports tournament and we did a darn good job at it. The opening and closing ceremonies were of high standard, our blaring iconic vuvuzelas, ample accommodation, historical tourist sights, security everywhere. South Africa became a true rainbow nation with cultures from across the globe. I live inland South Africa and even though it was winter, the vibrant atmosphere was reminiscent of the holiday season by the beach. For those brief couple of weeks of celebration, we were united as South Africans.

It was not my intention to speak solely about Nelson Mandela but interesting to see that he in some way influenced key moments in South Africa. 

Heritage day in South Africa is sometimes also referred to as National Braai day. This is not a barbeque that many people are accustomed to. A braai is when you cook meat over hot coal. As South Africans a braai is what unites us. We all do it - Jew or Gentile, vegetarian or a meat lover, anything goes on a braai. A braai makes us proudly South African and you cant beat the taste of meat that has been turned under fire, bush enthusiast would agree. 

South Africa made over by establishing individuals and pockets of events that united all people and every class towards a common goal. I believe if we were to continue to pursue common goals, South Africa would be greater.

The power of music in our lives

A week ago I celebrated my crown birthday. It feels like yesterday (17 years ago to be exact) that I started planning the day I would turn 28 on the 28th - it would be a party to remember. My theme had been brewing over the years - 'Young Again' to mirror my young soul. It was going to be an epic children's party for adults!

The icing on top? The music. My plan was to create a compilation of songs that had made me, me. I didn't foresee that I would be going down a bumpy, flash down memory lane filled with a lot of blushing, laughing and nostalgia. The love song of my first crush, of my first slow dance, the heartbreaks, the music competitions. Song dedications into the local radio stations, party songs at the school socials or Walkman sharing on the bus tours. I could carry on with countless moments branded by a particular song and I know some of you are thinking of some of your own special events.The neuroscience of how music triggers vivid memories.

When it comes to music, technology has been integral in the development of sound however popular culture has been the driving force of music. Some brands over the years have successfully surfed the gravy train and used popular songs of the time to meet their objectives - whether it be to increase awareness or market share through association.

Some of the biggest brands in South Africa that used popular songs include SAB's advert  "The crossing" by Johnny Clegg; Vodacom's Meerkat - "I like the way you move" by the Bodyrockers and more recently the KFC Twista advert - "Love sick" by the Arrows. So every time you hear those songs, whether you want to pull out your hair or make a trip to the store - that brand has come into your consciousness. 

Back in my primary years, every adult would tell me how music in their time was 'real music'. Today I find myself telling my nieces and nephews how music in my time (1996 - 2004) was 'real music' - sounding like an old soul in this regard. So I've come to a definition of  'real music', it is music where the popular culture of the time is relevant to you. 

So if music can paint a clear picture of a memory, an experience, smells and tastes and even feelings. We can agree that music is a powerful weapon. It lives in us and if your brand lives in the music it lives for generations after.

I want to leave you with a 1998 South African advert that didn't win any awards however lives in the hearts and minds of those who were there. I hope it brings a smile to your face as it did me.

Click onto the link to view the advert: http://ow.ly/A6asT

Zam-buk reels in a cherry flavour

 

Zam-buk is a global brand, a herbal ointment for various uses such as insect bites and pain relief. When I think Zam-buk a specific stereotype of an African male is formed. In South Africa Zam-buk (marketed as the real-makoya meaning "the real thing or deal"), is first and foremost a lip balm for men, "a real man uses the real-makhoya". I can try describe this specific stereotype at length but trust that the below video link will paint a clearer picture for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT-TdQXYydU

The Pantsula's (a name derived from the Pantsula dance), is predominantly from the township. This is the image I have always associated with Zam-buk. My comments are in no way statistical but are a unanimous opinion and comments from the people within my circle. Zam-buk has held this image for decades and 2 years ago they introduced the cherry-flavoured lip balm. Zam-buk with a cherry flavour? This product development was like day and night, unbelievable. My first instinct was that they were surely targeting the female pantsula however the ad campaigns showed otherwise.

Zam-buk is now competing for the hand-bag space of a female consumer. I really wonder if female consumers are bold enough to start trending the cherry-flavoured Zam-buk and squash the stereotype that is owned for so many years. Zam-buk has been imprinted in my mind as being for 'that man', so whether it introduces Zam-buk in pink or blue merchandise, its not for me. 

However, is Zam-buk affordable? Yes! Does it work? Most probably! Is it the new cool? No. Or maybe I'm not the 'new cool' either way, there is no room in my handbag.

You are the first makeover

2014 has kick-started and we have all punched in our new years resolution to be better person - whether it's to shed off those extra pounds, read more, change-up your wardrobe, appreciate your lover or connect with a spirituality. We like everything else in this world are forced to change and adapt in order to remain in the pack and survive in the wild.

So the first brand makeover for this year is You. What are you re-inventing about yourself? It's all very exciting and appealing and my advise - "don't get it wrong". Many product developments only need tweaking and not a complete revamp. So choose wisely on your personal makeover goals. Increase your market-share (friends and people in your corner) by adding value. This could mean different things to different people but if done correctly the result is the power of influence. In respect to consumer brands - it is the power to influence a sale.

So a toast to a better you. I will hopefully meet some of your brands in the market this year, until then - don't sell yourself short.