Brand and design consultancy StormBrands has delivered a bold new strategy and visual identity for Halal cooked meats product range Najma.

In a category currently worth £15m*, Najma approached StormBrands with the ambition to double the size of the Halal cooked meats category to £30m over 3 years and in doing so become recognised as the No1 Chilled Halal brand in the UK.

StormBrands used the brief as an opportunity to ‘open-up’ the world of Halal beyond its conventional roots. In order to achieve its ambitious goal, the range needed to not only appeal to increasingly modern, yet respectfully traditional Halal consumers but also attract new consumers to the category.

The agency’s workshop and planning process has resulted in a new brand purpose “Inspiring Modern Mealtimes” built around a refreshed set of core values. This has provided a platform for the new identity that brings together tradition and modernity delivering a new design system, photographic treatment and Tone of Voice across the entire range.

StormBrands approaches each new piece of work through the lens of their own purpose: “Energising brands to move mindsets, markets and culture.” In the case of
Najma it is to transform a pack that sits on a shelf, to a brand that fits in people’s lives.”

Duncan Kelly, StormBrands Design Director commented: “Our bold new purpose for Najma, ‘Inspiring Modern Mealtimes’ has allowed us to create a new visual identity for the range that opens-up a tasty world of flavour, convenience and versatility for modern Halal consumers and beyond.”

“The new identity is all about inspiring discovery, from the distinctive graphic windows that invite consumers into the brand’s bright and vibrant world, to the striking geometric, Arabesque patterns inspired by Middle Eastern culture that form the base of every brand application.”

“Our strategic objective was to elevate Najma from a product range to a stand-out brand. Working closely with the Najma team, we’ve created a brand that celebrates every moment and looks good enough to eat. The new visual identity respects the brand’s roots but much like its name (Najma means star in Arabic) shines bright in-store.”

Karama Khudairi, Senior Product & Innovation Manager, Golden Acre Dairy Foods added: “The StormBrands team has been great, demonstrating passion and forward-thinking enthusiasm. Together we’ve created something game-changing in the category on our way to achieving our ambitious growth target. We’re thrilled with the results and look forward to working with StormBrands again in the future.”

Najma boasts a large range of cooked and ready to eat products across various categories: slices, prepared meats and deli style products. The brand is a key contributor to category growth. Najma is currently growing ahead of the category at 40% vs LY, driving the value share to 53%.

The new design is being rolled out across the full Najma product range.