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ak-mak Bakeries, a name synonymous with quality and tradition, has been delighting customers with its authentic Armenian flatbreads for over a century. As the bakery approached its 100-year milestone, the need for a rebrand became evident to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.
PREM PR & Social took on the challenge of rebranding ak-mak Bakeries with cadence, highlighting the importance of balancing a rich history with modern appeal.
Understanding the Client’s Vision
Our journey began with an insightful meeting with the ak-mak Bakeries team. Their vision was clear: to modernize the brand while preserving its historical essence. They wanted a fresh look that would appeal to a new generation of customers without alienating their loyal consumer base. Respecting and understanding the brand’s history of baking authentic Armenian cracker bread for over a century was paramount.
Blending Old World Charm with Modern Appeal
ak-mak Bakeries has a deep-rooted heritage, known for its traditional recipes passed down through generations beginning with the Soojan family’s Great Uncle Jacob establishing the first Armenian bakery in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1893. By 1936, the family moved to California in which Uncle Jacob and three second generation Soojan men began producing baked foods of the Middle East, including Peda bread, Dernackly bread, Arabic bread (pita), and Armenian cracker bread. The brand has been thriving and evolving ever since.
We aimed to honor this family legacy by retaining key elements of the original branding, such as the iconic logo and color scheme. However, to infuse a contemporary feel, we introduced sleek typography and carefully crafted content. The new branding elements were created to reflect both the bakery’s rich history and its forward-looking vision.
The Client Shoot: Capturing the Essence
The preparation for the client shoot was meticulous. We collaborated with our in-house graphic designers and photographers to ensure every detail was perfect.
The shoot incorporated baking tools, food pairings, and all the bakery’s signature products to highlight its heritage. Modern elements, such as minimalist backgrounds and contemporary props, were also included to create a balanced visual narrative.
The shoot was conducted in a way that seamlessly blended PREM’s ideas with the client’s idealized vision. The resulting images and videos beautifully captured the essence of ak-mak Bakeries, showcasing its journey from a traditional bakery to a modern brand.
Website Redesign: A Digital Transformation
The website was the original website ever created which means it was not up-to-date with modern consumer and competitor standards. It was plain, old, and confusing however people still used it to purchase products. The website redesign was driven by the need to create a user-friendly, visually appealing platform that reflected the brand’s new identity.
The new design features a clean, modern layout with nods to the bakery’s history through vintage photos and detailed information on the brand’s history. The revamped website includes an easy-to-navigate interface, a method of online ordering, a retail locator, recipes, FAQs, and nutritional facts. These features ensure a seamless and engaging user experience that allows the customer to build a fondness with the brand the more appealing and simple it is to use.
The Outcome: A Successful Rebrand
The ak-mak Bakeries team was thrilled with the rebrand. They appreciated how we managed to honor their history and vision while revitalizing the brand’s outward audience perception with the PREM touch.
The initial response from customers was overwhelmingly positive. The new branding resonated well with both long-time patrons and new customers, leading to increased engagement and sales.
With a successful rebrand, ak-mak Bakeries is well-positioned for future growth. The updated brand identity will help them expand their market reach and continue delighting customers for years to come.
The rebranding of ak-mak Bakeries was a journey of respecting the brand’s rich heritage while creating a refreshed identity that resonates with today’s consumers. This project underscores the importance of evolving with the times while staying true to one’s roots.
Photos don’t do enough justice. To view the new and improved ak-mak website in all its glory, click here.
If you have any questions about rebranding and want to make your brand PREMemorable, you can contact PREM at info@premprsocial.com.
