In today's fiercely competitive market, brand development and sales growth often accompany a well-known brand ambassador. In recent years, brand endorsements have frequently gone wrong, making both celebrities and brands more cautious in their choices. One of the most notable endorsement collaborations recently was in early November when Shen Teng announced he would be the brand ambassador for Zhenzhen, bringing the drink he has loved since childhood to consumers across the country. This is Shen Teng's first endorsement of a soda brand, and the topic #Shen Teng Officially Announces with His 30-Year-Old Friend# quickly shot to the top of the hot search list. This high-profile announcement not only shows his personal recognition of the brand but also indicates that the two parties have found a deep level of cooperation. Why did Shen Teng choose "Zhenzhen" as his first soda endorsement? In fact, this endorsement of lychee-flavored soda is somewhat coincidental, as if the gears of fate have started turning. According to fan comments online, Shen Teng once said on a variety show that he loves lychee-flavored drinks. Zhenzhen soda's history dates back to 1992. As a "Guangdong specialty" that people in the Northeast have loved since childhood, it is naturally no exception for Shen Teng, who was born in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang. Having loved it since childhood and endorsing it as an adult, this special bond between the endorser and the brand may become a new approach for future celebrity endorsements and brand ambassador selection in an era where celebrity endorsements are often cookie-cutter. What magic does Shen Teng's childhood taste hold? Every place has its own signature drink, but this authentic lychee-flavored soda, which has been popular in the Northeast for over 30 years and has been drunk by Northeasterners since childhood, actually originates from Guangdong. Zhenzhen lychee soda is a standard item on most Northeastern families' New Year's Eve dinner tables and enjoys extremely high national recognition in the Northeast. Although the brand originates from Guangdong, its taste has won the approval of many Northeasterners, standing out among numerous lychee sodas and allowing it to sell well in the Northeast for over 30 years. After Harbin tourism became popular at the beginning of the year, Zhenzhen's special attributes also became a hot topic online. As we understand, this "national-level beverage from Guangdong in the Northeast" is not only the "authentic lychee flavor" in the hearts of Northeasterners but has also become a "heart knot" for many Guangdong netizens, who say that Zhenzhen is so popular in the Northeast, yet they, as locals, have never tried it. Meanwhile, Northeastern netizens ask, "You Guangdong people really haven't tried the drink we've grown up with?" Many Northeastern netizens even recommend Zhenzhen to Guangdong people, leading to a flood of memes online. For Zhenzhen, this magical origin sets it apart from other regional brands, giving it a natural advantage in public opinion and topics. With Harbin tourism continuing to boom, this classic soda may be preparing to embrace the "second spring" of market expansion. In the eyes of distributors, How can a regional brand go national? Many distributors know that it is not easy for a regional brand to maintain sustained popularity, vitality, or even expand nationwide. To go national, Shen Teng might help this magical Northeastern specialty drink take a crucial step forward. Shen Teng's endorsement is not just an endorsement; it is more like a seal of approval. His image and characteristics align well with the "approachable," "classic," and "joyful" impressions that Zhenzhen has accumulated in consumers' minds over the years. But one must also have the strength to back it up. From being a standard New Year item in the Northeast to going viral in Harbin, and then to a national-level endorsement, Zhenzhen has created multiple hot topics within a year, which is rare for a regional brand. Zhenzhen has not only consolidated its Northeast market but also stimulated brand vitality through a series of marketing initiatives. For those paying attention to brand opportunities and market development, Zhenzhen is undoubtedly one of the brands worth watching. From our observation, Zhenzhen has a certain momentum to go national. It is understood that Zhenzhen's product line is no longer limited to the classic lychee soda series, but is actively seeking innovation. It has launched new products such as sugar-free series, fruit juice with pulp, and other categories (tea drinks, dairy drinks, specialty beverage series) to meet diversified market demands and enhance distributors' market competitiveness. In terms of brand building, in recent years, Zhenzhen has combined nostalgia with innovation. It has not only collaborated with the IP of "Doraemon" for joint marketing but also partnered with brands like RIO and Dongbei Daban for lychee-flavored co-branding, breaking regional and category boundaries to bring the classic lychee flavor to more consumers. Zhenzhen also revolves around its "lychee expert" persona, continuously strengthening brand building and promoting product innovation, striving to become a leading brand in the lychee flavor field. Channel expansion is another important means for Zhenzhen's nationalization. While stabilizing the traditional Northeast market, Zhenzhen is actively laying out a national distributor network and expanding online e-commerce, new retail, and other channels to allow more consumers across the country to access the brand. **During the 2023 Spring Festival, Zhenzhen not only performed strongly in the Northeast market but also frequently appeared on hot searches through topics like "Erbin's popularity" and "North-South specialty differences," sparking online discussions. As the 2024 Spring Festival approaches, Zhenzhen has taken the opportunity to launch Shen Teng series videos and New Year gift boxes, and has expanded its brand influence through multi-platform advertising on Focus Media, outdoor media, and online media. Offline, it has improved product sales conversion through peripheral gifts, terminal displays, and promotional activities. This systematic, festive marketing strategy not only enhances the brand's market exposure but also gradually establishes its national recognition. Shen Teng's endorsement has injected tremendous market momentum into Zhenzhen, and with its unique product advantages, brand momentum, and coordinated channel expansion, Zhenzhen is gradually breaking free from regional limitations and carving out a path for national expansion. Perhaps it will be the next national beverage to appear by our side.
Brand Marketing
Shen Teng's First Endorsement of a Domestic Soda Brand: How Far Can the Northeast's Popular 'Guangdong Zhenzhen' Go?
In today's fiercely competitive market, brand development and sales growth often accompany a well-known brand ambassador. Recently, Shen Teng announced his endorsement of the Zhenzhen brand, bringing the drink he loved since childhood to consumers nationwide. This high-profile announcement, which quickly trended on social media, not only shows his personal recognition of the brand but also indicates a deep cooperation between the two parties.
