# Bold Unbranding Big brands opt for no logos to showcase the weight and relevance of their brand. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 27, 2019 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/bold-unbranding ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Bold Unbranding trend? **Bold Unbranding:** As efforts toward greater authenticity and brand loyalty continue to thrive, we're seeing a rise in unbranded, logo-less tactics–often from well-known companies. Not necessarily looking to move away from heritage or legacy, these brands are relying on the iconic imagery, aesthetics or references to their products to connect with consumers. These unbranded examples are serving to create more approachable identities for brands, allowing consumers to better connect with product references and emotional connections. ## The consumer insight behind the Bold Unbranding trend Brand recognition among consumers is crucial, however consumers' contemporary purchase habits often place just as much emphasis on product experience as they do branding. Consumers are drawn to experiences because they're often inherently shareable–and most young North Americans prioritize how their daily and brand interactions can be translated onto social media. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 5, 2018 to Sep 12, 2019 - Published: Sep 27, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Bold Unbranding trend ### Unbranded Campaigns Well-known brands are relying on iconic imagery and references to products to connect with consumers, creating more approachable identities for their brands. ### Intentionally Brandless Campaigns Some brands are intentionally excluding their brand name or logo from their campaigns to entice consumers who prioritize product experience over branding. ### Ironically Direct Campaigns Companies are utilizing humor and irony in their advertising campaigns to directly connect with consumers and highlight the simplicity of their products. ## What the Bold Unbranding trend means for industry ### For Retail industry The retail industry can explore unbranded or intentionally brandless strategies to connect with consumers through product experience and simplicity. ### For Marketing industry The marketing industry can embrace the trend of ironic and straightforward advertising campaigns to add humor and personality to brands. ### For Consumer packaged goods industry Companies in the consumer packaged goods industry can leverage the simplicity of their product offerings to create humorous and direct campaigns that appeal to consumers. ## Workshop question How might you better connect with consumers through more subtle, unbranded tactics? ## Trend signals for Bold Unbranding Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 75%, activity 45%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 75% - Activity: 45% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Bold Unbranding trend 4 featured examples from Nov 5, 2018 to Sep 12, 2019. - [Ironically Direct Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/no-name): no name Launched A Straightforward and Hilarious Campaign (Category: Marketing) Implication: Retailers can disrupt the industry and differentiate themselves by emphasizing a straightforward approach to branding and product transparency. - [Unbranded Chip Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anti-ad): The Anti-Ad by Doritos Has No Logo or Recognizable Brand Name (Category: Marketing) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for snack food brands to connect with Gen Z consumers through unconventional and logo-less advertising campaigns that resonate with their adverti… - [Intentionally Brandless Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-dew-campaign): This Mountain Dew Campaign Cues Inspiration from Game of Thrones (Category: Marketing) Implication: Companies in the beverage industry can create limited edition or pop culture-inspired designs to differentiate their products and appeal to younger, trend-conscious consumers. - [Unbranded Home Essential Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/targets-affordable-homeware): Target's Affordable Homeware Brand Boasts Over 70 Items (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the retail industry with a focus on providing affordable home essential collections, targeting price-sensitive consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)