What’s in a name – Regional businesses may need to rebrand to move overseas

Brands that resonate with a specific region touting “regional flavors” may find a large following and high profitability in the area, but it can cause companies problems when moving overseas.

Through shifting marketing tactics, Kentucky Fried Chicken changed its name to KFC in order to get rid of the association with Kentucky for expansion purposes.

International markets tend to respond more favorably to upscale offerings from the U.S. For example, a Chili’s location in Kolkata, India is located in a “glitzy mall” with high-end designers by Indian standards.

Philly Pretzel Factory – a brand with a location in its title –might have a few hurdles to overcome if international expansion is in the works, but the company thinks it can be a niche brand touting ethnic flavor in a foreign country.

“We don’t think of KFC from being from Kentucky or Manhattan Bagels from being from Manhattan” said President Marty Ferrill. “These brands just become the name instead of just where they’re from.”