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Nestlé Purina / EssentialCare

A full rebrand took EssentialCare from a distant #3 to a strong #2.

Client
Nestlé Purina
Category
Vet-exclusive pet nutrition
Channel
Veterinary clinics
My role
Rebrand and relaunch, start to finish
+10.1share points
#3 → #2in the category
Share lossstopped and reversed
Original EssentialCare packaging
The original pack: benefits buried, no claims up front.
Challenge

The situation

EssentialCare is a vet-exclusive brand that had been slowly losing share for years. Competitors innovated into fast-growing segments like small dog and senior pet, and our key claims weren't positioned to compete.

The goal

Overhaul the brand to match or beat competitors on claims, relaunch it, and stop the share loss.

Our impact

I led the complete rebrand and relaunch, from the claims on pack to the starter kit in a new pet parent's hands.

EssentialCare packaging, before and after
The new look: microbiome and urinary claims on the front.
01 · Claims & packaging

Put the proof on the front of the pack.

Working with vet affairs, regulatory and legal, we updated claims to match or beat competitors, especially on urinary and microbiome health. Those claims moved to the front of pack, because they're the top reasons vets recommend and owners buy.

  • Urinary and microbiome claims made explicit
  • New packaging system across the line
Purina Pro Plan kitten starter kit: tote, food, cans, FortiFlora and coupons
From the Purina vet starter kit program: food, FortiFlora and coupons, given to new pet parents at their first vet visit.
02 · Go-to-market

Build the launch around trial.

Research showed pet owners who try EssentialCare are 2 to 3 times more likely to stay loyal long term. So the plan focused on trial as the entry point to long-term value.

  • Starter kit for new pet parents, built with our agency partners
  • CRM journey to lift repeat purchase
EssentialCare range: puppy, senior dog, kitten, adult cat and senior cat formulas
The relaunched line: one look across puppy, kitten, adult and senior formulas for dogs and cats.
03 · Sales & launch

Arm the people who make the recommendation.

The sales team got detailers and clear talking points showing the new line against competitors. We teased the relaunch to vets at OVMA, Ontario's largest veterinary conference.

  • Competitive detailers and talking points
  • Launch tease at OVMA
The result
+10.1share points
#3 → #2in the category
Share lossstopped and reversed

The rebrand added 10.1 share points and moved EssentialCare from a distant #3 to a strong #2 in its category.

What this means for your brand

Your best proof is often hiding on the back of the pack. And trial without a follow-up journey is money left on the table.

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Discover more work

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