THE JAVA HOUSE FAMILY

‘IT IS UNSURPRISING, THEN, THAT LAST NOVEMBER JAVA HOUSE WAS CROWNED BRAND OF THE YEAR AT THE GLOBALLY RENOWNED WORLD BRANDING AWARDS IN LONDON’

Java House Group consists of four food and beverage brands:

• JAVA HOUSE:

A coffee-led, casual dining concept

• PLANET YOGHURT: Self-serve frozen yoghurt outlets

• 360 DEGREES:

An upscale but casual restaurant serving artisan pizza

• KUKITO:

An alternative quick service restaurant brand

So, what explains the brand’s success? For a start, Java House is committed to continual evolution to meet its customers’ increasing expectations.

When we first spoke to Java House’s CEO Paul Smith last year, he had recently implemented sweeping changes to the company, including digital media campaigns and numerous reimaging projects. A Singapore-based design company, Optimotto, helped Java House rebrand with vibrant uniforms and colourful, African-themed outlets. Everything has been revamped, from its website to its menus.

It is unsurprising, then, that last

November Java House was crowned Brand of the Year at the globally renowned World Branding Awards in London. Only a month before it achieved ‘superbrand’ status from the Superbrands Council and Consumers from Across East Africa. The council uses consumer interviews to determine the designation, suggesting that Java House is a brand that Kenyans resonate with.

A second reason for Java House’s success is the entrepreneurial spirit of its management, who are quick to spot and capitalise on a gap in the market. In 2011, it pioneered frozen yoghurt in the country when it opened its Planet Yoghurt brand. In 2018, it launched