Saffron Brand Consultants

11/06/2026

Recently, we welcomed neuroscientist Dr. Andrés Canales-Johnson, psychologist Dr. Deirdre Parsons of The David Lynch Foundation UK, and creativity expert Nigel Barlow in London for a session exploring the relationship between consciousness and creativity.

It was a fascinating conversation spanning neuroscience, mental wellbeing and innovation, and a reminder that sometimes the most interesting ideas emerge in the quietest moments.

Thank you to our speakers for helping us tune in and create space to think differently.

09/06/2026

The FIFA World Cup is now the most-watched sporting event globally.

But in a fractured geopolitical environment, does the tournament’s brand design take on heightened importance?

Creative Director Tom Bourke shares his perspective in Transform magazine's latest article on the branding of the 2026 competition, exploring the challenge of creating a visual system that works across three countries, 16 host cities and billions of viewers.

Read more:

Every World Cup leaves a legacy, an overarching sentiment that captures the excitement, stand-out moments, values and emotions of the tournament.

09/06/2026

We just added something extra special to our bookshelf.

In ‘The Elements of Brand Design’ by Studio Vista, published by TASCHEN, the identity we created for the City of Vienna sits between chapters filled with some of the greatest brands of all time.

Vienna’s brand system shines because it connects businesses, residents, students and visitors with municipal services through a clear, flexible design that reflects the city’s unique character.

More than a decade on, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the identity still evolving across the city. Thank you again to Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller for including the work.

Now available: https://www.taschen.com/es/books/graphic-design/00604/the-elements-of-brand-design/

05/06/2026

Rewriting the rules has its rewards.

Our work with Play received GOLD for Total Brand Design Package at the GEMA Awards, recognising excellence in entertainment marketing worldwide.

Together, we transformed a fragmented group of channels into one clearer, more confident entertainment brand.

Big congratulations to Play for also taking home SILVER for Best Use of Innovation and SILVER for Brand Trailer.

Thank you to the entire Play team for your partnership 💛

See the work that got us the gold: https://saffron-consultants.com/work/play

05/06/2026

There’s a bookstore in Tokyo that sells just one book at a time.

Every detail around it changes weekly: the objects, the atmosphere, the proposition. It feels alive and curated, with an entirely unique point of view.

Which raises a bigger question: why don’t more cultural institutions feel this responsive to the world around them?

In our latest article, Associate Strategy Director Cici Baxter explores the opportunity for cultural brands and institutions to move from preserving culture to actively participating in it.

Read more: https://saffron-consultants.com/journal/culture-has-a-new-address

Image credit: Nacasa & Partners, Miyuki Kaneko

03/06/2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Flemish public broadcaster VRT has relaunched Sporza, its sports content platform.

The rebrand positions Sporza as the beating heart of Flemish sports culture with an updated identity that captures the energy and emotion of sport.

The relaunch builds on our partnership with VRT and its wider programme of brand transformation, following collaborations across Studio Brussel, MNM, Radio 1, Radio 2, Ketnet and Ketnet Junior.

Learn more: https://saffron-consultants.com/journal/vrt-relaunches-sporza

03/06/2026

The future energy landscape will be shaped not only by resources, but by relationships.

CEO and Co-founder Jacob Benbunan spoke to Forbes Middle East English (Forbes Middle East) about the Absheron Phase Two gas agreement and what it reveals about trust, strategic alignment and long-term influence.

“At a time when reducing dependence on any single source has become a strategic priority, partnerships like this help create a broader and more resilient energy landscape.”

Full piece linked in the comments.

01/06/2026

“Brands love talking about localisation, but many still treat it as making small adjustments to visuals or language rather than truly understanding the culture they are entering.”

Jacob Benbunan spoke with Campaign Asia-Pacific about the backlash surrounding Starbucks Korea’s “Tank Day” campaign, and why cultural understanding remains one of the most important responsibilities global brands carry, especially when they become deeply embedded in people’s everyday lives.

As Jacob notes in the piece, familiarity does not equal immunity.

Read the full piece below.

'Familiarity does not equal immunity': Outrage over Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' campaign refuses to quell The marketing fiasco has wiped out millions in sales, delivery worker unions have vowed to refuse orders, and government officials will ban the coffee giant from public events. The fallout in S...

28/05/2026

Being creative boils down to giving yourself permission to try.

Last week, we swapped trackpads for paintbrushes to welcome the warmer season with a little Colour & Connection in London and Madrid.

Big thanks to Ana Molina, Lucía Aguado and Mina Beresford for making it happen. 💛

21/05/2026

With over 1,400 service stations, Galp’s network is where most people meet the brand. So we rethought their role for humans, not just cars.

Each location responds to its community, bringing together services in ways that make sense locally, from cities to rural routes.

These spaces now do more for the people that rely on Galp for their energy needs, turning quick stops into more valuable moments for both customers and the business.

Learn more: https://saffron-consultants.com/work/galp