Branding is one of the most important factors for success in international trade. A strong brand not only attracts the trust of foreign customers, but also helps to increase the additional value of products, distinguishing from competitors and expanding export markets. In global markets, high quality alone is not sufficient; Rather, brand identity, smart advertisements and attractive packaging play an important role in the success of exports.

Iranian products such as saffron, pistachio, date, machine-made carpet and petrochemical industry, are capable of competing with reputed global brands, in terms of quality. However, the lack of strong branding is being introduced in international markets without Iranian names. For this reason, investment in the development of export brands can help increase the market share and stabilize the status of Iranian products globally.

Why is branding important in exports?

Branding provides numerous advantages for export products, including the following:

1. Increasing the added value of products

   Branding turns a simple product into a luxurious and valuable one. When a brand is well known, customers are willing to pay a higher price for it. For example, Iranian saffron is well known in global markets, but brands that have invested in modern packaging, advertising and product quality, have managed to sell saffron several times at the prices of non-branded products.

2. International trust and reliability

 International customers prefer to buy from brands that guarantee high quality and reliability. Strong branding makes customers more confident in the product and has a positive impact on closing business contracts and negotiations.

3. Competition with foreign brands and difference in global market

 In many industries, countries such as Turkey and China are considered the main contestants of Iran. Branding helps Iranian products to have a distinct identity in this competition and enables customers to differentiate them from other products.

4. Increasing customer loyalty and repeat purchases

 A successful brand not only ensures initial sales, but also makes customers return to the same product repeatedly. This reduces advertising costs and increases long -term profitability.

Branding challenges in export of Iranian products

Iranian brands face multiple obstacles in the path of exporting. Some of these challenges are as follows:

1. Lack of recognition for Iranian brands on a global scale

   Reputable Turkish and Chinese brands have a strong presence in international exhibitions, digital platforms, and global media. In contrast, many Iranian brands still do not have a clear strategy for introducing themselves to foreign markets, and this has resulted in insufficient familiarity of international customers with Iranian products.

2.Digital marketing and targeted advertising weakness

 Countries like Turkey and China, by investing in digital advertising, have been successful in achieving a large part of international markets by investing in digital advertisements, using international influencers and maintaining active appearance on social networks. Meanwhile, many Iranian brands still use traditional marketing methods and are not very active in digital advertising.

3. Compliance with international standards

 Entering global markets requires obtaining standard certificates like ISO, CE and FDA. Many Iranian products, due to lack of these certificates, are unable to enter European and American countries.

4. Inadequate packaging and design

 In many cases, the quality of Iranian products is competitive with foreign brands, but their packaging lacks the required appeal. Global customers pay special attention to modern design, durable packaging and clear information on the product.

 How can Iranian brands succeed in international markets?

   For the development of export brands, there are several key solutions that can help increase the recognition and sales of Iranian products:

1. Investment in digital marketing and e-commerce

• Creating multilingual websites with SEO-focused content
•  Operating on international platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba
•  Advertising on Google, Instagram, and YouTube
•  Collaborating with international influencers to introduce Iranian products

2. Participation in international exhibitions

•  Direct communication with international wholesale and retail buyers

3. Obtaining international standards

•  Obtaining ISO, CE, FDA, and HALAL certificates
•  Adhering to environmental and quality standards of Europe and America

4. Revamping packaging and design in accordance with global standards

•  Using durable packaging that suits the taste of target markets
•  Luxurious and recyclable design to attract environmentally conscious customers

The role of Mahta Vista Kish in the development of export branding

Mahta Vista Kish, as a specialist company in international trade, plays an important role in strengthening Iranian export brands. This organization, by providing specialized consultancy in drafting international branding strategies, helps Iranian companies develop their brand identity in accordance with global standards. Analyzing target markets and conducting competitive research is another key service of Mahta Vista Kish that enables manufacturers and exporters to accurately identify the needs of international customers and shape their brand according to those markets.