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The museum ship Cap San Diego in Hamburg's harbour in front of the Elbphilharmonie in morning haze.

Hamburger Originale

MAKING HAMBURG BETTER TOGETHER

HAMBURGER ORIGINALE is a cross-industry initiative that has united around 200 Hamburg companies since summer 2021. As a community of values, they've made it their mission to establish a modern, authentic image of Hamburg and create space and framework for diverse viewpoints and perspectives. From small businesses to non-profit organisations to large corporations, every player is equally involved and empowered to help achieve shared goals. The initiative stands for a Hamburg of diversity and contrast, openness and appreciation – a way of life that fills Hamburg residents with healthy pride and inspires people far beyond the city limits.

Client:
HAMBURGER ORIGINALE
Industry:
Services:

Establishing a strong brand and community through a consistent brand voice, regular events, extensive campaigns and engagement across every channel – online and offline.

The community, founded during the first Covid lockdown, faced the task of developing an identity-shaping brand with the potential to build a vibrant community and allow all Hamburg residents to participate and belong – regardless of background. The challenge was therefore not just to develop a convincing brand identity, but also to build a lasting network that allows everyone who loves Hamburg to actively help shape the city's future. We developed the name HAMBURGER ORIGINALE, identifying as an "original" everyone who champions an inclusive, prejudice-free Hamburg.

Bronze plaque reading “Hamburger Original” mounted on a stone wall.
Hamburger Originale website on laptop, tablet and smartphones, showing the “Matterhorn?” visual.

The website, and above all the social media presences, serve as the initiative's digital hub, making the goals, projects and successes of HAMBURGER ORIGINALE visible.

Seven smartphones showing Hamburger Originale Instagram posts, including “Ich bin aus Hamburg, nicht aus Zucker.”
Billboard “Matterhorn? Musst nach Hamburg kommen für!” showing the Elbphilharmonie in fog.

To make the initiative visible across the city and across Germany, we developed an extensive out-of-home campaign that carries the commitment of HAMBURGER ORIGINALE into urban space.

Werbedisplay der Kampagne „Hamburger Originale“ mit dem Text „Loch Ness? Kannst in Hamburg bleiben für!“
Digital taxi roof display “Copacabana? Kannst in Hamburg bleiben für!” at the harbour.
Collage zur Pressekonferenz der „Hamburger Originale“ an den Landungsbrücken, überlagert von Tablets mit Medienberichten aus dem Hamburger Abendblatt und der Morgenpost.

To build a vibrant community, we developed and delivered a range of formats: from regular networking events and joint brainstorming sessions to public-facing actions. The social media channels became a platform for ongoing exchange and the presentation of success stories from the network.

Woman applying the Hamburger Originale sticker to a window pane.

HAMBURGER ORIGINALE has successfully established itself as a strong brand and active community. The visual identity creates strong recognition value and authentically conveys the initiative's values. The network is growing continuously and is developing into a relevant voice in and for Hamburg.

Woman attaching the sticker “Dies ist ein guter Ort zum Chillen.” to a parasol by the Elbe.
Postcard rack with Hamburger Originale designs, including “St. Moritz, St. Anton, St. Tropez, St. Pauli”.

Through the consistent implementation of the communication concept across every channel, we've succeeded not just in creating awareness for the initiative, but also in launching concrete urban development projects. The events have become important meeting points, fostering exchange between different industries and company sizes.

Hand holding a filled roll in paper stamped “Hamburger Original”.
Issue of Hinz&Kunzt with the cover line “Lasst euch nicht unterkriegen!” and an inside page “Zusammenhalt?”.
Captain in a Hamburger Originale hoodie in the wheelhouse, with guests on deck in the evening light.

HAMBURGER ORIGINALE now stands as a living example of successful network-building, carried by a clear brand identity and setting a tangible impulse for the urban community – for a Hamburg that's noticeably worth living in and loving, for everyone.

Press event at the harbour: a group holding Hamburger Originale signs being photographed.