Purpose

This work aims to explore the country-of-origin effect, specifically its potential impact on beer labelling, from a linguistic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using Sebba’s framework for multilingual texts (2012). Briefly, analysis developed through the observation, the use of fieldnotes and data comparison.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights on how beer labels appear to signal some interesting occurring trends. Firstly, this investigation seems to suggest a link between languages employed and their potential to recall country images that producers may be willing to stimulate and enhance. Secondly, data appeal to products’ countries of origin, using official languages, texts and visual elements strictly interrelated with local cultures.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen approach, results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to apply this framework or explore the same phenomena in other product categories and geographical markets too. Finally, deeper insights on the topic could be reached taking into consideration other financial data, for example market performance.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of further research regarding brand image and reputation, in general, and the country-of-origin effect, specifically.

Originality/value

This project is innovative for two main reasons: firstly, its methodological approach and, secondly, its combination of linguistics and marketing-related aspects. Hence, exploring possible links across the two disciplines, ultimately trying to examine potential reasons underlying their use, was the final objective of this paper. Finally, no existing publications appear to employ Sebba’s framework to analyze beer labels from a linguistic perspective. Consequently, no researchers seem to have explored potential interrelations among this analysis and marketing concepts and strategies.