Rogue Creamery Platinum Hermes Award for “Blue Cheese Bonanza”

Background & Objectives

Rogue Creamery, Oregon’s famed artisanal cheesemaker best known for its Rogue River Blue, wanted a holiday‐season email to stand out in crowded inboxes and satisfy festive cheese-y cravings. Working closely with the client, we crafted a straightforward cheese-plate email, spotlighting curated gift sets anchored by their signature blue cheese and designed to drive engagement and revenue. The graphical elements were all designed by WIN’s graphic designer, Marion, inspired by the designs from the website. Marion created icons, backgrounds and more to embody the cheesy personality of the brand.

Strategy & Execution

• Creative: Pun‑driven subject line and playful, festive design that celebrated Rogue River Blue alongside complementary varietals.

• Targeting: Targeted 120 day engaged, and clients who were late holiday purchasers in 2021 – 2023.

• Offer: Limited‑time holiday gift trays timed to peak shipping window, with clear calls‑to‑action and urgency messaging.

Outstanding Results

• Open Rate: +49% lift vs. avg email performance that month

• Click Rate: 2.55%—well over three times the typical holiday click rate

• Placed Order Rate: +400% lift vs. avg email performance that month

• Revenue per Recipient: +629% lift vs. avg email performance that month

• Year‑Over‑Year Email Sales Lift: +53%

These results made this fun email the highest‑performing email of the season—delivering exceptional engagement, conversion, and revenue growth—and a standout candidate for Hermes Creative Awards recognition.