Steve’s breakdown: So the bread lines of Hostess are pretty much spoken for by Flowers Foods which is on a bit of a roll. (Even I’m cringing at my puns this afternoon) Anyway, look for Flowers to grow into a major advertising account.
By the way, my favorite line of this press release is: Hostess CEO Greg Rayburn has said he expec [...]
Posts in category Industry: Food & Bev
Wonder bread rises again at Flowers Foods
Steve’s breakdown: So the bread lines of Hostess are pretty much spoken for by Flowers Foods which is on a bit of a roll. (Even I’m cringing at my puns this afternoon) Anyway, look for Flowers to grow into a major advertising account.
By the way, my favorite line of this press release is: Hostess CEO Greg Rayburn has said he expec [...]
Chocolatier, Max Brenner, issues RFP for PR
Steve’s breakdown: This account also includes social media duties.
NEW YORK: Strauss Group chocolate brand Max Brenner has issued an RFP for a PR AOR to raise its profile in the US and expand brand awareness around the world.
Max Brenner is seeking an agency to help it become better known and to work on traditional PR duties, such as pr [...]
Grey Poupon’s “Pardon Me” fail on the Oscars
Steve’s breakdown: Kraft is throwing the Hail Mary on this one and it’s going to be a $1.7 million fail. I know Crispin Porter did the spot that will air one time on the Oscars but, sorry folks, this is not how you sell product and CP&B knows it.
So get ready to catch Sara Braun of Kraft with a saving strategy as she falls.
N [...]
CVS relaunches Gold Emblem brand
Steve’s breakdown: If they are going to spend all this effort to relaunch this brand, you’d think they’d put at least a few bucks of marketing behinds these 250 products – No?
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the re [...]
Who’s handling Post Sesame Street cereals?
Steve’s breakdown: Post has O&M as a roster agency but no one is taking responsibility for the Post Sesame Street cereals. Is it worth a call? It’s at least looking into . . .
PARSIPPANY, NJ: For years, toddlers have started their mornings watching Elmo and Cookie Monster on “Sesame Street.” Now they can also enjoy [...]
Want fries with that: Heinz bought
Steve’s breakdown: Like we said about Dell going private, now Heinz won’t have to deal with stockholders and will be free to innovate. New product account launches are possible as well as an entire account review.
PITTSBURGH, PA: H.J. Heinz, the food giant, says it has agreed to be taken private by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capita [...]
Hello beautiful: New launches by Ciao Bella
Steve’s breakdown: There are a lot more new products coming on the market than we’ve been reporting. That ends today with this planned launch by Ciao Bella.
So give these folks a call and congratulate them on a launch well done in advance.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ: In a sneak peek of its spring slate, Ciao Bella today announced plans to e [...]
Nutrisystem hires 2nd CMO in 2 years
Steve’s breakdown: A quote from the new CMO “Throughout my career, I’ve been tapped to turn around direct marketing businesses, and I believe that with a renewed focus on the fundamentals, creative development and optimization of sales channels, and implementation of more effective e-commerce strategies, we can return the company [...]
V energy drink pures into Europe: In Review
Steve’s breakdown: They are going into Europe for a second time so we suspect, this time will be big!
METHVEN NZ: V, the energy drink, has called a review of its pan-European advertising account.
The most-popular energy drink in Australia and New Zealand is planning a new assault on the European market in a bid to challenge Red Bull.
Su [...]
1st CMO at Kraft Foods Group
Steve’s breakdown: The new Kraft includes brands: A.1., Capri Sun, Cheez Whiz, Cool Whip, Cracker Barrel, Deluxe, Gevalia, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Kraft, Oscar Mayer Lunchables, Maxwell House, Miracle Whip, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Polly-O, Stove Top and Velveeta
GLENVIEW, IL: Kraft Foods Group Inc. (KRFT) has named its beverages [...]
Peer Foods buys Emge Brands
Steve’s breakdown: The Emge 100 year old brand is on dozens of trusted meats, cheeses and breads. They also own the Hill Billy brand and both deserve a marketing boost after this acquisition.
CHICAGO, IL: Peer Foods Group, Inc. announced today it has acquired Emge Foods, LLC, a historic Indiana-based meat company specializing in retail- [...]
Hostess, Drakes and Dolly Madison to get new owners
UPDATE: We’ll know what’s happening with hostess on Feb. 28th.
Here’s the original post from November:
Steve’s breakdown: This is either the biggest bluff I’ve seen in years or it’s the end of Hostess Brands. If it is the end, that means there will be new owners for brands such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Ho H [...]
Contact Energy Brands to help with their plan B
Steve’s breakdown: The FDA is closing in on energy drinks so these companies really need to start thinking about new PR, advertising & product development.
The article sites Monster, Redbull, 5-Hour Energy, Rockstar Energy, Jolt Energy and Wired Wyatt brands but don’t forget about Full Throttle, Amp, Nos, Cocaine and Crunk!!!
[...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Popsicle has a “talkability” video assignment
Steve’s breakdown: Unilever is the parent company so if you win this, there are many more you could pitch. Get to the brief here and the deadline is March 6th, 2013.
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ: Oh hey, we’re The Popsicle® brand! You know, the original! You should know that we are:
-a handful of fun- an instant hit
-making people, young [...]
Make a Lay’s Wave commercial
Steve’s breakdown: Your assignment is simple, produce a :30 second TV(!!) commercial that introduces millennial female consumers to the new Wavy. The deadline is February 26th, 2013 and the brief is here.
PLANO, TX: You’ve had a long day! Work was well, work, your commute was full of people who you would never even consider adding [...]
Costa Coffee sitting down with agencies
Steve’s breakdown: For some reason international account reviews come in waves. Today we have a wave on our hands so hang on.
DELHI, India: British coffee chain Costa Coffee is on the lookout for a creative agency. The pitch process is underway in Delhi.
In August, 2011 Brand David was handed the mandate to work on a one off, non-creati [...]
Lose 500 lbs, get a job at Fresh Healthy Vending
Steve’s breakdown: The story is: Alexander Capio weighed 700 lbs not so long ago. The same dedication that allowed him to achieve the almost impossible 500 lbs weight loss will now be the backbone in which Fresh Healthy Vending relies on to drive its marketing message. So we might be looking at the next Jared Fogle and that means more m [...]
Coinstar is looking for ideas
Steve Breakdown: So many of you heard the CEO of Coinstar bailed last week. To do damage control and to stop the stock from plummeting, the CFO took control and announced that they have “double revenue in the next five years” plan. They are going to need a better marketing plan to do all this in addition to getting back to 2009 me [...]
The Green Monster lost: Tully’s with celeb owner
Steve’s breakdown: Tully’s has 70 locations and, now, a free celebrity endorsement deal. Sounds like a good deal for a local ad shop to pick-up.
SEATTLE, WA: Actor Patrick Dempsey’s investment group agreed Thursday night to pay $9.15 million for Seattle-based Tully’s Coffee.
“We met the green monster, looked her [...]
Prediction: Skippy & Spam Sandwich?
Steve’s breakdown: Hopefully you were ready for this back in October with the headline “Unilever puts the “For Sale” sign up for Skippy“. We think this is a great buy and suspect they will breathe some new life into marketing.
AUSTIN, MN: Hormel Foods apparently has a hankering for a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. The com [...]
V8 V-Fusion serves up video project
Steve’s breakdown: This is the second brand from Campbell’s that is represented by Y&R to be putting this kind of project up for bid in 2 days. hmmmmm . . .
The deadline is January 28th, 2013
CAMDEN, NJ: V8 V-Fusion + Energy = FEEL GOOD ENERGY! “How?”, you ask – get the boost you need to get through your busy [...]
Hershey’s Global Media Review
Steve’s breakdown: 11th hour review ALERT. We knew it was coming and here it is. This global review that will not only include the USA but also growth markets China, Mexico, India and Brazil.
HERSHEY, PA: The Hershey Co. is launching a global agency review for media planning and buying.
The move does not impact Hershey’s creative [...]
SpaghettiOs wants your video ideas
Steve’s breakdown: Campbell’s has Y&R as their agency for SpaghettiOs but they still look for some side creative now-and-then. Here’s one project with a deadline of February 5th.
CAMDEN, NJ: SpaghettiOs is a beloved, iconic brand of which many consumers have fond childhood memories.
Happy, helpful SpaghettiOs is like you [...]
Caribou Coffee gets bagged by new owner
Steve’s breakdown: New owners are usually good or bad for advertising. Be ready either way. FYI: Caribou, founded in 1992, had 610 coffeehouses, including 202 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and ten international markets, as of Sept. 30.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN: A German holding company is buying Caribou Coffee (C [...]
Peters Ice Cream serves up ad review
https://vimeo.com/25067060
Steve’s breakdown: They are spreading their marketing wings after Nestle sold the brand. We’re predicting this will be a fun pitch.
MELBOURNE, Australia: Peters Ice Cream is holding a review of its advertising agencies, Mumbrella understands.
The review is expected to see struggling agency brand Publicis [...]
Tropical Smoothie seeks CMO
Steve’s breakdown: The featured ad is from three years ago but I think it’s brilliant! Anyway, they’re looking for someone to take the lead on marketing & PR so help them find your next client.
Here’s the job description:
ATLANTA, GA: Directly responsible for the Tropical Smoothie’s position in the marketplace. D [...]
Longterm account watch: Fresh & Easy
Steve’s breakdown: Fresh & Easy is getting sold one way or another and the brand will be just hanging out there. Be ready to catch it.
EL SEGUNDO, CA & CHESHUNT, UK: Britain’s biggest retailer, supermarket giant Tesco, said it was launching a strategic review of its struggling US business Fresh & Easy, which may lead [...]
Juicy Juice’s creative review
Steve’s breakdown: If you didn’t notice in our post this morning regarding the Nestle media review, there is a mention of a creative review for Juicy Juice. So to make sure you didn’t miss it, we’ve highlighted that news below.
GLENDALE, CA: Nestle USA has launched an agency review for media and digital planning and b [...]
Nestlé USA media review: Everybody is under the microscope
Steve’s breakdown: This review includes Nestle Waters North America, Nestle Nutrition, Nestle Purina PetCare and Nestle Professional media and digital planning and buying.
GLENDALE, CA: Nestle USA has launched an agency review for media and digital planning and buying. The review will likely mark the beginning of an exhaustive look at a [...]
5-Hour Energy video project
Steve’s breakdown: This is 5-Hour Energy’s 2nd time doing this so you know they are serious! The deadline is January 13th, 2013. Get there brief here.
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI: Oh heck yes! 5-Hour Energy is BACK! They were so blown away by the results from their first assignment that they sent the videos they purchased straight to TV [...]
Milking Leads out of Dallas: Dean Foods
Steve’s breakdown: Dean Foods, an account I have pitched and won while at Long Advertising, is in the midths of dismantling itself. That means everytime they sell off a slice, that’s a Lead. Here’s the latest.
MONTREAL, Canada & DALLAS, TX: Canada’s largest dairy processor will increase its U.S.presence by buying Dean Fo [...]
Coco-Cola to put $1.3 billion in Chile
Steve’s breakdown: A little forecasting here this Monday morning. We suspect a large portion of this $1.3 billion is going to marketing and someone has to take it. You?
ATLANTA, GA: Coca-Cola is looking to further expand its presence in Latin America with plans to invest $1.3bn in Chile over the next five years.
The main focus of the in [...]
Sacla cooking up ad review
Steve’s breakdown: The company holding the review is one of those digital matchmaker types so get in there and register.
ASTI, Italy: Sacla, the Italian pasta sauce specialist, is reviewing its advertising account.
The brand, which specialises in pesto and other stir-in sauces, is holding the review through Creativebrief.
Sacla has [...]
What’s up ConAgra’s sleeve?
Steve’s breakdown: They are not talking about what the real plan is with the Ralcorp acquisition. Not only do we think this move is a competition killer, it could be a new way to launch a number of new brands. And that means new advertising accounts might be in play.
OMAHA, NE: Private-label foods have hit a “glass ceiling,” [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Red Bull sports in PR review
Steve’s breakdown: The featured video is a montage of all Red Bull’s extreme sports programs. Enjoy!!
LONDON, UK: Red Bull is understood to have initiated talks with UK agencies regarding PR support for its sports activities.
The iconic energy drinks company is perhaps best-known for its sports sponsorship platform, which includ [...]
New Green Mountain CEO has mandate for marketing
Steve’s breakdown: When a new CEO gets announced and the stock goes up 6% because financial guys say, among other things, he has a better grasp of marketing, we take notice.
Plus the competition is getting fierce so expect an advertising review.
WATERBURY, VT: The stock price of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ:GMCR) surged [...]
CEO #3 at Marsh Supermarkets
Steve’s breakdown: These folks have had 3 CEOs since April of 2011. Do you think there’s a little pressure on the new guy to perform? We think so and some good old fashion retail marketing is what you should pitch.
FISHERS, IN: The parent company of Marsh Supermarkets has picked a new CEO to lead the locally based grocery chain.
[...]
New importer to handle Stoli starting 1/1/14
Steve’s breakdown: Berlin Cameron lauched this campaign when I was consulting there. I hope they can keep it but that’s probably not going to happen. So get ready to pounce once the change happens.
BTW: They also have other brands to checkout since you’re looking.
NEW YORK, NY & LUXEMBOURG: William Grant & Sons and [...]
Innocent reviews creative account again!
Steve’s breakdown: “Innocent, the smoothies manufacturer and serial advertising account reviewer, has put its £6 million creative business up for pitch.”
LONDON, UK: The incumbent, Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, is not repitching in a review co-ordinated by Agency Insight and overseen by Innocent’s marketing director [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Have you checked your “Rolodex” lately
Steve’s breakdown: This news is just as much a reminder to stay in touch with past clients as it’s a possible real lead today. Just sayin’
BTW: Peets was sold back in July which would be just one more reason to check this lead out.
EMERYVILLE, CA: Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Inc. today announced that Dave Burwick will be appoin [...]
Danone looking to do good with digital review
Steve’s breakdown: Groupe Danone, the owner of brands including Activia, Actimel and Evian, is looking for an agency to handle a new digital corporate social responsibility initiative.
PARIS, France: The food and drink company has approached agencies with a brief to work on a project that builds on its corporate social responsibility cr [...]
Campbell’s Go seeks Facebook with TV work
Steve’s breakdown: Here another fun assignment contest, this time for Campbel;l’s Go. The deadline is December 9th, 2012. Get all the contest/pitch info here.
CAMDEN, NJ: Whether you’re innocent, a jester, an intellectual master, a social butterfly, a lover or an explorer, Campbell’s Go™ has a soup to match your personality and ad [...]
7up Ten assignment contest
Steve’s breakdown: These small assignment contests are great ways for small shops to get exposure, build portfolios and get into new categories. Go to the Source for all the info.
DALLAS, TX: 7UP has always been a brand that challenges the norm. From their “Uncola” to”Up Yours” campaigns, they have shown their wi [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
eDiets.com gets bought
Steve’s breakdown: This winter we reported “New Boss at eDiets: Does that Mean new Ad Agency?” Now with this news, there’s an even a bigger chance of an ad review.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: eDiets.com, Inc. (OTCBB: DIET), a provider of convenient at-home diet, fitness and healthy lifestyle solutions, today announced that it [...]
Ferrero calls Tic Tac advertising review
Steve’s breakdown: It seems Tumblr went down and all those folks are jumping on WordPress. And as you may know, that’s where this site lives. Things are really slow.
As for this review: Ferrero is looking for an agency to handle UK advertising for its Tic Tac brand.
Tic Tac: previously worked with RKCR/Y&R and WCRS
The confec [...]
1st CMO at Campbell’s
Steve’s breakdown: As you can see, thing are still a bit shakey down here at the Jersey Shore. But we’ll do our best to get the leads out to y’all.
CAMDEN, NJ: Campbell Soup Co. on Wednesday named its first ever chief marketing officer, as the world’s biggest soup maker looks to revitalize its brand and connect with yo [...]
Taylors of Harrogate calls review of £4m media account
Steve’s breakdown: “:Taylors of Harrogate, the tea and coffee merchant that owns the Yorkshire Tea brand, has called a review its £4m media planning and buying account as it aims to consolidate its business into one agency.”
NORTH YORKSHIRE, UK: The pitch includes Taylors of Harrogate coffee, the roast and ground coffee [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
FoodLink finds the final link: Now let’s get advertising
Steve’s breakdown: This is the future of food; from farmer to fork. We expect big growth for FoodLink and a smart marketing plan will make that happen.
LOS GATOS, CA: FoodLink®, the buying platform that connects fresh food retailers and wholesalers to a network of over 2,000 supplier companies, today announced a definitive agreement to [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Unilever puts the “For Sale” sign up for Skippy
Steve’s breakdown: We believe Skippy is going to go for a bargain which means the buyer will have more money for advertising. So keep an eye on this purchase. One company who might be looking into this is Brynwood Partners. Just sayin’ . . . .
BTW: I couldn’t help but feature the Skippy ad done by animator Fred Wolf who als [...]
FIRST REPORT IN USA: Lipton pures into a Global digital and direct Review
Steve’s breakdown: We are the first of the entire USA press to report on this review!!
“Unilever is holding a global digital and direct marketing pitch for its Lipton Ice Tea and Lipton hot drink brands.”
LEATHERHEAD, UK: The company has approached a number of agencies on its roster to start the process. Work is expected [...]
Unilever’s Flora calls advertising review
Steve’s breakdown: “Unilever is reviewing the UK creative account for margarine brand Flora, which is held by Adam & Eve DDB.”
LEATHERHEAD, UK: The account includes digital marketing as well as advertising. Before its merger with Adam & Eve this summer, DDB London lost the global advertising account for the brand ( [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Chiquita with new CEO & new HQ: New ads should be next
Steve’s breakdown: Back in May we reported Chiquita has a new home and is looking to extend its brand. That was our way of saying, “Keep an eye on these folks.” Now they have a new CEO who talking about increasing “market competitiveness.” We can’t help ourselves but to predict an ad review for their Fresh [...]
The new Kraft needs to make up for undermarketing
Steve’s breakdown: Last year we predicted the Kraft grocery business would go into review once it was finalized. And now that the stock has been listed, analysts are saying their brands have been undermarketed. That’s Your Second Cue!
And to get you started, take a look at Jell-O.
NORTHFIELD, IL: Kraft’s North American groce [...]