Food & Beverage PR Firms - Odwyerpr.com
Food & Beverage PR Firms - Odwyerpr.com
Food & Beverage PR Firms - Odwyerpr.com
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C U R R E N T111 E. Wacker Drive, Suite 2605Chicago, IL 60601312/929-0500w w w. c u r r e n t l i f e s t y l e m a r k e t i n g . c o mVirginia Devlin, GeneralManagerAmy Colton, Senior VicePresidentJennifer Seyler, RegisteredDietitianCurrent helps clients developstrategic marketing campaigns thatseamlessly integrate with the everchangingactivities, interests andopinions of today’s consumers.A Sabre award-winning agencys t a ffed with seasoned food andnutrition marketers, including aregistered dietician and certified fitnesstrainer, Current represents a 5-star roster of food industry clientssuch as Glad, Hidden ValleyRanch, Kingsford, Seeds ofChange and Uncle Ben’s, as well asbeverage clients including BordenMilk, Constellation Wines, FRSHealthy Energy and ShamrockF a r m s .Our work focuses on brand and<strong>com</strong>modity marketing, such as newproduct launches, consumer educationcampaigns, cause-related partnerships,influencer outreach,word-of-mouth marketing andsocial media programming. T h eagency is part of The InterpublicGroup of Companies’C o n s t i t u e n c yManagement Group.E D E L M A N200 East Randolph StreetChicago, IL 60601312/240-3000www.edelman.<strong>com</strong>Janet Cabot, President, CentralRegion & U.S. <strong>Food</strong> & NutritionPractice leadSince its founding, Edelman hashelped many of the world’s leading<strong>com</strong>panies as well as category marketersshape their brands and delivertheir messages. Among ourclients are Kraft, Butterball, Heinzand Dannon as well as DairyManagement Inc. (DMI), theAmerican Egg Board and theMushroom Council. Edelman’sUS practice has 14 credentialednutrition and public health expertsand now includes Susan T. Borra,RD, formerly President of theInternational <strong>Food</strong> InformationCouncil (IFIC), who joinedEdelman in 2009 as Executive Vi c ePresident and Managing DirectorPr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sof Nutrition, <strong>Food</strong> & We l l n e s s .A d d i t i o n a l l y, in 2008, Edelmanformed a Nutrition Advisory Panelof globally renowned experts toprovide its staff with insights andguidance on such key topics as obesi t y, food ethics and functionalf o o d s .E N V I RO C O M M1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, #700Washington, DC 20004202/285-2639www.enviro<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>Enviro<strong>com</strong>m is a unique firm ofveteran counselors assembled exclusivelyto help corporate executivesdeal with greening issues, and toobtain <strong>com</strong>petitive advantages.Environmental affairs, energy andclimate change, and corporate sustainabilityare the firm’s focus.Corporate clients get a senior professional,experienced, capable andready to provide a <strong>com</strong>prehensive,confidential analysis of a current situation,or develop strategies for nearand long term objectives — and toguide through the execution processas much as needed to produce adesired result. Our counselors areTom Hellman, Ken Nasshan,Howard Glassroth, Colburn A k e r,Shelley Spector, Jim Sloan, To mDavis, and Brian Thomas in theU.S., and Gijs Dröge in Europe.Issues on which we have workedrange from environmental, healthand safety, product-related <strong>com</strong>pliance,clean energy and green managementmatters to public affairs, climatechange programs, sustainabilityreports and strategic stakeholder<strong>com</strong>munications on carbon economic s .You can look at our team’s credentialsand sample some of ourinsights on the Enviro<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>website.E. Bruce Harrison leads the firmand facilitates effective match-upbetween client and counselor. CallBruce at the Washington number fora conversation about what you’reinterested in and how to best utilizeour green leadership team.FLEISHMAN -H I L L A R D200 North BroadwaySt. Louis, MO 63102314/982-1700janet.greenlee@fleishman.<strong>com</strong>shelly.kessen@fleishman.<strong>com</strong>melissa.novak@fleishman.<strong>com</strong>k a r e n . v a n b e r g e n @ f l e i s h m a n e u r o p e . c o mwww.fleishmanhillard.<strong>com</strong>John Graham, ChairmanCurrent and celebrity chef Mario Batali brought theUncle Ben’s partnership with Feeding America to lifeby hosting a cooking demonstration at the grandopening of a Los Angeles-area Kids Cafe. The programaims to educate consumers about childhood hunger,as well as support the brand’s platform for healthyand convenient home cooking.Dave Senay, President & CEOPractice Group Leaders:Janet Greenlee, AustinShelly Kessen, SacramentoMelissa Novak, Kansas CityKaren Van Bergen, AmsterdamCommunicating within the foodand agribusiness industries hasnever been more challenging.Globalization and demographicshifts are ushering in an excitingnew world of foods and flavors. T h eexplosion of chronic health issuescaused by aging and obesitydemand a better understanding off o o d ’s roles in health and wellness.Our desire for a safe, secure foodsupply is bringing greater scrutinyabout how our food is produced,packaged and shipped.F l e i s h m a n - H i l l a r d ’s <strong>Food</strong> &Agribusiness practice has a unique“farm to fork” perspective and isdedicated to help identify, understand,and manage the increasingly<strong>com</strong>plex trends and issues aff e c t i n gbusiness. The practice offers a fullrange of integrated <strong>com</strong>municationsservices — including public relations,public affairs, digital <strong>com</strong>munications,advertising and eventmarketing — on a global scale. T h epractice is integrated with the firm’snew Sustainability practice to build<strong>com</strong>munications around thisincreasingly important operationalf o c u s .Clients include: Bumble BeeSeafoods, California Cut FlowerCommission, California Ta b l eGrape Commission, CaliforniaRaisin Marketing Board, ConAgraFoundation, Dannon, Dean <strong>Food</strong>s,Dow AgroSciences, FisheriesCouncil of Canada, Flax Council ofCanada, Flour FortificationInitiative, Gatorade, IHOP /A p p l e b e e ’s, Kubota Tr a c t o rCorporation, Maple Leaf <strong>Food</strong>s,Mirassou Wi n e r y, National MangoBoard, Nestles, Nutrients for LifeFoundation, PepsiCo, PerdueFarms, Subway, SunsweetGrowers, Tri-Lamb Group and U.S.Potato Board.A D V E RTISING • SECTION MARCH 2009 • WWW. 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Polish supermodel Joanna Krupa poses with a bottleof Sobieski vodka at a rooftop party in Manhattan to<strong>com</strong>memorate the Imperial brand’s “Truth in Vodka”campaign, a record-breaking integrated marketing initiativelaunched last year by food and beverage <strong>PR</strong>team Hanna Lee Communications.Pr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sPhoto: wireimage.<strong>com</strong>Working on behalf of client Kraft <strong>Food</strong>s, Hunter <strong>PR</strong>created a cause-related initiative titled “Pose for TheCure” which benefited Susan G. Komen for the Cure.The program featured an on-line auction of designerdonatedclothing, and an unveiling fashion show thatwas attended by more than 50 media outlets. Hunter<strong>PR</strong> arranged for Melanie Brown of the Spice Girls todesign the campaign’s official tee-shirt, host the fashionshow and serve as the campaign spokesperson.F O O D M I N D SOne Tower Lane, Suite 2610Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181630/571-4150Fax: 630/571-4226info@foodminds.<strong>com</strong>www.foodminds.<strong>com</strong><strong>Food</strong>Minds offers an innovativerecipe for food & nutrition aff a i r sby harnessing science, publicaffairs and <strong>com</strong>munications tomeet clients’ business and publichealth objectives.In addition to its three cofounders— Laura Cubillos, RD;Bill Layden; and Sue Pitman, MA,RD — <strong>Food</strong>Minds is a destinationfor employees and an ExpertNetwork of more than 50 consultants.Customized, flexible clientteams include registered dietitians,consumer marketers, media strategists,PhDs, science writers, andpolicy experts – who are passionateabout food and nutrition and motivatedto help clients create a betters t o r y, not just tell their story better.Visit www.foodminds.<strong>com</strong> tolearn more.FRENCH / WEST /VAU G H A N112 East Hargett St.Raleigh, NC 27601919/832-6300www.fwv-us.<strong>com</strong>Rick French, Chairman & CEODavid Gwyn, President & P r i n c i p a lLauren Taylor, Executive VicePresident / PrincipalJack Glasure, Executive VicePresident / PrincipalF r e n c h / We s t / Vaughan (FWV)is the Southeast’s largest independentpublic relations, publica ffairs and brand <strong>com</strong>municationsagency, and is the nation’s17th largest independentlyowned<strong>PR</strong> firm. Founded in 1997,the agency is headquartered inRaleigh, N.C. and also has officesin both New York City andTampa.FWV is home to one of then a t i o n ’s largest <strong>Food</strong> and<strong>Beverage</strong> practice areas. As anational leader in launching headturning,results-driven marketingcampaigns, FWV’s work inspiresconsumers and influences themfavorably toward the world’sleading <strong>com</strong>panies and brands,including the Coca-ColaCompany (NESTEA, Gold Peak,Minute Maid, several DASANIproducts and Simply Orange).Client experience includeswork for Celebrity Chef LorenaGarcia, the North Carolina Beerand Wine W h o l e s a l e r sAssociation, BrinkerInternational (Maggiano’s LittleItaly restaurant chain), ConAgra(Slim Jim, Pemmican BeefJerky), Nabisco <strong>Food</strong>s, Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s), DiageoNorth America (Bulleit Bourbonbrand) and many others.Product launches have includedNESTEA COOL, DietNESTEA, Gold Peak, DASANIPlus, Arbor Mist wines,Dolphins & Friends snack crackers,various OrvilleR e d e n b a c h e r’s popcorns andPemmican Beef Jerky. FWVlaunched these products in keymarkets across the U.S. withhospitality coordination, strategicplanning and <strong>com</strong>prehensivemedia outreach campaigns. T h eagency also executes multifacetedprograms to stimulateproduct trials and awareness.H A N NA LEEC O M M U N I C AT I O N S575 Madison Avenue,10th FloorNew York, NY 10022212/527-9969hanna@hannalee<strong>com</strong>munications.<strong>com</strong>w w w. h a n n a l e e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s . c o mwww.unwindwithwine.<strong>com</strong>Hanna Lee, PresidentHanna Lee Communications,I n c . is a public relations agencys p e c i a l i z e d in food, wine, spiritsand hospitality. T h ea g e n c y ’s services i n c l u d es t r a t e g i c <strong>PR</strong> planning; nationaland local media outreach; longte r m brand building; presstrips, press conferences andmedia training; trade and consumershow support; and, sponsorshipmanagement and c o -marketing promotions. H a n n aLee Communications, Inc. alsohas a wine club, Unwind Wi t hWine, which features monthlyw i n e tastings and networkingo p p o r t u n i t i e s .Clients include SobieskiVo d k a , P o l a n d ’s #1 premiumvodka imported by ImperialBrands, Inc., a wholly-ownedU.S. subsidiary of BelvédèreS.A. The agency’s “Truth inVodka” <strong>PR</strong> campaign helpedSobieski Vodka smash therecord for a newly-introducedspirit to achieve the 2.4 millionbottle sales milestone in lessthan a year. The agency is alsoworking with the innovative,premium Chilean winery, Te r r aAndina, and is launching aContinued on page 2826MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION
Dr. Andrew Weil answers food and health relatedquestions at JBC <strong>PR</strong> managed product launch.Hanna Lee Comms.Continued from page 26“Soul of the A n d e s ”- t h e m e dconsumer <strong>PR</strong> campaign.Additional clients includeRayuela, a hot Latin A m e r i c a nfine dining and cocktail destinationin Manhattan that establisheda first-of-its-kind c u i s i n ec a t e g o r y, Estilo Libre Latino(freestyle Latino); Macondo, acasual new Latin tapería specializedin upscale street food;and Bar Celona, a fashionableS p a n i s h t a p a s and cocktaillounge in Wi l l i a m s b u rg ,B r o o k l y n .Hanna Lee Communicationshas helped numerous clientssuccessfully build their brands.The agency o n l y r e p r e s e n t sproducts in which it believesand about which it is passionate.HUNTER PUBLICR E L AT I O N S41 Madison Avenue, 5th FloorNew York, NY 10010-2202www.hunterpr.<strong>com</strong>gleong@hunterpr.<strong>com</strong>www.hunterpr.<strong>com</strong>Grace Leong, PartnerHunter Public Relations is atop-ranked marketing <strong>com</strong>municationfirm specializing in food,beverage and spirits. The 60-person,independently owned andoperated firm offers strategicmarketing <strong>PR</strong> services includingcreative brainstorming and facilitation,media relations, specialevent production, product introductions,anniversaries, nutritionand recipe initiatives (led bydietitians), contests, local marketevents, spokesperson tours andPr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m scrisis counseling.Revitalizing mature brands,creating buzz around new productsand building awarenessamong key influencer groups(including the epicurean, medicaland dietetic <strong>com</strong>munity) areamong the firm’s specific areas ofexpertise.Clients include some of thestrongest and most respectedbrand names in food and beverages:Kraft <strong>Food</strong>s, E&J GalloWi n e r y, Diageo Kellogg’s ,C a m p b e l l ’s, Wr i g l e y, A r b y ’s ,Pepsi, Apple & Eve, McIlhennyCompany, Signature Brands andTetley.JB CUMBERLANDPUBLIC RELAT I O N S135 W. 27th St., 10th Flr.New York, NY 10001646/230-6940Fax: 646/230-6935jcumberland@jbcumberland.<strong>com</strong>www.jbcumberlandpr.<strong>com</strong>Cluttered categories and overstockedretail shelves — in a marketflooded with <strong>com</strong>peting productsand messages, <strong>com</strong>paniesface the challenge of standingout, selling-in and sellingthrough:this is what we are hiredto do!For more than 25 years, JBCumberland Public Relations(JBC <strong>PR</strong>) has been helpingclients distinguish themselvesfrom <strong>com</strong>petitors and imitators,while helping them achieve theirultimate goal: selling products!In the world of <strong>PR</strong> <strong>com</strong>panies, it’snot about who has the finest toys,the biggest clients or an abundanceof office locations, it’sabout who has the most creative,hardest working, most adaptivepublic relations team and theinfluential media contacts to cutthrough the clutter. That isJBC<strong>PR</strong>.We understand our clients’markets, their businesses andtheir products — whether beverage,specialty food or homewares— so much so that one client’swholesale business has tripledsince our partnership began, andanother client’s wholesale businesshas quadrupled. Two otherclients have be<strong>com</strong>e categoryleaders without dropping a dimeon advertising, and with our helpanother client is in the process ofcreating a new niche market.This is what we have done andcontinue to do for brands asdiverse as Australian Lamb,Z e r o Wa t e r, Bodum Coff e e ,Espuma Cuisine and iSi <strong>Food</strong>Whippers, Azal Olive Oil, CMA— the German <strong>Food</strong> MarketingAssociation, Twinings Tea, St.Dalfour Fruit Spreads, Dr.Andrew Weil Healthy KitchenProducts and San Pellegrino.JS2C O M M U N I C AT I O N S661 North Harper Ave., Suite 208Los Angeles, CA 90048323/866-0880Fax: 323/866-0882www.js<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>41 E. 11th St., 11th FloorNew York, NY 10003212/905-6260Fax: 212/905-6264Founded by Jeff Smith andJill Sandin in 2001, JS2Communications is an awardwinningbi-coastal <strong>PR</strong> agencydedicated to strategic solutions,candid counsel and tangibler e s u l t s .The largest of its four practiceareas, JS2 Communication’sF&B division boasts the westcoast division of the PatinaRestaurant Group, whichincludes more than 30 awardwinninglocations such asPatina, Nick+Stef’s and CaféPinot, top Italian fine diningdestination Il Grano andChicago-inspired bar andrestaurant Rush Street. N e wclients stretch from Houston toHollywood and include RobertG a d s b y ’s Bedford, CASA, IvanK a n e ’s Café Was, RockSugarPan Asian Kitchen and Te n d e rGreens.J S H & A2 TransAm Plaza Drive, Ste. 450Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181630/932-4242www.jsha.<strong>com</strong>Jonni Hegenderfer, CEO, CVO& FounderJim Kokoris, Pres. & GeneralM a n a g e rLaura Dihel, S V P, C o n s u m e rL i f e s t y l eJSH&A is a new kind of publicrelations agency dedicated todeveloping effective and creative<strong>PR</strong> strategies that speak to consumersin a relevant and clearvoice. Experts at connecting withconsumers and media, JSH&A’sunique LIF TM Style and SocialLIF TM <strong>PR</strong> processes create innovativeenvironments and techniquesthat deliver impact andgenerate news on- and off-line.While launching new premiumchocolate product lines for TheHershey Company, providingunique tasting experiences onbehalf of Beam Global Spirits &Wine or developing global mediacampaigns on behalf ofM c D o n a l d ’s, JSH&A has connectedwith top food and beveragemedia to deliver outstandingresults.K E TCHUM GLO BA LFOOD &NUTRITION1285 Avenue of the AmericasNew York, NY 10019646/935-3900linda.eatherton@ketchum.<strong>com</strong>cathy.kapica@ketchum.<strong>com</strong>dale.bornstein@ketchum.<strong>com</strong>www.ketchum.<strong>com</strong>Linda Eatherton, Partner & Dir. ,Global <strong>Food</strong> & Nutrition PracticeIlene Smith, Vice President &Associate Dir., Global <strong>Food</strong> &Nutrition PracticeCathy Kapica, Vice President &D i r., Global Health & We l l n e s sDale Bornstein, Senior Partner,D i r e c t o r, Global Practices; &Managing Dir., Global BrandMarketing, <strong>Food</strong> & NutritionA food industry marketing pioneerfor four decades that hasserved <strong>com</strong>panies, brands and<strong>com</strong>modity groups shape perceptionsand build sales, Ketchum’s<strong>Food</strong> & Nutrition Practice is dif-The April issue of O’Dwyer’s <strong>PR</strong> Report will showcasevideo and broadcast firms.For more info about this issue, please contact Editor Jon Gingerich at646/843-2080 or jon.gingerich@odwyerpr.<strong>com</strong>28MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION
ferent from all other agencieswith: Registered dietitians onstaff and staff certified nutrition<strong>com</strong>munications professionals(an exclusive collaboration withTufts University’s FriedmanSchool of Nutrition Science andPolicy); A Well-Connected brandbuildingspecialty <strong>com</strong>biningconsumer marketing practiceswith healthcare, nutrition andwellness marketing expertise; A<strong>Food</strong> B2B Group focused exclusivelyon full service marketingto the foodservice and food ingredientchannel; The Ketchum <strong>Food</strong>Center, a test kitchen and “foodthink tank.”Clients include: British PotatoCouncil, Cadbury, CaliforniaDried Plum Board, CaliforniaMilk Advisory Board, CaliforniaStrawberry Commission, Canned<strong>Food</strong> Alliance, ConAgra <strong>Food</strong>s,ConAgra Mills, Dr PepperSnapple Group, Dreyer’s, DSMNutritional Products, Frito-Lay,Gilroy <strong>Food</strong> & Flavors, Häagen-Dazs, Horizon Organic, Kellogg,Kikkoman, Masterfoods,M c D o n a l d ’s China, NationalC a t t l e m e n ’s Beef A s s o c i a t i o n ,Rachel’s, Silk Soymilk, Solae andWendy’s USA.THE KOTC H E NG RO U P270 Farmington Avenue, Ste. 322Farmington, CT 06032860/676-2266pr@kotchengroup.<strong>com</strong>The Kotchen Group has anestablished niche in media relationscampaigns for clients infood and nutrition categories.The agency publicizes healthyschool environments/menus,wellness policies and legislativeissues to support the nationalnon-profit School NutritionAssociation (SNA). Select foodservicespokespersons are regularlybooked for regional andnational radio, TV and print interviews.Cookbook media campaigns,multi-city press tours and authorevents are produced for publisherssuch as Workman Press,Random House, ChronicleBooks, Storey Publishing andothers. Campaigns have includedEntertaining Simple, Dad’s OwnCookbook, Tailgate Party, T h eGold Coast Cure, The HealthyLunchbox Cookbook and EatLike a Pro.The agency also has representedStouffer’s, Tyson, Campbell’s,Pr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sSara Lee, Special K, Dunkin’Donuts, Wild American ShrimpAssociation and many othersthrough top market televisioncampaigns and full-service mediarelations programs.LANE <strong>PR</strong>905 SW 16th Ave.Portland, OR 97205503/221-0480Fax: 503/221-9765wendy@lanepr.<strong>com</strong>www.lanepr.<strong>com</strong>Wendy Lane, PresidentLANE <strong>PR</strong> is a nationally recognized<strong>PR</strong> agency focused onour clients’ business success. Weunderstand what is <strong>com</strong>pellingabout a <strong>com</strong>pany and know howto spread the word.We are a team of passionate,curious foodies. And while ourenthusiasm is contagious, werealize it takes more than enthusiasmto build brands. We are agroup of 25 skilled <strong>com</strong>municatorsand strategic planners whounderstand how to raise awarenessand build consumer allegiance.The secret to our success? Inour nearly 20-year history, LANE<strong>PR</strong> has developed unparalleledknowledge of the industry andestablished meaningful relationshipswith the media and keyindustry influencers that helpdrive business for our clients.LEE &A S S O C I AT E S145 S. Fairfax Ave., #301Los Angeles, CA 90036323/938-3300www.leeassociates.<strong>com</strong>Howard Pearlstein, PrincipalLee & Assocs. offers strategicplanning, program evaluation,media relations, product launches,consumer education, recipedevelopment, special events, crisismanagement and corporate <strong>PR</strong>services to its food & beverageclient roster.Founded in 1950, the agency isproud of its Western ResearchKitchens division, which featureshome economists, nutritionists,dietitians, chefs and medical doctors.The firm has representedPepsiCo, Del Monte, AmericanHome <strong>Food</strong>s and Suntory Int’l, aswell as brand names like JohnMorrell, Florida’s Natural FruitSnacks, Morehouse Mustard andL . A . Trade Te ch Culinar y School Dire c t o r, S t eveKasmar (far right) and Vi ck Gwinn from Mrs.Cubbison’s <strong>Food</strong>s (far left) congratulate the studentch e f w i n n e rs in the sch o o l ’s 11th A n nual Mrs.Cubbison’s Thanksgiving Stuffing Cook-Off, createdand produced each year as a major media event, byLee & Associates, Inc. Mrs. Cubbison’s has been aclient for nearly 60 years.Mrs. Cubbison’s <strong>Food</strong>s (stuffingand croutons — a client for nearly60 years). Additional clientsinclude trade associations andmarketing boards, fromCalifornia apples, eggs, figs,prunes, seafood and tomatoes toHawaiian papaya, Oregon potatoesand the New Zealand TradeCommission.LEWIS & NEALE <strong>PR</strong>35 East 21st St.New York, NY 10010212/420-8808Fax: 212/254-2452info@lewis-neale.<strong>com</strong>Anita Fial, PresidentRuth Lowenberg, Senior VPLewis & Neale is the preeminentfull-service <strong>com</strong>municationsagency devoted exclusively to themarketing of food. The firm hasbuilt a solid reputation by successfullyenhancing the image of itsc l i e n t s ’ products, changing consumerattitudes, building demandand launching and repositioningproducts. Clients depend on theagency for strategies and creativitythat consistently deliver outstandingresults.To support the <strong>com</strong>pany’s singularinterest, the staff consists ofexperienced food professionals,such as marketing and publicityexperts, food writers, home economistsand a dietitian. In-house facilitiesare equally specialized andinclude test kitchens, a photographystudio and a <strong>com</strong>prehensivefood-focused library. Programs aret a rgeted to consumers (mass andsegmented, age and gender specific,ethnic and regional niches), thefoodservice industry, food manufacturers,retailers, health professionalsand educators.List of clients: Avocados fromMexico (APEAM), BC BlueberryCouncil, Chilean Fresh FruitAssociation, Dole Mushrooms,Duda Farm Fresh <strong>Food</strong>s, FloridaTomato Committee, FreshSupersweet Corn Council,Mexican Hass Avocado ImportersAssociation (MHAIA), NorthCarolina Sweet PotatoCommission, Prosciutto di Parma,U.S. Apple Association and U.S.Highbush Blueberry Council.M&P FOODC O M M U N I C AT I O N S33 N. Dearborn, Suite 909Chicago, IL 60602312/201-9101Fax: 312/201-9161www.mpfood.<strong>com</strong>Brenda McDowell, PrincipalJessie Vicha, Senior AccountManagerLiz Rytel-Mudroncik, SeniorAdvisorWhether telling a nutrition story,driving Web site traffic, developingrecipes, or connecting with influencers,M&P creates successful,strategic, on-budget programs.Our ideas move audiences toaction, drive trial and build loyaltyfor current and past clients includ-Continued on page 30A D V E RTISING • MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DW Y E R P R . C O M 29
M & P <strong>Food</strong> Comms.Continued from page 29ing Wilton Industries, Inc.,Dreamfields Pasta, Seneca <strong>Food</strong>s,Quaker Oats, Good Humor-Breyers, Jolly Time Pop Corn,National Cattlemen’s BeefAssociation, and the Federation ofQuebec Maple Syrup Producers.Our M&P E v e r y d a y<strong>Food</strong>ologists consumer panel providesin-depth insight on products,trends, recipes and more.M & P has provided public relations/<strong>com</strong>municationsservices toconsumer food and beverage clientsfor 20+ years. We are foodfocused,consumer-connected, andc l i e n t - c e n t e r e d .M A LONEY & F OX89 Fifth Avenue, 4th floorNew York, NY 10003212/223-2000hbienstock@maloneyfox.<strong>com</strong>www.maloneyfox.<strong>com</strong>Brian Maloney, Margie Fox,PartnersHal Bienstock, New BusinessWhether driving young men tosample 260+ year old Drambuie,encouraging fashionistas to givePeroni a chance or teaching themasses about gourmet cheese Ile deFrance, Maloney & Fox (M&F)specializes in using its knowledge ofpop culture and consumer behaviorto make food and beverage brandsrelevant to people’s lifestyles.We’ve revitalized brands afterdecades of declining sales, launchednew products to new audiences andhelped consumers see their oldfavorites in a new light.A Waggener Edstrom <strong>com</strong>pany,M & F ’s expertise in the food andbeverage space is grounded in fouryears as the lead strategic agency onthe storied Drambuie brand. In thattime, we repositioned the brand andhelped drive a massive sales turnaroundby uniting various marketingelements and integrating <strong>PR</strong>, printadvertising, a renewed online strategyand the expansion of the signatureDrambuie Den experientialsampling concept.M&F also created and managed:A high-profile cause marketingcampaign for Godiva Liqueur;O fficially introduced the Italianb e e r, Peroni, to the U.S. market;Launched Bacardi’s Rubi Rey rumand Vanille Royale crème liqueur inmultiple test markets; Developed aguerilla marketing campaign forBob Evans Restaurants, and createdPr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m smedia campaigns for gourmet foodbrands Ile de France cheese andRobert Rothschild Farm. In 2009,the agency added to its client listWilliam Grant & Sons connoisseurbrands, including Hendrick’s Gin,Glenfiddich, The Balvenie andG r a n t ’s W h i s k e y.In the nutrition category, M&F isworking with Sensei, Inc., a pioneerin mobile and Web-based wellnesssolutions, in publicizing and marketingits innovative weight loss program,Sensei for Weight Loss.M A R I NA MAHERC O M M U N I C AT I O N SMember of the World<strong>com</strong> Public Relations Group830 Third Ave.New York, NY 10022212/485-6800Fax: 212/355-6318mmaher@maher<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>www.maher<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>Nancy Lowman LaBadie, EVPDeLisa Harmon, ManagingDirector, Consumer BrandsKanchan Kinkade, VicePresident, <strong>Food</strong> and <strong>Beverage</strong>PracticeMarina Maher Comms. (MMC)<strong>Food</strong> and <strong>Beverage</strong> Practice createspop culture and lifestyle relevancefor food and wine brandswhich results in high profile mediacoverage rarely seen in the category. Headed by a certified sommeli e r, the team regularly works withindustry insiders, such as celebritychefs, mixologists, and nutritioniststo craft five-star <strong>com</strong>municationsprograms.MMC, which was named 2007“Creative Agency of the Year” bythe Holmes Report , builds strategicpartnerships with tastefulbrands. Currently, MMC workswith George Weston Bakeries onbrands such as Thomas’, Boboli,and Arnold Bread. For Te r l a t oWines International, MMC representsSanta Margherita, the #1-selling Pinot Grigio in A m e r i c a ,Markham Vineyards, SevenDaughters, and Rutherford HillWines. MMC’s experience alsoincludes work for We i g h tWatchers licensed food products,Ronzoni, Godiva Ice Cream andthe Chaine des Rotisseurs foodand wine society.MMC offers 25 years of expertisein marketing-to-women and aMedia Connections team ofexperts in the fields of traditionaland social media, and specialevents. MMC also offers a proprietarytool, the Tr e n d c a s t e r, whichleverages trends to benefit foodand beverage brands.MARX LAYNE &C O.31420 Northwestern Highway, #100Farmington Hills, MI 48334248/855-6777mlayne@marxlayne.<strong>com</strong>www.marxlayne.<strong>com</strong>Michael A. Layne, PartnerMarx Layne has been providingcost-effective marketing andpublic relations services on alocal, regional and national basisto the food and beverage sectorsince 1987.Services offered to clientsinclude media relations, productpublicity, crisis and issue management,internal <strong>com</strong>munications,special events planning,direct mail, e-blasts, graphicdesign, Web development,brochure and newsletter production,and social networking.Clients include fine diningrestaurants, quick service restaurants,supermarket chains, andfood manufacturers and suppliers.M BOOTH &A S S O C S.300 Park Avenue SouthNew York, NY 10010212/481-7000www.mbooth.<strong>com</strong>Margaret Booth, PresidentRich Goldblatt, SVP, DirectorJoyce Yaeger, SVP, DirectorJosh Rosenberg, SVP, Director,Wine & SpiritsM Booth served up a big off e r i n gin food and nutrition in 2008. T h eagency launched a new Better ForYou capability to help food andnutrition brands <strong>com</strong>municatehealthy innovations, functional benefitsand product revitalizations tothe marketplace.Better For You spotlights MB o o t h ’s recognized ability to applycreative insights and strategic directionto build power brands in thefood, nutrition and health-care arenas.The new offering focuses on<strong>com</strong>municating a brand’s ‘better fory o u ’ message to meet health-savvyc o n s u m e r s ’ b u rgeoning wellnessn e e d s .Complimenting M Booth’s seasonedstaff of <strong>com</strong>munications professionalsis a nine-member BetterFor You advisory board of medicaland health experts. The boardincludes Dr. Lynne Perry-Böttinger,M.D., F.A.C.C., of ColumbiaUniversity and Weill MedicalCollege of Cornell University; Dr.Mary Vernon, MD, FA A F P, CMD,one of the nation's leading obesityand diabetes experts, and SandraWo o d r u ff, R.D., author and formerpresident of the Florida DieteticAssociation. M Booth’s breadth anddepth in the area of “better for you”brands includes work for margarines,salad dressings, pasta,frozen food and low carb products,as well as nutraceuticals and eyecare.Last year, M Booth led successfulcampaigns for long-standing client IC a n ’t Believe It’s Not Butter! todrive home the brand’s health benefitsover butter and continued to“spread the sharing” for Shedd’sSpread Country Crock Omega Pluswith the help of singer Amy Grant.A d d i t i o n a l l y, M Booth continues tospearhead campaigns for Unilever’sWish-Bone and Skippy brands,Alberto Culver’s Mrs. Dash andNew World Pasta’s Ronzoni brands.Things are also bubbling up forM Booth in the beverage category.The agency’s dedicated wine andspirits team added to its top-shelfportfolio with Proximo Spirits,I n c .’s tequila and rum brands. T h eteam successfully launched MaestroDobel tequila and hibiscus-infusedtequila Rosangel. As agency ofrecord for five years representingThe Macallan Single Malt ScotchW h i s k y, the spirits team continuedto reach key influencers throughluxury brand partnerships and promotionalevents. The team built onthe success of the Highland ParkSingle Malt Whisky with the introductionof a 40 year old vintage.M C G R AT H / P OW E RPUBLIC RELATIONS& C O M M S.333 West San Carlos St., Ste. 900San Jose, CA 95110408/727-0351Fax: 408/885-9317info@mcgrathpower.<strong>com</strong>www.mcgrathpower.<strong>com</strong>Jonathan Bloom, CEOKathryn Walker, Partner & SVPFor nearly 30 years,McGrath/Power has builtstrategic <strong>com</strong>munications programsfor an exceptionallydiverse group of clients —including numerous consumerbrands such as Wild Tu r k e yBourbon, Reebok, Ti Vo, Nikonand Nero. CurrentlyMcGrath/Power is the agencyof record for the award-winningBurgerville restaurantContinued on page 3230MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION
Chef Kyle Shadix, Director of Nutrition & CulinaryServices for Nutrition + Culinary Consultants.McGrath / Power <strong>PR</strong>Continued from page 30chain in Oregon and SouthwestWashington, and deliversresults that exceedB u rg e r v i l l e ’s business goals.As a result ofM c G r a t h / P o w e r’s direction,guest count has increased bynearly 15 percent and the <strong>com</strong>panyhas its highest profile inits 80-year history.McGrath/Power stands outfrom the crowd by taking abusiness-based approach todelivering our clients’ m e s-sages that directly influencetheir target audiences into takingdesired actions.Anyone can make a splash,but we measure our successbased on our clients’ success.MWW GRO U POne Meadowlands PlazaEast Rutherford, NJ 07073201/507-9500www.mww.<strong>com</strong>Michael W. Kempner, Pres. & CEOAlissa Blate, EVP, Director ofConsumer MarketingAlyssa Burns, VPPadilla Speer Beard s l ey helped client Jim Beam integrat emu s i c, NA S C A R ® and A m e r i c a ’s troops during theD aytona 500 we e kend at Beam Bash – a benefit concertfe aturing country - ro ck supers t a rs Montgo m e ry Gentry( ab ove, during a pre - c o n c e r t media eve n t ) . A portion ofp roceeds went to Operation Homefront – wh i ch prov i d e ss e r vices to military families and ve t e ra n s.Pr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sM W W Group represents someof today’s most prolific food, beverage,nutrition and restaurantbrands. Our team has decades ofexperience with media relations,product launches and marketing,branding and re-branding, celebrityendorsement, and experientialmarketing. We are able to expandmedia coverage beyond the foodpages and into influential lifestyleoutlets, creating lifestyle relevanceand developing emotional connectionsto culinary brands that drivetrial, brand loyalty, and patronage.Our experience includes: Sara Lee,Jimmy Dean, Ball Park Franks,Gallo Salame, The PalmRestaurants, McDonald’s ,Freshdirect, Gardenburg e r, Xango,and The Restaurants at Newport.M YOUNGC O M M U N I C AT I O N S77 Fifth Ave., 2nd Flr.New York, NY 10003212/620-7027Fax: 212/645-4654melanieyoung@myoung<strong>com</strong>.<strong>com</strong>www.myoung<strong>com</strong>m.<strong>com</strong>Melanie Young, PresidentDavid L. Ransom, Director, Wine& Spirits ProgramsM. Young Communications specializesin producing branded promotionalcampaigns for wine, spirits,food and non-alcohol beverages,both domestically and internationally. Expertise includes media promotionsand publicity, wine and spiritstrade and consumer tastings, retailand restaurant promotions, influencermarketing, and culinary educationprograms and conferences.G l o b a l l y, the firm works withregions and producers from Italy,Spain and France, including: LesVins Georges Duboeuf, ConsorzioBrunello di Montalcino, Wi l l i a m s& Humbert’s Dry Sack and GranDuque de Alba and in 2008-2009managed programs for Spain’swine regions of Navarra, Madridand Catalonia. The agency recentlyworked with the Italian Tr a d eCommission to present V I N O2009, the largest conference onItalian wines in the U.S, and wasresponsible for the national launchof 2008 Georges DuboeufBeaujolais Nouveau. M. Yo u n gCommunications serves as an advisorto The Culinary Institute ofAmerica on strategic initiatives andspecial programs and a <strong>PR</strong> consultantto wine importer W.J. Deutsch& Sons, Ltd. and spirits importerKindred Spirits USA.NUTRITION +C U L I NA RYC O N S U LTA N T SA W P P C o m p a n y589 8th Avenue, Suite 4New York, NY 1 0 0 1 8212/329-6270 x 296w w w. c u l i n a r y n u t r i t i o n i s t s . c o mChef Kyle Shadix, MS, RD, DirectorNutrition + CulinaryConsultants (NCC) aims to be aproven resource for foodservicechain restaurants, food manufacturingR&D teams, food and beveragemarketing boards, corporations,healthcare foodservice operations,university and college campusdining services and <strong>com</strong>municationsprofessionals.Our advertising and marketingservices include: Research anddevelopment, nutritional analysis,<strong>Food</strong> safety and food science practice,Health and culinary nutritionconsulting, Recipe & new productdevelopment, Menu concepts,Brand partnerships, Nationalaccount support and training programs.Former clients include:Disneyland Hong Kong, PepsiCo<strong>Food</strong>service,Dannon<strong>Food</strong>service, FL Dept of Citrus,Beam Global and Ventura <strong>Food</strong>s.NCC is also a part of the W P PGroup plc (NASDAQ:WPPGY),one of the world’s largest <strong>com</strong>municationsservices group.O G I LVY PUBLICR E L AT I O N SWO R L DW I D E825 Eighth AvenueWorld Wide PlazaNew York, NY 10019212/880-5351barby.siegel@ogilvypr.<strong>com</strong>www.ogilvypr.<strong>com</strong>Barby Siegel, Managing Director,Global Consumer MarketingOgilvy <strong>PR</strong> has deep and unparalleledexpertise in food and beverage.During a time of rapid lifestyle andhealth shifts in the category, we specializein creating dynamic andgame-changing programs thatimpact consumer perceptions anddrive bottom-line results. Our <strong>com</strong>binationof research-based strategy,break through creativity, and flawlessexecution deliver meaningfulmedia results, talkability and buzz,and product sales. In addition, wehave a staff of seasoned <strong>com</strong>municationsprofessionals — includingin-house food and nutrition expertsand a national network of RD consultants— that is in-tune with currentand future trends in food andbeverage. Our roster of food clientsincludes Unilever (Lipton, Slim-Fast, Knorr, Bertolli), Tr o p i c a n a ,Naked Juice, MaggieMoo’s IceCream and Tr e a t e r y, Marble SlabC r e a m e r y, PretzelMaker,P r e t z e l Time, Great A m e r i c a nCookie Company, JohnsonvilleSausage and Produce for BetterHealth Foundation.32MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION
PADILLA SPEERB E A R D S L E Y1101 W. River Pkwy.Minneapolis, MN 55415612/455-1700www.psbpr.<strong>com</strong>Tom Jollie, Senior VP, ConsumerP r o d u c t sTina Valek, Director, <strong>Food</strong>Padilla Speer Beardsley is a fullservicemarketing <strong>com</strong>municationsand public relations firm witho ffices in Minneapolis and NewYork. We launch new products,r e e n e rgize brands, create socialmediacampaigns and handle productrecalls. We engage proven planningmethodologies that provideinsight, guide strategy and generatemeasurable out<strong>com</strong>es. Our awardwinningprograms have driven businessresults for clients nationally for48 years.Our experience includes work forBetty Crocker, Caribou Coff e e ,Cheerios, Cub <strong>Food</strong>s, Fiber One,F r i t o - L a y, GE, Gold Medal Flour,Golden Valley Microwave <strong>Food</strong>s,Jim Beam, Land O’Lakes, Lloyd’sBarbeque Company, The M a l t -O - M e a l C o m p a n y, Nature Va l l e y,PepsiCo, Pillsbury, Progresso,S U P E RVALU, Total and Tr i x .P E P P E RC O M470 Park Ave. SouthNew York, NY 10016212/931-6100www.pepper<strong>com</strong>.<strong>com</strong>Steven Cody, Managing PartnerEdward Moed, Managing PartnerPepper<strong>com</strong> is a mid-sized<strong>com</strong>munications agency thatspecializes in developing strategicand creative <strong>PR</strong> programsfor food and beverage <strong>com</strong>pani e s .In addition to <strong>PR</strong> campaigns,services include a positioningprogram to differentiate a clientfrom its <strong>com</strong>petitive set, a crisismanagement program calledCrisisRx, Pain-Based Selling toidentify the gap between whatclient sales forces think customersare thinking and whatthey actually are, and ways toleverage existing partnerships ordevelop new ones.PepperDigital and GreenPepperconcentrate on digital and greeninitiatives, respectively, whilePepper<strong>com</strong>motions focuses onevents and leverages sponsorships.Pr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sPepper<strong>com</strong> is ranked amongthe top 20 largest independent<strong>PR</strong> firms in the U.S. byO ’ D w y e r’s. Current and pastclients include FreshDirect,Wi l b u r-Ellis Company, Malibu-Kahlua International, Dr.P r a e g e r’s Sensible <strong>Food</strong>s,Procter & Gamble’s MillstoneC o ffee, and Diageo.PIERSON GRANTP R6301 NW 5th WayFt. Lauderdale, FL 33309954/776-1999www.piersongrant.<strong>com</strong>Maria Pierson, CEOJane Grant, PresidentPierson Grant <strong>PR</strong> is a fullserviceagency serving a rangeof national and regional restaurantclients with strategic andtactical planning, media and<strong>com</strong>munity relations, crisis<strong>com</strong>munications, special eventsmanagement and superiorInternet-based <strong>PR</strong>.Restaurant clients include:Dairy Queen, Benihana, OliveGarden, Morton’s and Origin.The firm’s fresh thinkinghelps clients build brand identity, generates publicity for openingsand food and beverageintroductions, brings creativityto special events and <strong>com</strong>munityrelations, and leverages thepower of the Internet marketin g .P O L LOCKC O M M U N I C AT I O N S665 BroadwayNew York, NY 10012212/941-1414lpollock@pollock-pr.<strong>com</strong>Louise Pollock, PresidentPollock Communications, isan independent <strong>PR</strong> and marketing<strong>com</strong>munications agency thato ffers cutting edge e x p e r t i s efor food and beverage clients.Founded in 1991, Pollock pioneeredthe functional foodmovement, creating some of themajor food trends of the past 10years including making tea thehealthy drink of the new millenni u m and making chocolate ahealthy indulgence. We knowhow to capitalize on emerg i n ghealth and wellness trends in ac r e d i b l e w a y, with media, consumersand health profession-Warren Buffett kicked-off the introduction of the DairyQueen Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard ® whileoffering financial tips to Girl Scouts at the same time.P i e r son Grant Public Re l at i o n s, based in Fo r tLauderdale with an office in Raleigh, N.C., is AOR forInternational Dairy Queen. DQ is bringing back the flavoras the Blizzard of the Month in August of 2009.als.This knowledge of the latestresearch and science in thehealth & nutrition arena enablesus to deliver actionable consumerand market insights andpractical health & lifestyle wellnessbenefits for brands and<strong>com</strong>modities. PCI has anunsurpassed understanding ofmedia that cover food and nutritionnews and trends. Our staffincludes credentialed registereddietitians with on-air and editorialexperience who can addressthe health & nutrition issues thatare top-of-mind for today’s editorsand reporters — includingthose who serve as trusted“watchdogs” for family gatekeepers.We have developedand executed innovative socialmedia programs to reach the keyhealth & nutrition influencersonline, including blogging initiativesfor a global cheesebrand and a new juice beveragefor children.The <strong>com</strong>pany r e p r e s e n t sARAMARK, Committee forPromotion of Honey & Health,Cranberry Institute, First Juice,Gourmet Garden Herbs &Spices, Presidents BrandCheese, Sorrento Brand Cheese,Tea Council of the USA,Unilever Promise, CountryCrock & I Can’t Believe It’s NotButter brands and the USA R i c eFederation.Don Shula, “the winningest coach in football history,”on the set of a recent satellite media tour conductedby Pollock Communications on behalf of their clientGourmet Garden Herbs & Spices. The tour yielded animpressive number of interviews with segments on 26stations and over five million impressions.A D V E RTISING • MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DW Y E R P R . C O M 33
At a trade show in Philadelphia, Wally Amos and RinaBrooke introduced the Snack ‘N Write Program, a newproduct line of baked goods developed by Brooke tomeet most federally-mandated school wellness policies.The Snack ‘N Write Program is a division ofRosica client Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company.PUBLICISC O N S U LTANTS I P R424 2nd Avenue WestSeattle, WA 98119206/270-4664publicisconsultants-pr.<strong>com</strong>Steve Bryant, EVP, USAHannah Coan, EVP, ManagingDirector, SeattleWith offices in Seattle and NewYork, Publicis Consultants | <strong>PR</strong>serves Living Brands, includingfood, nutrition, wellness and homebrands, by engaging consumers andprofessionals through influence,education and lifestyle marketing.The agency employs two fulltimeregistered dietitians and housesthe Publicis Culinary & NutritionC e n t e r, an 1,800-sq. ft. facility <strong>com</strong>prisedof test kitchens, a tastingroom, sensory evaluation suite anda food photography studio, as wellas the Nutritional MarketingResearch Institute, an in-houseresearch-based think tank.The food practice’s clientsinclude major brands (Nestlé,WONKA, Stouff e r’s and LeanCuisine), <strong>com</strong>modities (UnitedSoybean Board, QUALISOY,ZES<strong>PR</strong>I Kiwifruit), pet foods(Purina), and kitchen products(Nespresso, Sodastream).QUINN & C O.520 8th Avenue, 21st floorNew York NY 10018212/868-1900 x238www.quinnandco.<strong>com</strong>Danielle Pagano, Vice President,<strong>Food</strong>, Wine + SpiritsQuinn & Co. is an awardwinningpublic relations firmPr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sthat has made its mark in thefood, wine + spirits, real estateand travel <strong>PR</strong> fields. We produceresults-oriented work thatis both strategic and creative.Quinn & Co. secures consistent,strategy-driven and results-orientedmedia attention forclients. And, we work well inall mediums: print, broadcast,digital and direct-to-consumersocial networking.Our innovative initiatives,which garner significant publicit y, are recognized among themedia and within our industries.Our unique approach has resultedin a number of industry“firsts” and earned us hundredsof awards through the yearsincluding two HSMAI(Hospitality Sales andMarketing A s s o c i a t i o nInternational) Best of Showw i n s .We have <strong>com</strong>pelling successstories. Chef and author To n yMantuano enjoyed featureplacements for his new book“ Wine Bar <strong>Food</strong>” in O, TheOprah Magazine, <strong>Food</strong> & Wi n e ,Gourmet, Cigar A f i c i o n a d o ,Wine Spectator, CBS EarlyShow and more as a result ofour work. We have been workingwith Jim Lahey on the openingof Co., his new NYC restaurant;the foodie blogosphere andtraditional media have been eatingup the news. For LevyRestaurants we secured morethan 250 T V spots in one weekthat led to a 400 percentincrease in hot wing sales. Wedeveloped the Chief BeerO fficer (CBO) initiative forFour Points by Sheraton, aftercreating the first-ever beer sommelierprogram for Four PointsLos Angeles LAX. We inventedMartini on the Rock, the$10,000 martini at T h eAlgonquin Hotel that was coveredby over 400 broadcast segments,including Letterman,Regis & Kelly and GoodMorning America. We also representLa Pergola in Rome,I t a l y, the first hotel restaurant inItaly to be awarded three starsby the Michelin Guide; as wellas Ithaa at Conrad MaldivesRangali Island, an all-glassundersea restaurant which is theonly one of its kind in theworld. We have secured JamesBeard House and culinary eventappearances for countless chefs.RF I BINDERPA RT N E R S950 Third Ave., 7th FloorNew York, NY 10022212/994-7600www.rfbinder.<strong>com</strong>Amy Binder, CEOFrank Walton, PresidentAtalanta Rafferty, ExecutiveManaging DirectorThe food and beverage industrytoday faces a multitude ofchallenges, attacks and uncertainties.Competition for the consumeris as strong as ever andchanges in consumer expectationsand the grocery shoppingexperience also drive new challengesfor the marketer. Nutritionand dieting are a permanentdimension of food and beveragemarketing. Labeling regulation ischanging how people shop. Newscientific knowledge about nutrition,<strong>com</strong>bined with the nationalpublic health consequences, andsocial costs of poor eating habitsis sparking litigation and publicconcern.RF|Binder has worked in everyaspect of food and beverage marketingand public relations fromDunkin’ Donuts to Cargill, fromthe 100th Anniversary of the FigNewton to Wines of Chile andWines of Germany. RF|Binderbrings market and industryinsight, research-based and creativeprogramming, and access tothe key influentials who shapepublic opinion. We provide thewide array of services from consumerpromotions, influenceroutreach, issues management andtrade relations to investor relations.Our staff has extensiveexperience in promoting preparedfoods, imported foods, ingredients,supplements, grocers,restaurants, quick service restaurants,wine, beer, liquors, and coffeeamong other categories.As well as being experienced<strong>com</strong>munications professionals,the RF|Binder staff includes peoplewho have been trained andworked in the culinary arts andthe wine industry, who have studiedhealth and nutrition and whoworked as industry/security analystsin the food sector. We promoteproducts, but we also routinelydeal with the most challengingissues — recalls, labeling,FDA approval, org a n i c s ,ingredients, health and nutrition,safety, and regulation.Current and recent clientsinclude Atkins Nutritionals,ARAMARK/1st & FreshCatering, Bob Evans, Truvianatural sweetener for Carg i l l ,Chilean Specialty <strong>Food</strong>s, T h eCulinary Trust, Dunkin’ Brands,The European Union (EuropeanRieslings), Miller Brewing(Pilsner Urquel), The Pantry,R e a d e r’s Digest Association /<strong>Food</strong> & Entertaining A ff i n i t y,Tillen Farms, Wines of Chile,Wines of Germany, and Wines ofIsrael.ROSICAS T R ATEGIC <strong>PR</strong>95 Route 17 South, Suite 109Paramus, NJ 07652201/843-5600641 Lexington AvenueNew York, NY 10022212/634-6370www.rosica.<strong>com</strong>www.theauthenticbrand.<strong>com</strong>Chris Rosica, CEOEstablished in 1980, RosicaStrategic Public Relations has successfullyestablished nationalbrands and generated national,regional and local media coveragefor its food and hospitality industryclients. Company CEOChristopher Rosica’s backgroundand training as a chef, food safetyexpert, food writer and hotel managergives the agency further leveragein the industry.The Rosica agency put the“fame” in Famous A m o sChocolate Chip Cookies and introducedvarious product lines for theUncle Wa l l y ’s Muffin Company aswell as his new Chip & Cookieproduct. To d a y, Uncle Wa l l y ’sM u ffin is the #1 branded in-storebakery muff i n .Rosica conducted long-term <strong>PR</strong>campaigns for such clients asE g g l a n d ’s Best, MarieBelle FineContinued on page 3634MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION
Taylor partners with category leading, iconic brandssuch as Guinness to drive and support brand marketingobjectives. One of the many initiatives Taylorspearheaded in 2008 was an integrated marketing<strong>com</strong>munications campaign that sought to make St.Patrick’s Day an official holiday via a national movementtitled Proposition 3-17.Rosica Strategic <strong>PR</strong>Continued from page 34Chocolates, J.R. Watkins Spicesand Extracts and Keebler. T h e yhave also represented severalsupermarkets, including StewL e o n a r d ’s, Big Bear in Columbusand West Vi rginia and Shop Ritestores throughout New York State.R o s i c a ’s services include mediarelations, Internet marketing (i.e.social media, blogging, searchengine optimization and onlinereputation management), creativemedia events, cause-related marketing,media training and newproduct introductions.RUDER FINNGlobal Headquarters301 East 57th StreetNew York, NY 10022212/593-6400www.ruderfinn.<strong>com</strong>Ruder Finn West388 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94111415/249-6763Lisa Novak, Executive VPThe <strong>Food</strong> and <strong>Beverage</strong> industryis constantly evolving. A l t h o u g htaste remains important, health benefits,functional foods, packaginginnovations and “green” productscontinue to be the media darlings.Our targets are no longer just foodand wine editors and the trade press,but also celebrity influencers, healthand lifestyle reporters in consumerlifestyle magazines, broadcast outletsand core food, wine and entertainmentbloggers.Ruder Finn positions its food andbeverage expertise at the heart of ourc r o s s - o ffice Life+Style specialty,allowing us to tap not just our traditional<strong>PR</strong> knowledge, but our connectionto celebrity chefs, mastersommeliers and health and wellnessexperts. Whether the task is creating“Gorgeously Green” author and eco-consultant of thestars Sophie Uliano takes the Good Earth Coffee“Brew at Home” pledge at the Ruder Finn client’sGood Earth media breakfast in September.Pr o f i l e s o f Fo o d & Be v e r a g e <strong>PR</strong> F i r m sand implementing a pure <strong>PR</strong> program,sampling event, mobile marketingtour, multi-city sponsorshipopportunity or branding/positioningcampaign, our team is prepared toembrace the challenge.Among the food and beverage<strong>com</strong>panies we have championed area number of domestic and importedwines such as Tu s c a n y ’s Castello diGabbiano and A u s t r a l i a ’s numberone wine, Wolf Blass (Foster’s Wi n eEstates Americas); Good EarthO rganic Coffee (product launch);Eagle Snacks (product launch);Sweet ‘n Low (product and corporate);Snapple (Snapple ClassicBlack Teas product launch);ModMix Organic Cocktail mix, thefirst ever USDA-certified cocktailmixer; Everpure, a leader in providingquality water solutions to thefoodservice, vending, residential,RV, marine and aviation markets(branding and <strong>PR</strong>), Seagram’s(event marketing) and Gerber (productand corporate).SCHNEIDERA S S O C I AT E SMember of the World<strong>com</strong> Public Relations Group2 Oliver Street, Ste. 901Boston,MA 02109617/536-3300Fax: 617/536-3180launch@schneiderpr.<strong>com</strong>www.schneiderpr.<strong>com</strong>Joan Schneider, President &Creative DirectorJulie Hall, Executive VicePresident, Consumer GroupPhil Pennellatore, ExecutiveVice President, Corporate GroupSchneider Associates is a fullservice marketing <strong>com</strong>municationsfirm with experience inconsumer public relations, corporate<strong>com</strong>munications, B2B andpublic affairs. We specialize inLaunch Public Relations S M — aproprietary method of launchingproducts, services, <strong>com</strong>paniesand <strong>com</strong>munities. A d d i t i o n a lagency services include socialmedia, messaging, media training,special events, crisis <strong>com</strong>municationsand spokespersontraining.Types of <strong>PR</strong> handled include:Consumer products, launch publicrelations, food & beverage,social media, retail, publica ffairs, corporate <strong>com</strong>munications,real estate and financial &professional services.Clients Include: Baskin-R o b b i n s ® , Bertucci’s Brick OvenR i s t o r a n t e ® and New EnglandConfectionery Co. (NECCO ® ).TAY LO RThe Empire State Building350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3800New York, NY 10118212/714-1280www.taylorpr.<strong>com</strong>Tony Signore, CEO & Mng PartnerCelebrating its 25th year, Ta y l o rpartners exclusively with categoryleading consumer brands that utilizelifestyle, sports, and entertainmentplatforms to achieve business buildinggoals.Recognized as the leadinglifestyle, sports and entertainmentpublic relations agency, Taylor hasmore than 100 employees withheadquarters in New York ando ffices in Los Angeles, Chicago,Charlotte and London. The agencyprovides a full array of marketing<strong>com</strong>munications services including:proprietary research and <strong>com</strong>petitiveintelligence, program planningand development, strategic mediarelations, Hispanic/multiculturalmarketing <strong>com</strong>munications, digitaland emerging media, measurementand evaluation, event production,broadcast production, andspokesperson procurement andt r a i n i n g .Taylor develops strategic marketing<strong>com</strong>munications programs forcategory leading food and beveragebrands, designed specifically toengage their target consumer andcreate business impact. Partneringwith Diageo — the world’s leadingpremium drinks business — theagency has successfully launchednew products, reinvigorated iconicbrands and sustained momentum inthe marketplace for adult beveragefavorites such as Crown Royal, JoseCuervo, Guinness, Smirnoff andCÎROC ultra premium vodka,among others. In addition to programdevelopment and brandawareness for Diageo, the agency isc h a rged with integrating a socialresponsibility message throughoutall activities, highlighting the importanceof making responsible decisionswhen drinking. Many Ta y l o rprograms executed on behalf ofDiageo in the U.S. have been implementedaround the world.For client partner Jenny Craig,Taylor creates consumer-facing programsthat leverage a team ofcelebrity spokespeople includingValerie Bertinelli, Queen Latifah,Phylicia Rashad and Baron Davis.Ta y l o r’s efforts focus on the brand’s<strong>com</strong>prehensive weight managementprogram that applies a <strong>Food</strong>-Body-Mind approach to losing weight.36MARCH 2009 • WWW. O DWYER<strong>PR</strong>.COM • ADVERTISING SECTION