The $40m (25m) European Union account to promote the nutritional benefits of olive oil has once again degenerated into farce, leaving agencies confused and angry. The EU shortlisted 85 European advertising agencies to pitch for the business, from an original list of more than 200. It is now inviting them to re-apply by October 20 […]
I was surprised at the gloomy picture that was painted about obtaining effective business-to-business records in the article on databases (MW September 29). Magazine publishers are one group who are responding to the market’s need for quality data. In addition, the problems raised in the article about identifying decision-makers and accessing up-to-date to satisfy the […]
Sony launches its 35m campaign for the PlayStation games machine this week, fighting for the ‘do or die’ Christmas market. Sharon Marshall gains exclusive access to the shoot, and assesses the company’s secret weapon
D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles North America, hit by Kraft Food’s decision last month to dispose of its bakery interests, has this week left the company’s creative roster after 66 years.
Rocked by a spate of top-level marketing departures and bad press, Eurotunnel has struggled in its first year. But the underlying problem is the massive debt from construction. Is there any light at the end of the tunnel, or is the only answe
Sainsbury’s Economy range heralds a shift away from quality, towards Tesco’s old ‘pile it high, sell it cheap philosophy’, reckons Stephan Buck
In reference to your article “CU gets hot response to ITV branding” (MW September 22), it’s good to see some recognition of the contribution that TV sponsorship can make when properly exploited. I must correct you, however, for stating that this is the first time a response number has been included on-air as part of […]
Sock Shop is being relaunched with a new logo, redesigned packaging and fresh focus on specialist hosiery and socks. Fourteen months after entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe’s group Facia bought Sock Shop’s 87 outlets, its management has decided the chain needs an image lift. Sock Shop marketing director Dominic Ebery claims the relaunch will start in the […]
Quaker Oats has appointed Jeff Cowell to the new position of commercial director, cereals UK. UK country manager Kevan Lawton is leaving the company and will be “exploring a number career options”. Cowell is currently marketing director at Yoplait Dairy Crest. He was previously with Heinz. Cowell takes up his role next month and will […]
Sainsbury’s The Magazine has set a quality precedent in publishing. Martin Croft discovers its secret ingredient
ITV is negotiating with Granada over the production of a fourth weekly episode of Coronation Street for autumn 1996. No decision has been made on which night the new episode will run, but ITV sources believe Thursday and Saturday nights are the favourites. A weekend slot for the programme would suit the programme’s maker, Granada, […]
British marketers can successfully innovate but too often their company culture means “they’ve never bloody well been asked”, according to Andrew Seth, former chief executive of Lever Brothers speaking at the Marketing Forum aboard the Canberra last week. Seth said consumer marketing and long-term brand viability are accorded a low priority. He claimed brand strategy […]
High jinks and low cunning aboard the Canberra. The Diary hears that while G-Force exhibitor Julie Hart was away from her stand at the Marketing Forum, rivals at HP:ICM began rewriting the rules of competitive advantage. The HP:ICM boys were seemingly engaged in a touch of industrial espionage before being caught red-handed over Hart’s notebook […]
In reference to your article “CU gets hot response to ITV branding” (MW September 22), it’s good to see some recognition of the contribution that TV sponsorship can make when properly exploited. I must correct you, however, for stating that this is the first time a response number has been included on-air as part of […]
Hello! magazine this month launches a standalone fashion magazine to compete with Vogue and Elle’s coverage of the spring and autumn collections. The title, Hello! Haute Couture Fashion Special, follows the format of Spanish parent Hola!, which publishes four fashion specials a year. It will consist of in-depth coverage of the seasonal catwalk collections from […]