HoneyBaked Ham Company Launches Neighborhood Store Concept
The HoneyBaked Ham Company plans to open four new "Neighborhood" concept stores in the Metro Atlanta area as well as in Colorado and Florida, to serve consumers who want quality, ready to eat, convenient meals in portions they choose.
"Today's busy families require quick meal solutions, but no one wants to sacrifice quality or taste," said Chuck Bengochea, CEO. "Our new Neighborhood stores offer the best of both worlds by combining classic HoneyBaked tastes with fresh and on-the-go convenience."
Some of the stores' features include: Glazing galleries where for the first time in the Company's 50-year history, consumers will be able to see how HoneyBaked Hams are glazed. Sampling Stations where consumers can taste what's new, from meats to desserts and in between. Displays offer a delicious selection of gourmet mustards, salsas and spreads. The unique environment also provides quick meal solutions in a cozy neighborhood food shop atmosphere.
Displays Support Relaunch Of Eukanuba Dog Food
Eukanuba, a Procter & Gamble brand, has launched a multi-platform marketing campaign to educate consumers about the unique nutritional needs of different dog breeds and sizes to help support the relaunch of its premium Eukanuba line of dog foods. The new Eukanuba lineup will deliver customized nutrition by breed type, size, health and performance needs.
Large breed size formulas are the first product of the new line to roll out in December and the full lineup will be available in pet specialty stores nationwide as of March 2007. Point-of-purchase displays will promote the new line-up at retail.
"Owners of purebred dogs demand nutrition customized to meet their breed's particular needs," said Andrew Meurer, Eukanuba Marketing Director. "Eukanuba now has one of the most customized line-ups available in pet specialty stores. Eukanuba helps dog owners everywhere to 'Feed the Breed.'"
Redbox DVD Rental Kiosks To Be Placed In McDonald's Restaurants Nationwide
Redbox, a leading automated DVD rental service and McDonald's USA, plan to offer fully automated DVD rental kiosks in McDonald's restaurants nationwide. Redbox kiosks will begin appearing in McDonald's restaurants in select U.S. markets early in 2007, offering McDonald's customers the latest DVD titles for only $1 per night. The agreement follows a two-year test with McDonald's.
"In addition to our great-tasting food and beverage choices, out guests expect feast service, convenience and value every time they visit our restaurants," said Karen Wells, Vice President of Strategy, McDonald's USA. "Redbox at McDonald's is value added for our busy customers and it gives them one less thing to worry about."
Each fully automated Redbox DVD rental kiosk holds more than 500 DVDs, representing over 70 of the newest movie releases, with new titles available every Tuesday. Consumers 18 years of age or older can use a touch screen to select their favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go with their movie. Customers can keep the DVD for as long as they'd like for $1 per night plus tax, and return their DVD to any Redbox kiosk nationwide. For added convenience, customers can visit www.redbox.com to choose their favorite title online and pick it up immediately at the Redbox location of their choice.
Coca-Cola And Caribou Coffee To Launch Premium RTD Iced Coffees
Coca-Cola North America and Caribou Coffee plan to launch a new line of premium ready-to-drink iced coffees in the U.S. next summer, the sixth new product initiative announced by CCNA in the fast-growing coffee, tea and indulgent beverage segments.
"Volume in the ready-to-drink coffee category has grown 17% in the last four years, and revenues are up 24%," said J.A.M. "Sandy" Douglas, President, Coca-Cola North America. "Caribou's expertise, involvement and focus in brewing the perfect coffee will allow us to create a wonderful ready-to-drink coffee."
adidas Launches Originals NBA Superstar Footwear Collection
adidas is launching the Originals NBA Superstar Footwear Collection. The footwear line includes 30 sneakers-one for each team in the NBA-with official NBA branding, team colors and logos featured prominently on adidas' most iconic lifestyle silhouette: the Superstar. The adidas Originals NBA Superstars are the first ever sneaker range to feature all 30 teams in the NBA alongside the official NBA logo. They are also the first adidas and NBA co-branded footwear offered at retail since the announcement of an 11 year partnership. The 30 team shoes are divided into six distinct materials stories: Suede/Patent, Reflective, Reptile, Team Logo, Clear Stripes and Emboss, each with a suggested retail price of $100.
Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Chicken Breasts Entrees Debut
The Bumble Bee brand has introduced Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Chicken Breasts entrees. Fully cooked and lightly seasoned, these skinless, boneless and 100% natural white meat chicken breasts are a delicious way to serve a healthy, fast and simple meal any day of the week. Consumers simply heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, add a side dish and their dinner is complete. Three Seasonings include: Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Chicken Breast Lightly Seasoned With Garlic & Herbs, with Southwest Seasonings and with Barbecue Sauce.
Monster Media Partners With C.W. Allen Group
Monster Media, a leading provider of patented interactive advertising systems, has partnered with The C.W. Allen Group, provider of event media innovations that multiply the value and profitability of industry-leading trade events, to expand its offerings to event organizers. The C.W. Allen Group will have the sole rights to market and distribute Monster Media's patented interactive advertising system, MonsterVision, to trade show organizers in the U.S., expanding Monster Media's business activities in the event organizer market. MonsterVision's interactive advertising system integrates innovative visual display technology to captivate audiences in high traffic areas. For more information, visit (Web site) www.cwallengroup.com
The H.J. Heinz Company has launched the Heinz Trivial Pursuit Contest with questions and answers from the new Trivial Pursuit Totally 80s Edition appearing on more than 200 million packets of Heinz Ketchup, offering consumers a chance to win cash and prizes.
The packets will be distributed to foodservice operations including restaurants, schools and stadiums throughout the country and will, in effect, create the world's largest Trivial Pursuit game.
"There's a certain nostalgia that people have for the 80s, so we're giving consumers a chance to reminisce about that special time in their lives while enjoying the Ketchup they've loved all along," said Rebecca Serafini, Senior Brand Manager, Ketchup, Condiments & Sauces, Heinz. "As we kick off the world's largest Trivial Pursuit Game, we know this is a great partnership that naturally equals fun for everyone."
Function Drinks Debuts Alternative Energy Drink
Function Drinks has launched Alternative Energy, the first energy drink on the market with a time-release system to ensure a smooth, consistent boost over an extended period of time. Designed by Dr. Alex Hughes, orthodpedic surgeon at UCLA, this groundbreaking formula offers a 100% natural, long-lasting energy alternative to the harsh synthetics on cooler shelves.
"Alternative Energy is the first energy drink out there with nothing to hide," said Dr. Hughes. "The flavor is a refreshing and light tangerine yuzu, with a slight zing. And unlike its shelf-mates, Alternative Energy is completely natural and safe, featuring an all-star team of rainforest imports, including muira puma, catuaba, guarana and yerba mate."
Green Mountain Coffee Roaters and PBS have introduced PBS Blend, a new Fair Trade Certified ™ organic coffee. PBS Blend supports public television's independent and award-winning programming and educational services. PBS Blend carries the Fair Trade Certified label, which guarantees farmers a fair price for their coffee harvest. Said Robert Stiller, President of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, "This delicious coffee provides us with new avenues for supporting our global community and advancing public education about Fair Trade."
Advanced Technetix is offering the SoundShare ™ for users of Apple's iPod digital media player. The SoundShare enables iPod users to connect two different stereo headphones or speakers to their iPod through a single jack.
Pontiac & Virgin Megastores Team Up For Co-Branded Promotion
Pontiac and Virgin Megastores are teaming up on a co-branding marketing strategy as a way for both brands to reach out to the same group of consumers. As part of the promotion, Pontiac is launching its first ever in-store merchandise towers in all of the North American Virgin Megastores. In exchange, Virgin Megastores will become Pontiac's musical experts by licensing at least 30 songs a year for use in Pontiac commercials and online promotions.
The rollout o f the Pontiac Tower in all of the U.S. Virgin Megastores will include key markets such as Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. The 8-foot tall Pontiac Towers, created by Leo Burnett Detroit and Virgin Megastores, features items such as the Pontiac sponsored Virgin Recommends CDs, CDs from emerging artists previously featured in Pontiac advertising, Pontiac branded merchandise and interactive LCD TV screens where customers can view Pontiac Garage concert performances.
"Music plays an incredibly important role in getting consumers excited about the Pontiac brand," said Mark-Hans Richer, Marketing Director at Pontiac. "I think brands and bands can make each other's products better, so the goal is to find opportunities that benefit everybody involved. Pontiac's in-store Virgin presence is just one more way we're providing a tangible brand experience that consumers can enjoy."
USA Network Series 'Nashville Star' Forms Co-Branded Promotion With Sonic Drive-In
USA Network's fifth season premier of the top-rated country music series "Nashville Star" is debuting this January with a co-branded on-air, in-store and online promotion with Sonic, the nation's largest drive-in restaurant chain.
For the first time ever, USA Network has created a scripted sponsor-integrated vignette to air on USA Network, featuring co-host Cowboy Troy and Nashville Star judge Anastasia Brown. It was filmed at a Sonic location in Clarksville, TN, and teases the old adage that "something bad has to happen to you to write a country music song." In-store, Sonic is conducting a Nashville Star themed sweepstakes in each of its 3,200 drive-ins. Sweepstakes prizes include five Chevy Silverados and a year's supply of Sonic food and drink.
"Sonic is a perfect fit for a franchise such as Nashville Star and we are thrilled to have them on board for this co-branded marketing partnership," said Chris McCumber, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy. "Sonic's reach will help extend the Nashville Star brand to over a million people each day."
Said Tod Townsend, Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer of Sonic, "The energetic and family-fun appeal of the show makes it a natural fit for Sonic."
DHL Appoints K. Lovetro EVP, Mktg.
DHL Express has appointed Keith Lovetro as Executive Vice President of Marketing for its U.S. operation. "Keith brings a strong track record of accomplishments to his new position and deep experience in development of sound go-to-market strategies that will serve us well in 2007 and beyond," said Hans Hickler, CEO DHL Express USA. Levetro was most recently President and CEO of FedEx Freight West, based in San Jose, CA.
NBCU Marketing Promotes Blangiardi To SVP, Strategic Mktg.
Barbara Blangiardi has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing for NBC Universal. In this capacity, Blangiardi will lead a centralized marketing team that will work across NBC Universal to develop innovative programs for marketing clients and advertising agencies that identify new ways to target consumers and further brand goals. The Strategic Marketing team combines the strategic partnership efforts that Blangiardi had been leading within The NBC Agency together with those of the Corporate Marketing team and will serve as a connecting hub between divisions.
Nine West Accessories Names T. Snyder Sr. V.P. Mdsg.
Tobi Snyder has joined the Nine West Accessories Division of Jones Apparel Group in the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Merchandising. In her new role, Snyder will be directly responsible for the design and implementation of the Nine West and Nine & Co. handbag collections. Prior to joining Nine West Accessories, Snyder was Vice President Accessories and Jewelry at New York & Company.
A.C. Moore Names D. Frawley V.P. Of Advtg. & Mktg.
A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts has named David Frawley as Vice President of Advertising and Marketing. Frawley most recently served as the Director of Marketing/Advertising for Burlington Coat Factory.
P.F. Chang's Appoints McDougall Chief Mktg. Officer
P.F. Chang's China Bistro has appointed Tim McDougall as Chief marketing Officer. McDougall will be responsible for developing a comprehensive brand strategy for the Company's three restaurant concepts, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Pei Wei Asian Diner and Taneko Japanese Tavern. Previously, McDougall was a Vice President of the Austin, TX-based advertising agency GSD&M serving the Frito-Lay account and prior to this, he held key marketing positions with the New Orleans Hornets, the Houston Rockets and Miller Brewing.
Castle Brands Appoints C. Fick Chief Mtkg. Officer
Castle Brands, an emerging developer and global marketer of premium brand spirits headquartered in New York, has appointed Claes Fick as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer. Fick was previously a management consultant with Sevenco AB and prior to that, he served 17 years at Vin & Spirit AB, the Swedish company that developed and owns Absolut Vodka and other premium spirits brands.
Sprint Names Carter & Morgan Senior V.P.'s Of Mktg.
Sprint has named two new executives to lead an increased focus on marketing to existing and new customers. Matt Carter is Senior Vice President for base management, responsible for marketing to existing base customers, including focusing on their long-term satisfaction and retention. Bill Morgan is Senior Vice President of Brand/Advertising, reporting to Sprint's Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Schweitzer. Morgan was most recently with Heller Ehrman in San Francisco, where he was Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. Carter has held senior marketing positions at Bristol Myers and Coca-Cola.
Del Taco Promotes Moriarty To Field Mktg. Dir. & Adds Field Marketers
Del Taco, the nation's second largest Mexican quick serve restaurant chain, has promoted Brian Moriarty to the new position of Director of Field Marketing and has added Amy Andrade, Adrienne Keenan and Stephanie Sproull as field marketing managers. Moriarty will be responsible for managing field marketing for company and franchise restaurants including restaurant communications, local store marketing and promotions.
Sharper Image has reorganized its retail group and appointed John Yotnakparian tohead the group as Vice President, Retail Stores. Yotnakparian has been with Sharper Image for eight years and has held the position of Regional Manager, Eastern Region since 1999.
Talbots Appoints H. Chasin CMO, J. Jill
Talbots, Inc. has appointed Hilary Chasin as Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer of the J. Jill brand. In this role, Chasin will oversee J. Jill's marketing efforts across all channels. Chasin brings more than 20 years of expertise in footwear and apparel marketing to her new position and previously served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ann Taylor Loft. Prior to that, she held marketing positions at DELiA*S and Foot Locker.
Clearr Corp. Offers Graphic Revolutions
Clearr Corp. produces Graphic Revolutions®, medium- and large-format, internally-illuminated 3-message displays, providing exceptional visual impact to medium-format interior display applications. The Graphic Revolutions® CF “cylindrical format” is ideal for promoting beverages and other products, which are cylindrical in shape. Graphic Revolutions® integrate tastefully into the most elegant retail décor and are available in various heights. For more information, contact Clearr Corp., 6325 Sandburg Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427; (Tel) 763-398-5400, 800-548-3269, (Fax) 763-398-0134, (Web site) www.clearrcorp.com
Marketing Communications Offers End Cap Sign Kits
Marketing Communications Inc. specializes in the design, production and roll-out of sales generating End Cap Sign Kits. By incorporating changeable numeral systems, these sign systems allow store personnel to change prices in seconds. MCI provides a variety of mounting options, from systems that project out into the aisle to designs that rise above the gondola. The Company stocks multiple systems allowing the retailer to choose the size and style that best fits their needs. Custom designs that fit specific merchandising goals and color schemes are also available. For more information, contact Marketing Communications Inc., 950 Vitality Drive, Suite A, Comstock Park, MI 49321; (Tel) 800-942-9225, (Fax) 888-942-2647,
(Web site) www.gomci.com
Gyford Productions Offers Standoff System
Gyford Productions produces Standoff Systems as elegant solutions for every display or sign design. Standoff Systems are also interchangeable with EZ-Rod/Wire, StructureLite and Wire Suspension Systems. For more information, contact Gyford Productions, 891 Trademark Drive, Reno, NV 89521; (Tel) 775-829-7272, (Web site) www.standoffsystems.com
IEI Introduces POP Video Play
AEI introduces a new fully integrated POP LCD Video or JPEG player with built-in motion sensor that turns the unit on as customers approach and turns it off as they walk away. The unit is 100% digital and includes an easy to program CF memory card. It is available in a 7" TFT LCD version (ADV70PN), an 8" Metal version (ADV80M) and a 10.4" version (ADV104P). For more information, contact AEI, (Tel) 866-788-0901, 562-809-8262, (Fax) 562-865-5640, (Web site)
www.IcddigitalSignage.com
World Division Announces Large Format Digital Banners
World Division specializes in the production of large format digital banners up to 16' wide. The Company's large inventory of materials includes Polyethylene, Vinyl, Tyvek, Nylon, Polyester, Satin and 100% Cotton Canvas, all in assorted colors. World Division's 70,000 square foot facility enables a competitive price and quick turn around. For more information, contact World Division, 11929 Denton Drive, Dallas, TX 75234; (Tel) 800-433-9643, (Fax) 800-433-9844, (Web site) www.worlddivisionusa.com
Alcone Marketing Opens Chicago Office
Alcone Marketing Group has opened an office in Chicago, IL, to provide Integrated Marketing solutions to current Chicago area clients including BelBrands USA and ConAgra Foods, as well as support Midwest business development efforts. Margaret Naughton has been named Account Director for the Chicago office.
Renegade Names J. Vinick Creative Director
Renegade Marketing Group, NYC, has named Jeff Vinick to the new position of Creative Director, reporting to Fanny Krivoy, who was recently promoted to Executive Creative Director. Vinick was previously Associate Creative Director at Merkley where he spearheaded campaigns for Mercedes, Forbes, Smith Barney , Fila and E-loan, and helped launch and name JetBlue.
