Ferrero U.S.A., Inc. has selected Marriner Marketing Communications as its full-service agency of record to support the introduction of Nutella®, the world's #1 selling branded hazelnut spread, into the U.S. foodservice market. Marriner's industry relationships, experience and reputation as a leading integrated marketing firm to the food and hospitality industries makes it the right partner to help Ferrero take this next step in the growth of the Nutella brand.
Ferrero will work with Marriner to develop an integrated communications platform that will leverage the Nutella brand image and create more consumer touchpoints to generate loyalty and drive every-day usage occasions. Marriner will assist Ferrero in its extension of the brand identity into foodservice by positioning it as relevant for professional chef and operators' needs. The launch of Nutella into the foodservice channel will include target audience insights/research, a new microsite offering menu inspiration, trade show marketing and sales collateral and a proactive advertising and public relations campaign.
"We are experiencing very positive growth of the Nutella business as the brand continues to reach so many more consumers. Now is the perfect time to penetrate the foodservice market," said Karl Krohn, Spreads Category Marketing Director, Ferrero U.S.A. "Marriner has a clear understanding of how to transition a proven consumer brand into the foodservice industry. They successfully supported us during the initial assessment and business plan phase, and we look forward to an aggressive marketing effort as this roll-out progresses."
Tighe Merkert, President of Marriner Marketing Communications, commented, "We are thrilled to be working with such a revered brand. Nutella has a passionate consumer following all over the world and we look forward to expanding the brand's presence in the U.S. foodservice market. Ferrero's unwavering commitment to quality delivers a spread known for great taste and easy menu application. We look forward to integrating our vision of clarity with their desire to make Nutella the go-to choice in breakfast spreads for the foodservice environment."
ABOUT NUTELLA®/FERRERO
Nutella was originally created in the 1960s in the Piedmont area, Italy by Pietro Ferrero, who later founded Ferrero. Ferrero, now the fourth largest confectionery group in the world, imported Nutella to the U.S. from Italy more than 25 years ago. People of all ages enjoy the flavorful combination of simple ingredients like roasted hazelnuts, skim milk and a touch of cocoa. Nutella is gluten-free, peanut-free, certified Kosher and has no artificial colors or preservatives.
For more information about Ferrero, visit www.ferrerousa.com. For more information about Nutella, visit www.nutellausa.com or www.nutellafoodservice.com.
ABOUT MARRINER
For 20+ years, Marriner Marketing Communications has been a leader in providing integrated marketing solutions to the food, beverage and hospitality industries and has capitalized billings of over $60 million. Clients count on Marriner for effective, clarity-driven communications to address a wide variety of business challenges. Marriner's Clients include such notable brands as Perdue Farms, Rich Products Corporation, McCormick & Company, Zatarain's, Butterball, King & Prince Seafood, Marriott International, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Phillips Foods, MICROS Systems, Vulcan, Wolf & Berkel, Gaylord Industries, Knouse Foods and USA Rice Federation. For more information, visit www.marriner.com.
Source: Marriner Marketing Communications
