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Pitch Watch: Fed Govt tenders for pro-FTA ad campaign; Australian Pork pitches media; Vizeum wins BBC; Schweppes goes quiet

Mumbrella casts an eye over the major media, creative and public relations pitches at play in market. 

In this today’s wrap up the latest on: Federal Government creative tender on China FTA deal (new pitch), Australian Pork (new pitch), BBC Worldwide (account win), Tutti Frutti (account win), eHarmony (account win) and Schweppes.

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 11.30.06 amFederal Government pro-FTA deal pitch – creative 

The Abbott Government is understood to be tendering among its rostered creative agencies for a new multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at countering a union ad campaign, being run by the likes of the CFMEU, which claims the proposed China-Australia free trade agreement will cost local jobs.

Mumbrella understands a number of creative ad agencies have been approached about working on the campaign, with sources suggesting the work is being done “quick and dirty” in order to get a response up in the next few weeks.

CFMEU TV ad targeting Tony Abbott

The Federal Government has a number of creative agencies on its roster and it is unclear precisely how many agencies have been briefed.

The union anti-FTA campaign has sought to target Prime Minister Tony Abbott personally claiming he is putting “Australian jobs last” . It is not known whether the Government ad campaign will launch before the Canning by-election on September 15, where the CFMEU has been campaigning actively.

Comment is being sought from the Prime Minister’s office.

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 9.48.19 amAustralian Pork pitch – media 

The organisation representing the Australia’s pork producers is pitching its media, Mumbrella understands.

The account is currently held by Dentsu Mitchells with a number of agencies, including the incumbent, thought to be involved in the process.

A spokesman for Australian Pork said: “We regularly review our arrangements with suppliers and contractors. We are not in a position to comment on these arrangements.”

All agencies contacted declined to comment.

Nielsen puts the media spend of Australian Pork at $2.5m.

BBC WorldwideBBC Worldwide appoints Vizeum 

BBC Worldwide has appointed Vizeum Australia to provide to do its media buying across Australia and New Zealand, Mumbrella can reveal.

The appointment comes after a two month pitch process and is the first time BBC Worldwide has had a local media agency having previously worked on joint media campaigns with Foxtel where they used their media agency.

Linda Deubel, director of brands and marketing for BBC Worldwide ANZ said: “Vizeum delivered an impressive pitch.

“It was evident that passion, rigorous strategic planning and creative flair all intersected during the tender and presentation. It’s an exciting phase of growth for BBC Worldwide and I look forward to collaborating with Vizeum to unite the BBC brands and our premium content with audiences across all media platforms.”

Nick Behr, managing director, Vizeum Sydney said: “Vizeum is thrilled and proud to take on the responsibility for such an iconic brand. We look forward to a true partnership, to grow the BBC business in Australia and NZ.”

SchweppesScheweppes pitch goes quiet – creative 

It’s been three months since Mumbrella revealed that beverage company Scheweppes Australia was pitching its creative services account.

At the time of the pitch, Troy McKinna, Schweppes Australia’s chief marketer, confirmed the pitch and noted that it was also reviewing its retainer model for working with agencies. A comment which drew a fierce response in the comment thread.

While a who’s who of Melbourne creative agencies are thought to have lined up for the first round of the pitch, including incumbent GPY&R, many in the market are now noting there has been a period of pre-longed radio silence from the client.

Tutti FruttiTutti Frutti appoints Sphere Agency 

The Sphere Agency has been appointed to full service responsibilities for Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt Australia.

Tutti Frutti is one of the main players in the Australian frozen yoghurt market, with 19 stores opening nationally since 2011.

Tutti Frutti operations manager Erin Nagy said:“”Sphere has the energy and expertise we need to help us get to the next level, so we’re very excited to see where they can take our brand.”

The Sphere Agency founder and managing director Michael Abdel said: “Tutti Frutti have a great product and the potential to make even bigger waves than what they are now.”

Screen Shot 2015-09-04 at 10.26.41 ameHarmony appoints Buchan – public relations 

Melbourne and Sydney based public relations agency Buchan has won the account of online dating service eHarmony.

The win comes after a competitive five-way pitch.

Marie-Claire Ducharme Sayers, senior PR and communications manager, eHarmony said: “The Buchan team were a compatible match right from the start – they understood our brief, presented a strong and senior team and delivered a creative, integrated approach,” Ms Ducharme Sayers said.

Buchan General Manager, Gemma Hudson, said of the appointment, “We’re incredibly excited to be working with such a strong brand. eHarmony is a great addition to our growing consumer division and we look forward to elevating its presence locally.”

Nic Christensen, Alex Hayes and Miranda Ward 

Previous Pitch Watches: 

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