Nando’s parts ways with The Sphere Agency
After an eight-year relationship that has produced some of the most consistent tactical advertising in recent years, The Sphere Agency and Nando’s Australia are parting company.
It is unclear who will follow The Sphere Agency as the spicy chicken restaurant chain’s agency.
Norman Picker, MD of Nando’s Australia, said the decision “was mutual and respectful. There’s absolutely no doubt that we have enjoyed working together.”
The relationship has yielded some audacious campaigns and stunts, notably the ambushing of the screen debut of the Sacha Baron Cohen film Bruno in 2009. A fake Bruno character appeared outside the premier in a pink limosine, and an entourage of girls doused themselves in Peri-Peri sauce to support the strapline “This year’s hottest chicks are covered if Peri-Peri”.
When Julia Gillard came to power in June last year, The Sphere Agency ran a press ad in News Ltd papers to welcome her. The ad made the news on Sunrise later that day.
Among Nando’s most recent fast turnaround topical campaigns was a dig at last year’s AFL Grand Final Draw.
Picker added: “We strongly acknowledge Sphere’s commitment to continually strive to deliver on our objectives year after year. Sphere showcased their agility through a consistent stream of topical and tactical executions for us such as the Bruno Premiere stunt, and on other subjects encompassing everyone from Dr Phil to Julia Gillard.”
10/10 for cut through.
Relevance? Not so sure.
Sales? I’d love to know.
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Its about time – Nando’s have also had some of the most embarassing campaigns in the history of advertising – including the Warrick Cappa campaign
This completely put me off Nandos for good.
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James you’re fuck wit with no real idea. go get fuck you homo
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Can’t say I’m disappointed with this outcome. Becomming just edgy just for the sake of it and lacked imagination by the end.
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James you’re and idiot.
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I think “Anonymous” must be Warwick Capper.
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classy anon – i hope mumbrella tracks IP’s
I really rated the work that Nandos put out – the relevance issue i believe was outweighed by the cut through achieved for an emerging brand.
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i agree with GR, good work to both parties – 8 years is long time in this industry so hats off to both Sphere and Nandos. Definate cut through and a solid all round job. There’s no doubt the relationship was fruitful.
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As a past member of the Nando’s marketing team who helped drive topical advertising and the Bruno stunt with the team from Sphere, I’d like to say it was a challenge to turn campaigns around in such a short period of time, in some cases we were on air in less than 4 hours, there aren’t many agencies who can do that with the cut through we had and we couldn’t have done it without them. I wish both teams the best of luck with their next endeavours.
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I’m disappointed for both; the work from Sphere created a real sense of fun and energy for the brand as well as differentiating in the category.
That said some hardcore retail work might not go amiss now for the chain as it grows. I just hope that whoever takes on the business (I hear G2 are an excellent agency BTW and can be reached on 02 9936 2700) can build on what has been created.
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bwahahahaaaaaa, mumbrella comments always make me laugh.
Nando’s, get someone good and start doing some good stuff. Everyone loves you!
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Please folks, proofread your posts. Breathe in, breathe out. Re-read. Then submit. Please. It’s important. Thanks in advance…
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Thanks Jacinta….. Appreciate it
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Sphere’s vile creative product perfectly matches Nando’s equally VILE product:
(edited by Mumbrella for legal reasons)
Everyone loves nando’s? I don’t think so.
Fun and energetic creative? No way. All of this is smug, Pauline-Hanson-ist, sexist drivel, it’s crap that demeans everyone who creates, approves, produces and then watches as this out-dated vileness oozes out of our seceens and leaves us feeling abused.
GOOD RIDDANCE TO ALL OF YOU
BTW: Did you know that the “food” sold at every Nandos outlet is delivered just once a week. Fresh doesn’t get a look in… UGH!
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Wow, Paul, you’ve got some serious issues here dude. Relax man, it’s just a chain of chicken restaurants. You need to get a life, seriously (and give up on that boycott nandos site of yours, it’s pointless).
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