News

Room to Read and Ketchum Join Forces to Support Worldwide Literacy

admin — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:14:48 -0600

Short Text

Ketchum has entered into a long-term relationship with Room to Read, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting global literacy and breaking the cycle of poverty in the developing world.

Body Text

Contacts:

Julie Ferriot

415-984-6127

julie.ferriot@ketchum.com

Rebecca Hankin

415-561-3331, ext. 142

rebecca.hankin@roomtoread.org

San Francisco, Dec. 17, 2008 – Leading public relations agency Ketchum has committed to an exclusive, long-term relationship with Room to Read, an innovative, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting global literacy and the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty in the developing world.

Room to Read was selected as Ketchum’s “nonprofit client-of-choice” following an expression of interest among Ketchum employees to put their expertise, experience, and best practices in social responsibility toward a universal cause. As a result, the partnership provides the opportunity for Ketchum offices around the world to support Room to Read’s initiatives by helping the organization further build its brand awareness and promote its successes worldwide through strategic communications consulting. Ketchum also recently launched a fundraising drive to encourage its employees to donate to Room to Read.

“Room to Read is a one-of-a-kind organization, with an inspiring mission and impressive results,” said David Gallagher, Ketchum Senior Partner for EMEA, CEO for London, and the head of Ketchum’s Room to Read partnership. “Room to Read’s leadership and goals are in sync with Ketchum’s, and we are eager to contribute to the success of the organization by becoming a long-term partner and joining Room to Read in its commitment to educate the world’s children.”

Room to Read was founded in 2000 by John Wood, a former Microsoft executive who left the corporate world to create the nonprofit organization following a trek he took through Nepal, where he saw the educational disparity firsthand. Wood’s background was instrumental in the organization’s overarching goals and business planning, which have been major contributors to its success.

With more than 250 million children who are not enrolled in school and more than 774 million adults worldwide who cannot read or write, Wood set out to become an agent of change to reverse the effects of poverty in the world’s most rural areas. It is Wood’s belief that increased educational opportunities can dramatically improve nutrition and overall health, lower infant mortality rates and increase income levels – all key metrics that determine the fate of a community – to repair the deep wounds of generations of poverty.

“Our partnership with Ketchum will provide tremendous opportunities for Room to Read to continue to help children in the developing world gain the lifelong gift of education,” said John Wood. “We look forward to a productive and long-lasting relationship with the world-class team at Ketchum, as we advance toward our goal of leading a global movement of people who are passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty through education.”

The organization’s mission is based on five key programs:

The Reading Room Program, which establishes libraries and stocks them with Room to Read’s published local-language children's books, donated English-language books, games and furniture to create a child-friendly learning environment.
The School Room Program, which partners with local communities to build schools for children to be able to learn in a safe environment.
The Girls’ Education program, which provides long-term, holistic support enabling girls to pursue and complete their education.
A Local Language Publishing Program, which sources new content from local writers and artists and publishes high-quality children's books in both the local languages and in English.
A Computer Room Program, which establishes computer labs to provide students access to 21st century technology.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty capabilities that include Access Communications (high- and consumer-tech PR [www.accesspr.com]), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

About Room to Read

Room to Read is a leader in providing educational opportunities to underprivileged children around the world. Room to Read was established in 2000 based on the belief that education is crucial to breaking the cycle of poverty in the developing world. Since then, the organization has supported nearly two million children by providing better access to education. Room to Read has assisted in building more than 442 schools, 5,630 bilingual libraries and 155 computer labs. It has published 226 new children's books in local languages, representing more than two million books, and has awarded 6,922 girls long-term scholarships. Room to Read is providing opportunities that change children's lives and communities throughout Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Zambia. Its goal is to create an additional 5,000 libraries to bring education to five million children by 2010. For more information, visit www.roomtoread.org.

Amy Palladino Cofone Named Director of Ketchum’s New York Technology Practice

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 20:35:13 -0600

Short Text

Amy Palladino Cofone has been appointed Technology Practice Director of Ketchum's New York office, where she will manage client accounts that include Advanced Micro Devices, IBM, Kodak and Nokia.

Body Text

Contacts:

Robyn Massey

Ketchum

+44-(0)20-7611-3658

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

Alicia Stetzer

Ketchum

+1 646-935-3910

alicia.stetzer@ketchum.com

New York, Dec. 11, 2008 – Amy Palladino Cofone has been named Director of Ketchum’s New York Technology Practice.

In her new role, Palladino Cofone, who recently served as Worldwide Account Director for Kodak, will also assume the responsibilities of Account Director for Nokia’s North America region. As Practice Director, Palladino Cofone will manage and support existing clients, including Advanced Micro Devices, IBM, Kodak and Nokia, while looking to grow the practice’s client base.

“We are excited by the vision Amy has for the New York Technology Practice,” said Esty Pujadas, Partner and Director of the Global Technology Practice. “Her depth of experience in deep technology, Web services and consumer marketing, combined with her history of excellence at Ketchum, make her an outstanding choice to run our growing New York Technology Practice. We are confident she will continue to prove herself as an asset to the agency.”

Palladino Cofone said, “Technology touches every part of our lives, and our practice will evolve to mirror that reality. We will look beyond traditional technology companies to serve brands that use technology as the foundation for building consumer products and services or as a competitive advantage in providing healthcare services. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with Esty as well as the leaders of Ketchum’s Brand Marketing, Corporate and Healthcare Practices to evolve our offerings.”

Prior to joining Ketchum, Palladino Cofone served in the technology and consumer-marketing practices of several leading global PR agencies, where she worked with top brands including IBM, Intel, Nike, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble and Sun Microsystems.

Palladino Cofone graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in public communication.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment) and Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ketchum Selected as Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology Global Business Unit Global PR Agency of Record

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:35:34 -0600

Short Text

Ketchum has been named PR agency of record for Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology Global Business Unit and will provide brand communications support for Newell Rubbermaid's office and interactive classroom technology product portfolio.

Body Text

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

Atlanta, Nov. 24, 2008 – Ketchum, one of the world’s leading public relations agencies, has been selected as global public relations agency of record for Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology Global Business Unit, effective immediately. Ketchum will work with Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology Global Business Unit to provide brand communications support for its office and interactive classroom technology product portfolio.

Newell Rubbermaid’s Technology Global Business Unit is a worldwide leader in providing technology solutions that help individuals and companies improve their organization and productivity through innovative labeling, mailing and contact management. The unit is also a leading provider of interactive classroom technology that enables teachers, trainers, presenters, and collaborative teams to capture, manage, share and interactively create and present information and ideas. The agency-of-record assignment includes communications support for the Technology Global Business Unit’s brands, including DYMO^®, Endicia^®, CardScan^®, and mimio^® in North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), and Asia Pacific.

“We were impressed with Ketchum’s proven track record in achieving results that really impact global businesses, as well as their creative approach to impacting key audiences in this category,” said Jessica Miller, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for the Technology Global Business Unit.

Delphine Francois, Director of Sales and Marketing, EMEA, Technology Regional Global Business Unit, added, “Ketchum’s extensive global network and wide range of capabilities are ideal for our business.”

“Ketchum is looking forward to a winning partnership with the Newell Rubbermaid Technology Global Business Unit, and we’re enthusiastic about working with a truly iconic global brand that shares our passion for customer service,” said Hilary Hanson McKean, Partner and Director of Ketchum South, which is composed of the agency’s Atlanta and Dallas operations.

The integrated marketing assignment will be coordinated globally through the Ketchum South office and hub offices in Paris, France (EMEA), and Sydney, Australia (Asia Pacific), the latter through Ketchum affiliate ICON International Communications. The assignment also includes collaboration with the newly appointed global creative agency of record, McCann Worldgroup in Salt Lake City. The Bedford Group, a global marketing management consulting firm, conducted the review.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment) and Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Clark & Weinstock and The Washington Group Merge

admin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:40:34 -0600

Short Text

The Washington Group has announced that it will merge with Clark & Weinstock, which along with The Washington Group is an Omnicom Group-owned government relations and lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C. The new company will operate as Clark & Weinstock.

Body Text

Two Longtime Bipartisan Shops Combine Forces

Contacts:

Matt Stearns

+1-202-835-8885

matt.stearns@ketchum.com

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911 or +44-(0)20-7611-3658

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

Washington, Nov. 14, 2008 -- The Washington Group (TWG), a Ketchum company, today announced that it will merge with Clark & Weinstock (C&W), which along with The Washington Group is an Omnicom Group-owned government relations and lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C. The merger is effective immediately and the new company will operate as Clark & Weinstock.

The firm’s bipartisan leadership includes many seasoned Washington counselors, including former U.S. Representative Vin Weber, R-Minn., Clark & Weinstock senior Democrat Sandi Stuart and TWG founder John O’Hanlon, both key advisers to Democratic leaders. Among the senior professionals in the combined operation are Moses Boyd, Tonya Speed, Adam Olsen, Fowler West, Jim Noone, Kevin Allen, Kim Farmer, Niles Godes, Jonathan Schwantes, Peg McGlinch, Deirdre Stach, Christopher D’Arcy, David Berteau, Jim Dyer and Ed Kutler.

The new firm’s offering brings together decades’ worth of combined Washington experience, creating an extraordinary package of Democratic and Republican advocates with experience in the House, Senate and executive branch, serving a broad and diverse client base in healthcare, telecommunications, global public affairs, finance, tax and trade, defense, technology, transportation, energy and the environment, and agriculture. The firm also has an established government contracting specialty.

“Change is the order of the day,” said Weber. “For the first time in years we have a White House, Senate and House of Representatives all decisively controlled by Democrats. This offering demonstrates our commitment to be at the center of activity for our clients on the wide variety of issues that will be a priority in the coming months and years.”

“I am personally very excited to be working under one roof with my great friends and colleagues while bringing together all the respected and talented folks at Clark & Weinstock,” said O’Hanlon. “This move has really energized everyone at both shops; it is a logical step that creates substantial value for our clients as we are able to provide expanded services. We could not be better positioned for our clients as we prepare for a new administration and a new Congress.”

“We look forward to a great partnership with Clark & Weinstock,” said Ketchum Senior Partner and CEO Ray Kotcher. “This is an offering that brings together for our clients and prospects the best of those two firms at a particularly important time as they seek to better understand and navigate the changes that are about to take place in Washington.”

About Clark & Weinstock

Clark & Weinstock provides strategic counsel to leaders of large, complex companies and institutions on major reputational and positioning issues including crisis management, acquisitions and mergers, legislative, regulatory and government developments, marketing trends and competitive positioning, and relations with the financial community and the national media.

About The Washington Group

Founded in 1995, The Washington Group is a bipartisan government relations and strategic consulting firm serving a mix of clients in industries including healthcare, technology, telecommunications, environmental areas, defense, real estate and transportation companies and associations, in virtually all areas of legislative and regulatory activity. Led by John O’Hanlon, The Washington Group has experience at the most senior levels of government.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment), and Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients.

All three businesses are units of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

Ketchum Acquires Fifth Largest U.S. Technology PR Firm, Access Communications

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:58:23 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum has announced the acquisition of San Francisco-based Access Communications, a move intended to strengthen Ketchum’s Global Technology Practice and further its client work in the consumer-technology segment, while also expanding the agency’s California footprint, expertise and services.

Body Text

Contact:

Robyn Massey

+1-646-935-3911 or +44-(0)20-7611-3658

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

New York and San Francisco, Oct. 30, 2008 – Ketchum, one of the world’s leading public relations agencies, today announced the acquisition of San Francisco-based Access Communications, a firm known for its high-technology and consumer-technology work. The acquisition is intended to significantly strengthen Ketchum’s Global Technology Practice and further its client work in the consumer-technology segment, while also expanding the agency’s California footprint, expertise and services.

By complementing the 75-member-strong Access staff with the 120 professionals in the Los Angeles and San Francisco markets that currently make up Ketchum West, the two organizations will leverage each other’s resources and provide clients access to one of the largest agency teams in California.

“Access has earned a superior reputation for winning and retaining leading companies and brands in their space,” said Ray Kotcher, Ketchum Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer. “The addition of Access strengthens the offerings we provide to all of our clients. Our strategy was to source the best expertise available in technology PR and we found just that in Access, an industry leader. They are out in front of the innovation taking place in the technology sector and can apply their insights across all industries. As impressive, for more than a decade they have been -- and continue to be -- pioneers in the application of digital media to public relations. These attributes, along with their highly respected leadership team and depth of talent across their 75-member workforce, will provide great additional strategic advantages to our clients.”

Through traditional media relations, national product launches, social-media campaigns and long-range thought-leadership programs, Access provides clients with integrated PR services in both the online and offline arenas. Access will continue to operate under the Access brand name out of its San Francisco headquarters and New York office.

“Our clients and staff will be well-served by our joining Ketchum,” said Access President and CEO Susan Butenhoff. “Our clients will benefit from access to greater domain expertise and comprehensive global services backed by a worldwide PR leader, while our staff will be able to participate in Ketchum’s award-winning professional development programs. This also provides Access a much stronger ability to grow our business and build on our tradition of client-service excellence and innovation.”

The move represents a homecoming of sorts for Butenhoff, who founded Access in 1991. Butenhoff began her PR career at Ketchum 25 years ago, rising to become a vice president responsible for Ketchum’s San Francisco consumer-marketing group.

Twice since 2004, the San Francisco Business Times and the San Jose/Silicon Valley Business Journal named Access "The Best Place to Work in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area." In 2006, The Holmes Report placed Access on its nationwide list of the "Best Midsize Agencies to Work For." For more information, visit the agency’s Web site at www.accesspr.com.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

About Access

Access Communications is a full-service public relations agency that transforms ideas into actions. We can help our clients tell their story to stakeholders in a manner that increases their mindshare, their market share and their bottom line. Over the past decade and a half, we have worked with companies of all sizes. We have helped startups become category leaders, guided clients through IPOs, transformed executives into thought leaders, and helped to build billions of dollars of brand equity for our clients.

A startup itself in 1991, Access Communications has grown into the nation's 18th largest independent public relations firm. Today we employ 75 full-time professionals at offices in San Francisco and New York.

Ketchum Appoints Ross Hughes as Shanghai General Manager

admin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:07:20 -0600

Short Text

Ketchum has announced the appointment of Ross Hughes as General Manager of Ketchum's Shanghai office.

Body Text

Contacts:

Katty Yeung

Ketchum Hong Kong

+ 852-3141-8111

katty.yeung@knprhk.com

Katy Cheng

Ketchum Hong Kong

+ 852-3141-8063

katy.cheng@knprhk.com

Hong Kong, October 29, 2008 – Ketchum Greater China, the Asia Pacific division of top-10 global public relations agency Ketchum and a unit of Omnicom Group, today announced the appointment of Ross Hughes as General Manager, Ketchum Shanghai. Hughes will immediately take over Ketchum Shanghai’s leadership role from Penny Burgess, who will remain to support Ketchum in a consulting capacity.

Ross Hughes brings to Ketchum over a decade of experience working in public relations in Greater China and Asia. His diverse knowledge and track record cover both in-house public relations roles and consulting for corporate communications, financial PR, public affairs and technology PR. Hughes is also well-versed in crisis communications and media training and will be responsible for providing strategic counsel to clients and driving growth for Ketchum Shanghai.

“Ross’s depth of experience in corporate and technology communications as well as his knowledge of Asian markets will be tremendous assets in helping clients overcome challenges in this highly competitive landscape,” said Kenneth Chu, Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Ketchum Greater China. “He will play a significant role in consolidating Ketchum’s leadership in Greater China.”

Prior to joining Ketchum, Hughes was with the Hoffman Agency as General Manager of China. When he was in his role as Hoffman’s General Manager of Hong Kong, he was responsible for managing all aspects of business and regional client accounts, including Google and Dassault Systems.

“I’m very excited to be part of the Ketchum Greater China family as it’s renowned in the region for its excellent blend of local and international expertise and its ability to deliver sound counsel in China’s increasingly multicultural and multifaceted society,” Hughes said.

Hughes graduated from Griffith University in Brisbane with a B.A. degree in modern Asian studies in 1990. Hughes studied Chinese in Taiwan and is conversant in Mandarin.

About Ketchum Greater China

A professional communications consultancy since 1980, Ketchum Greater China operates six offices in Greater China, including Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Taipei, as well as a network of affiliates throughout the Asia Pacific region. With a blue-chip client roster in four key practice areas, including Corporate/Financial Communications, Brand Marketing, Food & Nutrition, and Technology, the agency represents news-making companies, offering them an extensive breadth and depth of knowledge and expertise. Its program innovation and execution excellence have consistently gained industry recognition, including top awards presented by leading PR industry magazine PRWeek and China International Public Relations Association. Ketchum Greater China is a member of Ketchum, one of the top-10 global public relations firms. Additional information on Ketchum and its award-winning work can be found at www.ketchum.com.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research, Ketchum Sports Network, Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Council of Public Relations Firms Announces 2009 Board of Directors; Ketchum CEO Ray Kotcher to Serve Second Term as Chair

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:20:12 -0600

Short Text

The Council of Public Relations Firms has announced the election of Ray Kotcher, CEO and Senior Partner of Ketchum, to a second one-year term as the Council's chair.

Body Text

New York, Oct. 23, 2008 – The Council of Public Relations Firms, the industry’s 10-year old trade association, announced today the election of its new officers and directors.

Ray Kotcher was elected to his second one-year term as chairman of the Council. Kotcher, the CEO of Ketchum since 2000, will chair the board of directors though November 2009. Joining Kotcher on the executive committee are Margery Kraus (APCO Worldwide), chair elect, Andy Cooper (CooperKatz), treasurer and Cos Mallozzi (Gibbs & Soell), secretary.

The Council also announced the election of its new board members, all CEOs and principals of their firms: Tom Coyne (Coyne PR), Ken Eudy (Capstrat), David Fuscus (Xenophon Strategies), Ken Makovsky (Makovsky and Company), Andy Polansky (Weber Shandwick) and Becky Powell-Schwartz (The Powell Group).

Continuing directors, all CEOs and principals of their firms, are Mark Hass (MS&L), Lou Hoffman (The Hoffman Agency), Kathy Obert (Edward Howard), Helen Ostrowski (Porter Novelli), Mark Penn (Burson-Marsteller), John Seng (Spectrum Science Communications), Paul Taaffe (Hill & Knowlton), Jim Terman (Jasculca/Terman and Associates), and Otis Wragg (Wragg & Casas Public Relations).

“I am honored to serve a second term as Chairman of the Council,” said Kotcher. “There is a lot of important work to be done, and with the help of an exceptional board and a dynamic membership our ongoing efforts to strengthen the public relations agency business will continue unabated. My focus this past year has been on providing a voice for the industry, something I think we achieved with the successful launch of the weekly online publication, The Firm Voice. That mission will be increasingly important going into a year with so much uncertainty, both economically and politically. The good news for public relations firms is that we have never been stronger as an industry or better positioned with our clients as strategic counselors.”

“Council members – and the industry at large -- will benefit from another year of Ray’s stewardship,” said Kathy Cripps, president of the Council of Public Relations Firms. “He is a tremendous leader, and in one year has already left an impressive record of accomplishments at the Council. Ray is the perfect person to lead our organization into its second decade as the home of America’s leading public relations firms.”

The Council of Public Relations Firms was founded in 1998 and is composed of America’s leading public relations firms. Its membership represents the premier global, mid-size, regional and specialty agencies across every discipline and practice area. The Council’s mission is to advance the business of public relations firms by building the market and firms’ value as strategic business partners. For more information about the Council, visit www.prfirms.org.

New Study Reveals Consumers Want Greater Say in Key Food Issues

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:44:30 -0500

Short Text

A new Ketchum Global Food & Nutrition Practice survey titled <i>Food 2020: The Consumer as CEO</i> reveals that consumers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Argentina and China want more information, more choices, more accountability and more control when it comes to food choices.

Body Text

By Year 2020, Food Companies Will Be Expected To Cede Control, But Retain Responsibility for Health, Well-being

Contacts:

Alicia Stetzer

646-935-3910

alicia.stetzer@ketchum.com

San Francisco, Oct. 16, 2008 – Today’s consumers want to have a greater say about food ingredients, safety and quality, and by the year 2020, consumers around the globe expect the way they choose and shop for food to be different, according to a recent study of consumers in five countries.

The study, called Food 2020: The Consumer as CEO, examined the perceptions, expectations and considerations about food among consumers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Argentina and China, and sought to provide an outlook on the food industry by the year 2020.

At least half of the 1,000 consumers surveyed said they want more consumer involvement in the use of ingredients and additives; the source of ingredients and the treatment of animals; nutritional content; and who should be responsible for food safety and quality. With the exception of China, only one-third or fewer consumers were interested in being involved in making food easier to prepare or shop for.

“Food companies often ask consumers about food preparation and convenience, but the areas where consumers want more control are the ones where food companies are least likely to seek consumer input,” said Linda Eatherton, Partner and Director of Ketchum’s Global Food & Nutrition Practice, which commissioned the survey. “These survey results indicate that food companies are asking the wrong questions.”

The survey findings also reveal that consumers around the world expect food companies to be responsible for their health and well-being and that this expectation will continue into the year 2020. Along with this finding and their interest in providing more input on critical food issues, consumers also expect the way they shop for and choose foods to be different by 2020. Among all countries, 75% of consumers said they would like to see food companies place a great emphasis on creating foods that reduce the risk of major health issues in the future.

“Consumers want more information about ingredients and health benefits from both supermarkets and restaurants,” said Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert, who worked with Ketchum to develop the survey and analyze the data. “Food companies should be aware of these expectations as they focus on product development in the future.”

Other Key Findings

Taste, quality and price are the top consideration in choosing foods – except in China, where health benefits are most important. Among all of the countries surveyed, 74% of consumers cited taste as a key consideration, but China gave taste the least consideration, with 69% of consumers choosing it. In China, 78% of consumers said “health benefits” were a key consideration, compared to just 53% of respondents from all countries.
Knowledge, taste and availability are key barriers to healthier eating. When asked what factors, besides cost, prevent them from buying healthier foods, 44% of consumers cited “knowing what’s truly healthy”; 43% cited taste; and 35% cited availability.Consumers in Germany, Argentina and China were more likely to cite knowledge as a barrier, while consumers in the U.S. and China were more likely to cite taste. The top barrier cited in the U.K. was availability.
Consumers want good taste, but they also want to know more about their food. In all countries surveyed, 63% of consumers want to be able to recognize all of the ingredients on a food label; 34% want foods to be made with as few ingredients as possible. Concern about what’s on the label is highest in Argentina, where 73% of consumers said they want to be able to recognize all the ingredients. Consumers in China were least concerned about recognizing ingredients, though still more than half (52%) want to.
Brands are losing their relevance – except in Argentina and China. Only one-third of consumers cited “brand name” as among the factors they consider when buying food. Brand name lagged well behind factors such as quality, price, health benefits, value, convenience of preparation and, of course, taste. In both Argentina and China, 45% of consumers said brand was a key factor.
Consumers want local food, but they’re not willing to pay for it – in terms of either cost or taste. Two-thirds (66%) of consumers think at least some of their foods are from other countries . . . but just 17% of consumers said they “don’t care where food comes from” as long as it’s affordable and tastes good. Consumers in Argentina were the most likely to care about food sourcing, with more than 60% disagreeing with the idea that taste and cost trump where food comes from. Consumers in China are the least concerned about sourcing, with at least 30% agreeing that they “don’t care where food comes from” as long as it’s affordable and tastes good.
Consumers want food companies to help solve societal issues related to food and nutrition, and they are willing to pay for it – within reason. Globally, more than 40% of consumers said they would be likely to pay more for food if it would improve the quality of water and food and bring medicines to those in need. Consumers in China and Argentina generally are more willing to pay for food if it could help others around the world. Sixty-five (65%) of consumers surveyed said that “improving human nutrition” would be their top priority if they were CEO of a global food company; “making food that is safer” would be a close second (64%); and “making foods that taste great” would the third-highest priority (52%).
Consumers want food companies to take away the temptations that lead to obesity . . . but they don’t want to eat less. Forty-five percent (45%) of consumers think food companies should play a role in addressing obesity, with more than half of those in Argentina and the U.K. holding this view. And 63% of consumers believe food companies should help reduce obesity by decreasing junk foods; while just 21% think companies should reduce portion sizes to address this issue. Fifty-six percent of consumers think companies should help reduce the risk of major health issues and disease by making foods with more nutrients per calorie. Consumers in Germany and China were more likely to think that food companies should try to reduce health risks by linking good food choices with lower healthcare costs.
Consumers expect how they choose and shop for food to be different by 2020 . . . but they still expect food companies to be responsible for their health and well-being. Forty-three percent of consumers believe that the kinds of foods we eat in the year 2020 will be different than what we eat today; 39% believe the way we shop for food will be different; 56% of consumers would like to see the food industry come up with easier ways to identify healthy foods on restaurant menus; and 53% would like restaurants to offer healthier foods. While 78% of consumers say they would like to get their foods from local farms or companies by the year 2020, most expect even more of their foods will come from other countries by then – with 34% of consumers expecting “most” or “all” of their food to be imported by 2020, compared to 21% who think “most” or “all” of their food is imported today.

About the Survey

The survey polled 1,000 consumers in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Argentina and China and included 200 respondents from each country. Among respondents in China, half resided in cities and the other half resided outside of cities. The margin of error for the findings is +/– 6.93 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The survey was conducted through online distribution at various times in each country, with all taking place between the end of July 2008 through the end of August 2008.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Food and Nutrition, Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Food B2B (foodservice and industrial), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Ketchum Food Center Celebrates 30th Anniversary

admin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:52:35 -0500

Short Text

Ketchum celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Food Center on Oct. 16 with a celebration bringing together Bay Area chefs, food industry luminaries, influencers, alumni and clients who have contributed to the rich history of this nationally recognized facility.

Body Text

Kitchen Is Heart of Agency’s Global Food Practice

Contact:

Shannon Gomes

+1-415-984-6187

shannon.gomes@ketchum.com

San Francisco, Oct. 13, 2008 – Ketchum, one of the world's leading public relations agencies, celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Food Center on Oct. 16 with a celebration bringing together Bay Area chefs, food industry luminaries, influencers, alumni and clients who have contributed to the rich history of this nationally recognized facility. The Ketchum Food Center was built in 1976 at a cost of $250,000, an unimaginable sum at the time, to take an innovative approach to strategic communications in the food industry and position the agency at the industry’s forefront.

Benefit to the Food Business

Ketchum’s management recognized the value of investing in a culinary center as a foundation for the agency’s food practice. “Building the kitchen demonstrated we were serious about the food business and really understood it,” said Dave Drobis, Chairman Emeritus of Ketchum, who was Director of Ketchum’s San Francisco office at that time. “The Ketchum Food Center built our food reputation, and our food reputation certainly helped build Ketchum’s reputation in public relations.”

From its inception to present day, the staff of the Ketchum Food Center has provided insights to guide communications strategy from a distinct and valuable point of view: understanding the food product – how it cooks, how it tastes and how to push the envelope to expand product usage on foodservice menus and within retail products – while validating communications messages.

“The Ketchum Food Center is a unique resource among PR agencies,” said Dave Chapman, Partner and Director of Ketchum West, which includes Ketchum’s San Francisco and Los Angeles offices. “It is a tangible symbol of our commitment to food. But it is also a critical and practical resource for our clients and staff as we set and advance food trends and culture.”

More than 100 Clients

With the Food Center at its core, Ketchum has worked with many of the nation's most prestigious food companies and commodity boards, including Kikkoman International, the United States Potato Board, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, ConAgra Foods and many others. With deep expertise in consumer, foodservice, and ingredient marketing, the Ketchum Food Center has been central to many groundbreaking food marketing campaigns, which include these achievements:

Dispelled the popular myth that potatoes were fattening by creating healthful and delicious low-fat recipes for the Potato Board (now the United States Potato Board)
Built a program around James Beard to give beef cachet by producing a book, Dear James Beard, with recipes and reminiscences from world-class food stars, and invited top influencers of the food world to a New York book debut party on behalf of the Beef Industry Council (now National Cattlemen’s Beef Association)
Pioneered one of the early food Web sites, www.recipe.com, to give Ketchum’s clients Internet presence at a time when other PR agencies were debating the viability of the World Wide Web, and won the first-ever Bronze Anvil award for Internet communications from the Public Relations Society of America
Developed foodservice recipes and menu inspirations to help launch the flat iron steak, a once-obscure cut of beef, to make it today's menu darling for the $610 billion dollar restaurant industry.

Waldron Served as Catalyst

Unlike the typical test kitchens that served as invisible, back-of-the-house support, Ketchum put its San Francisco kitchen front and center as a showplace for the late food luminary, Maggie Waldron. Waldron built a jewel for Ketchum, with hand-painted tiles imported from Portugal, copper ducting, custom butcher block work stations, and Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers. The facility includes a temperature-controlled wine cellar, food library and prop room. Built with a timeless style, the kitchen today looks as fresh and contemporary as when it was built.

As the first director of the Ketchum Food Center, Waldron drew America’s most renowned food experts to Ketchum, creating a culinary salon that attracted the food elite, including Julia Child and James Beard. Beard said that Waldron was “one of the most vital and amazing women to have worked her way to the top of the food business. She is far-seeing, her talents and knowledge are all-embracing, and she is intensely creative.”

The Ketchum Food Center continues to keep Ketchum on the cutting edge of food trends and to support clients in Ketchum’s Global Food & Nutrition Practice network with in-depth food knowledge. The Food Center is currently headed by executive chef Catherine Pantsios and draws on a team of experts, including recipe developers, food technologists and collaborating restaurant chefs to provide a complete menu of culinary services.

About Ketchum
A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Food and Nutrition, Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Food B2B (foodservice and industrial), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

Study Finds That Action Is Needed to Prevent Commercialization of Children

admin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:54:37 -0500

Short Text

Members of the British public and Parliament unanimously agree that children and young people are being excessively commercialized, according to the findings of a new Ketchum survey of 150 Members of Parliament and 1,000 British adults.

Body Text

Regulation Alone Is Not the Answer

Contacts:

Rod Cartwright

+44-(0)207-611-3500

rod.cartwright@ketchum.com

Robyn Massey

+44-(0)207-611-3658

robyn.massey@ketchum.com

London, Sept. 30, 2008 - Members of the British public and Parliament unanimously agree that children and young people are being excessively commercialized. These were the findings of a ComRes survey of 150 Members of Parliament and 1,000 British adults commissioned by Ketchum, one of the largest global PR agencies.

With the U.K. government having tasked a 10-member group of experts to assess the impact of the commercial world on children's well-being, these results were presented at a recent debate organized by Ketchum. In front of an audience of marketing, communications and public affairs experts from leading retailers, food and drink manufacturers, broadcasters, market research, and advertising organizations, the panelists were called on to discuss the business, reputational, and policy implications surrounding the commercialization of children and young people.

Expert commentators on the panel included Tim Loughton, an opposition Member of Parliament in the U.K. government and Shadow Minister for Children; Liz Barclay, Presenter at BBC Radio 4; Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children; Sue Eustace, Director of Public Affairs for the Advertising Association; and Gary Pope, CEO of Kids’ Industries.

While the panel was concerned by the increasing commercialization of children and childhood, this was seen as being driven by today’s materialistic society, and so for this reason advertising alone could not be held responsible.

Parents were singled out for criticism during the debate. There was agreement that in general they aren’t doing enough to educate or advise their own children, but it was recommended that parents receive more help to enable them to take control of the situation.

When it came to identifying the possible solutions, the panel felt strongly that everyone -- consumers, parents, business and politicians -- should take responsibility, and regulation should only be seen as a last resort. In fact, the widespread opinion on future regulation was that it should focus on media literacy and not restricting content.

Rod Cartwright, Managing Director of Public Affairs at Ketchum’s London office and moderator of the event said, “Hosting this debate was important because we are increasingly warned of the dangerous effects that commercial pressures have on children and young people – from teenage pregnancy and eating disorders to obesity and happy slapping. Our research and the discussion underlined how complex these issues are and suggested that an all-inclusive solution must be identified in which business, politicians, regulators, parents and children themselves all have an important role to play. The key will be finding the best way of helping everyone to work together to achieve this, as we do on a daily basis with our clients.”

The key points to emerge from the panel session:

Modern consumer society is contributing the commercialization of children.
It is an oversimplification to say that children are “excessively commercialized.”
Parents should be doing more to advise and educate their children.
Industry has a key role to play in promoting responsible business behavior and healthy lifestyles
Regulation should be a last resort and should be focused around media literacy and not restricting content.
Many businesses are already responding to public opinion, such as reducing additives in foods and introducing public health initiatives.
Legislation, regulation, education and personal responsibility all form part of the answer – everyone is collectively responsible.

Key research findings:

83% of British adults and 94% of MPs feel that children and young people in the U.K. have too many commercial pressures put on them.
84% of British adults and 86% of MPs believe more should be done to limit the way mobile and internet technology exposes children and young people to inappropriate material.
77% of British adults and 63% of MPs believe that protecting children and young people from such pressures is primarily the responsibility of parents, rather than companies or the government
75% of British adults believe that instead of limiting certain types of promotional activity, the focus should be on improving the media, and giving guidance to parents and children.
Only 43% of MPs feel that instead of limiting certain types of promotional activity, the focus should be on improving the media, and giving guidance to parents and children – though 61% of Conservative MPs favor this approach.
77% of conservative MPs believe self regulation should be given a greater chance before considering statutory regulation.
57% of Labour MPs are in favor of statutory regulation.

Notes to editors:

Ministers launched a major consultation on April 7, “Assessing the Impact of the Commercial World on Children's Wellbeing,” tasking a 10-member panel with “reaching a consensus based on how children’s engagement with the commercial world has changed and the impact those changes are having on children’s well-being.” The panel is expected to report back in early 2009.
The Conservative Party’s Childhood Review suggests that increasing commercialization is undermining children and parents alike. David Cameron spoke of “a constant flow of inappropriate commercial activity aimed at children that makes a mockery of any attempt to build a truly family-friendly society.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg recently added his voice to the debate, noting, "There is a channel of cartoons that my children watch in which they are bombarded by advertising every 15 minutes. I don't like it. I'm increasingly, as a father and politician, thinking we have not got the balance right."
Beyond the Department for Children, Schools and Families current review, Ministers have promised a “Comprehensive Action Plan” on the regulation of video games following the Byron Review, while Ofcom has been asked to pull forward its review of advertising restrictions on HFSS foods. Ministers are creating a new U.K. Council for Child Internet Safety, updating the regulations governing commercial partnerships with schools and reviewing the consumer protection regime.

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global public relations agencies, operating in more than 50 countries. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate Communications, Healthcare, Food & Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty areas that include Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), Ketchum Entertainment Marketing, Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports Network, MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Stromberg Consulting (change management and workplace communications) and The Washington Group (lobbying and government relations), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communications expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.