Batchelors' Mother partnership ends

Campbell's is splitting with long-term ad agency Mother over creative differences, and is talking to other shops about its Batchelors range, which includes Super Noodles and Cup-a-Soup.

The news comes as a shock, as Mother's work for Super Noodles has won a clutch of awards, including a Gold at last year's Television Advertising Awards for 'Face Off'.

Mother partner Stef Calcraft talked of a "heavy heart", but said the relationship had become unworkable. Both parties insist the split is amicable.

Batchelors marketing director Tim Perman said he was "very disappointed".

It appears the client and agency differed on the strategy for particular Batchelors brands, and Mother resigned. It has worked for Batchelors for six years, and differences began to emerge two years ago when Campbell's bought the brand from Unilever.

"Mother has given our business terrific support over the years and made some great ads. However, we have big plans for our brands and look forward to building on the history of great advertising that we have in our portfolio," said Perman.

He added that Campbell's would be talking to "a number of agencies" about its account.

The decision will prompt speculation that Mother will now pitch for Batchelors rival Pot Noodle, owned by Unilever Bestfoods, whose chief marketer Chris Springfood is a former client. The brand's ads are currently handled by HHCL/Red Cell.

Last year Campbell's said it was to take on Pot Noodle with Super Noodles in a Pot. According to ACNielsen MMS it has spent £1m on the brand in the year to date.

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