The relationship between Britain’s biggest beer brand, Carling, and
WCRS, its ad agency, could be affected by the agency’s decision to pitch
for the pounds 5m Holsten Pils work.
WCRS is understood to be pitching in secret for the account against the
incumbent, TBWA GGT Simons Palmer, and Leagas Delaney.
J Walter Thompson and Duckworth Finn Grubb Waters pitched earlier, but
have been eliminated.
The reason for WCRS’s involvement is unclear, but it is thought to be
prompted by uncertainty over the Bass Carling account, which WCRS has
held for 15 years.
Over the past couple of years, WCRS has lost the Bass-owned
Worthington’s and Caffrey’s brands to other agencies. Bass is rumoured
to be selling its brewing interests, a move that would raise further
questions.
Carling spends pounds 6.7m annually on advertising, according to MMS,
and Holsten pounds 4.8m.
WCRS refused to comment and no one at Holsten was available to comment
as Marketing went to press.
_1.jpg)
.jpg)
