The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition, a seafood community organization dedicated to promoting Gulf Coast seafood products, today announced that it has named The Food Group, Edelman, and Zehnder Communications for its integrated marketing, public relations, and branding efforts.
The trio of firms was selected through a request for qualifications process that generated interest and proposals from 27 firms. The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition was founded by the Gulf and South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc.
“We are honored to have three reputable marketing, public relations, and branding agencies as partners to strengthen the Gulf States’ efforts to promote Gulf Coast seafood,” says Mike Voisin, chairman of the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition.
“All three agencies impressed us with their creativity, deep media relationships, and marketing experience, as well as ambitious strategic planning.”
The Food Group will be responsible for strategic planning, the development of the Coalition’s consumer and member website, and culinary, foodservice, and consumer programs and events.
Edelman will handle media and public relations activities that include the development of a news bureau of ongoing outreach, trade shows, crisis communication, spokesperson training, and website content for consumer and media.
Zehnder Communications is responsible for the Coalition’s brand platform and creative execution, web design, and social media outreach.
The three agencies will work together for the next three years to meet the Coalition’s core goals – to provide cohesive vision and overarching initiatives to showcase Gulf seafood, become the ultimate media source for up-to-date information about the Gulf, and increase consumer desire for Gulf Coast seafood.
The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition will make its official debut at the International Boston Seafood Show, March 11-13, 2012.
“The Boston Seafood Show is a perfect event to tell seafood buyers from all over the world about our beautiful Gulf and the variety of flavorful seafood available,” says Chris Nelson, vice-chairman of the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition.“This is an exciting time for the Gulf Coast seafood community and we look forward to working together with our retail, restaurant, distributor, tourism, and economic development partners.”
