National supermarket chain Somerfield has appointed Brahm Design to its agency roster, following a competitive credentials pitch.
Brahm was one of 14 consultancies asked to present credentials after the initial list of applicants was narrowed down. The agency is now to be retained for a period of 12 months and will be working on a variety of design projects for the company, the first of which is to be designing a range of packaging for children’s food products. Brahm will design packaging for between 40 and 50 products in the diverse children’s range, which includes fresh fruit, pizzas and ready-made meals.
Julie Hanson, joint managing director of Brahm, said: “This is a great win for Brahm Design. We are already working with major food brands and retailers, so this is a great opportunity for us to further our credentials in the retail food sector.”
Somerfield is currently reviewing its marketing activity for the next 12 months and deciding which of its agencies will be assigned to which tasks.
The company is now the UK’s largest “neighbourhood” supermarket chain, and fifth food retailer overall, with more than 590 stores across the country. The decision to appoint Brahm design came as the Somerfield board of directors last month rejected a takeover bid led by millionaire businessman John Lovering. Lovering and his team made an offer of £510m for the chain, but were refused by the company’s board of directors, led by chairman John von Spreckelson, who claimed the figure was unfair.
It is believed that the Somerfield design roster consists of between four and six agencies.