Lafayette's Graham Group is among a trio of agencies selected to help rebuild the state's nationwide and global seafood image. Lafayette's Graham Group is among a trio of agencies selected to help rebuild the state's nationwide and global seafood image.
The three accomplished research, brand management and food promotion agencies are working together to reverse the state's damaged seafood image that resulted from the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ewell Smith, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, said his organization chose New Orleans-headquartered GCR & Associates as lead agency, along with Graham Group and The Food Group in New York. All three agencies have longtime ties promoting Louisiana, with The Food Group having represented the Tabasco brand for many years.
The Louisiana Seafood Board received 35 responses to its March request for proposals from many of the nation's largest public relations, branding, advertising and marketing agencies. Final selection was made through an extensive evaluation process, including exhibiting "a genuine and demonstrated passion to work to help our brand," said board Chairman Harlon Pearce.
"We know that the image of Louisiana seafood was significantly damaged by the Gulf Oil Spill disaster, and we are thankful that BP provided us with the necessary funding to begin to rebuild our brand," says Pearce. "We look forward to working with these groups to regain lost market share and bring Louisiana seafood to new markets."