Yakult seeks agency to handle pan-Euro brief

Yakult, the health drink, is talking to agencies about a pan-European advertising brief to launch the drink in new markets.

It is understood that the talks, which are in early stages, will not affect Wieden & Kennedy, which handles the brand’s £5m UK advertising account. The company is expected to invest a significant amount in supporting the brand’s launch in new territories.

The company is known to be keen to develop into new markets as more established dairy brands, such as Müller and Danone, move into the functional drinks market.

The fermented milk drink was launched in the Netherlands in 1994 and has since launched in Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and Austria. It is also available in countries outside of Europe including Australia, China and Brazil.

Yakult confirmed that it is in the early stages of a review.