Gallagher calls pitch for experiential and retail activity

Benson%20%26%20HedgesGallagher, the tobacco company that makes brands including Silk Cut and Benson & Hedges, is looking for an agency to handle its experiential and retail marketing account. Incumbent Ignis is believed to be repitching for the account.

It follows the latest Government moves to clamp down on tobacco marketing. A consultation process has just closed, with the Government considering recommendations to ban cigarette vending machines in bars, clubs and restaurants and a ban on any in-store point of sale marketing.

The Government is also considering the removal of almost all branding on packets, which would see only the brand name written in a simple font over a grey or black background.

Tobacco companies now have 12 months to overhaul the health warnings on their packets to feature images of cigarette-related side effects and illnesses.

The review is being handled by the AAR and the process is still at RFI stage.