Leith wins Russian choc account

The Leith Agency has been appointed to develop a multi-million pound rebranding campaign for the high-end chocolate brand SladCo in its native Russia.

The Edinburgh-based age-ncy beat four Russian advertising agencies to the account after pitching in Moscow. The agency has developed a television-led campaign to relaunch the prestigious boxed chocolate brand.

The campaign will break on August 16 and will be rolled out across all major Russian cities. It is the agency’s first work in the country.

Marinela Simon, SladCo marketing manager, says that the agency’s pitch showed a remarkable understanding of Russian culture.

SladCo is a household name in its homeland and in the Russian confectionery market is the fifth largest company. IT produces chocolate, pastry and caramel. Chocolate makes up 66% of the company’s total turnover.

Richard Marsham, Leith’s managing partner, says/ “I’ve pitched in some unusual places, but the SladCo pitch is one of the most unusual and enjoyable ones yet.”

The Leith Agency is a full-service agency that includes Stripe, its communications arm, and Blonde Digital, an integrated digital agency. Its clients include IRN-Bru, Grolsch and the Scottish Executive and Spanish carmaker Seat.

Last February Leith London lost its £7m Carling business to Beattie McGuiness Bungay.