• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, March 27, 2017

Iconic chocolate brand Russell Stover has selected WPP’s VML as agency of record after a review the company confirmed Monday. 

Russell Stover, said to be the largest supplier of boxed chocolates in the U.S. is based in Kansas City, MO, which is also where VML is based. 

VML’s remit includes traditional and digital advertising, social media strategy and community management, analytics and insight, PR and campaign creative. 

“VML’s sweet spot is where creativity and technology intersect,” stated Jon Cook, VML global CEO. “We’re excited to draw not only from our retail and consumer packaged goods experience, but also from our [experiences with other clients] to help bring the Russell Stover brand to life in an impactful way.” 

Russell Stover Chocolates includes the Whitman’s and Pangburns brands, and was acquired by Switzerland’s Lindt & Sprungli Group in 2014 for an estimated $1.5 billion. At the time of the acquisition, the parent company said it was “the most important strategic acquisition in the company's history.”