Emerald Health Therapeutics has appointed DDB Canada as its first AOR following a competitive review involving 12 agencies from Vancouver and Toronto. DDB Canada Vancouver and its specialist units —Twice, TRACKDDB, DDB Public Relations, TracyLocke Canada and Tribal Worldwide — will launch various brand initiatives both domestically and globally to raise awareness for the producer and distributor of medical cannabis.  DDB Canada plans to serve as a "brand steward" as the company scales its offerings to meet the demand for a new, legalized recreational cannabis market, following adult-use legalization across Canada slated for summer 2018. "We look forward to working hand-in-hand ...

Interpublic agency Deutsch and Starco Brands have formed a partnership that includes a “significant” shareholder stake in the company for Deutsch which also becomes the firm’s marketing agency of record.  Last year, with Deutsch’s help, Starco launched its Breathe line of environment-friendly household cleaning products.  Deutsch will execute integrated marketing campaigns for Starco Brands’ roster of products—for existing brands and new product launches--from concept and ideation to production and execution, devoting resources for strategy, research, package design, creative, media planning and production.  “Deutsch is one of the top creative agencies in the world, and brings Starco Brands a wealth of ...

International retail chain Primark has appointed New York-based The Bait Shoppe as its AOR as the European retail chain expands to more cities in North America. The scope of responsibilities will include developing and executing the brand's marketing activities across all channels, including in-store, online, mobile, out-of-home media and experiential activations. The first project under this new partnership will promote Primark's new store opening in Brooklyn, New York this summer. This activation strategy is new to the fashion retailer which will attempt to bring its well-known in-store experience outside of the store and to the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan.  ...

W. L. Gore & Associates (of Gore-Tex fabric fame), has appointed Dentsu Aegis Network as its global media agency for its fabric division. The appointment follows a formal review led by Flock Associates.  According to the agency it will focus on advancing Gore-Tex’s relationship with consumers by connecting with them via passion points.  Dentsu Aegis Network agencies including Gravity, Carat and Amnet will work with Gore-Tex across the Americas, Europe and APAC.  Gore Fabrics Division’s Sascha Welters, stated: “We are happy to extend our relationship with DAN into a Global partnership that will help us to transform Gore´s standard of innovation ...

National retailing giant Macy’s has launched a media review.  Carat is the incumbent and has been invited to participate in the review.  The company confirmed the news to Adweek, noting that its policy is to conduct a review at least every five years. The company recently selected BBDO as its new creative agency.  The firm reported advertising expense net of cooperative ad allowances of $1.108 billion in 2017, down slightly from $1.153 billion in 2016. Last year vendors contributed $289 million in cooperative ad allowances to help support the promotional effort of their products in Macy’s stores. The comparable ...

The agency will focus on the company's retail convenience stores, car washes and fuel services divisions.

Leo Burnett has defeated four agencies to land International AOR responsibilities for Betfair, following an in-house review. The incumbent agency was Lucky Generals, which was not part of the pitch process.

Daedong-USA is appointing Baldwin& as creative AOR for the company's KIOTI Tractor division to handle media, creative and strategy.

Mini USA is appointing Crossmedia as its media AOR for its Western Region, Tier 2 account.

After finding success in Ohio, Doner's pro bono campaign to raise awareness about opioid addiction will now spread across the U.S. To date, the estimated value of the pro-bono campaign and donated media is more than $1.5 million.