Cadbury talks to non-roster agencies about £30m global task

- Cadbury Schweppes is talking to non-roster agencies, Leo Burnett and Bates UK about a global advertising project for its confectionery business.

The task, which is believed to involve creating a stronger international profile for the Cadbury's brand, could be worth up to £30m.

Other London agencies pitching for the project include the roster agencies, Euro RSCG Wnek Gosper and TBWA GGT Simons Palmer. Euro handles brands including Milk Tray, Roses and Fuse and TBWA has a large portfolio of brands including Dairy Milk, Flake, Creme Egg, Turkish Delight and Cadburyland, which encompasses children's sweets.

Last week it launched Cadbury's Hero's - miniature chocolate bars which rival Mars' successful Celebrations brand.

The pitch is taking place in Paris this week and is being run by Alan Palmer, the international marketing director for Cadbury Schweppes worldwide.

Palmer, who moved from the top UK marketing role to international marketing two years ago, is charged with developing a Cadbury's "masterbrand".

It is not clear whether the pitch is for a one-off project or is a move by Cadbury to consolidate its global advertising into one agency.

Last year, Cadbury Schweppes consolidated its £30m global advertising for the Schweppes' drinks portfolio into Young & Rubicam.

A Cadbury spokeswoman refused to confirm the pitch was taking place but said: "Alan Palmer is international marketing director and as such you would expect him to be looking at various options as to how the brand may develop."

This article was first published on Campaign