Fishburn Hedges' consumer arm saw off Freud Communications and Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster in a competitive pitch.
The appointment of Seventy Seven, which takes effect from 1 January 2006, means the end of Consolidated Communications' three-year hold on the account. Consolidated also pitched for the new contract and was in a final head-to-head with Seventy Seven.
Gallo's handing of its entire account to Seventy Seven is a U-turn on its original pitch, which was initially merely for project work (PRWeek, 5 August).
The company said: 'During the pitch it became beneficial to also review the retainer account. The decision was in part driven by our ad agency, Minerva, becoming part of AMV.BBDO.' FH/ Seventy Seven is part of the AMV group.
Seventy Seven is to handle consumer and trade press work across Gallo's 16-brand UK portfolio and provide consumer events support.
Seventy Seven picks up Gallo wines UK account
Ernest & Julio Gallo – the Californian wine maker behind brands such as Sierra Valley and Turning Leaf – has handed its entire UK account to Seventy Seven PR.
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