Despegar Acquisition of Best Day, Nestlé Upgrades MX Facilities & More Sales Leads LatAm
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- Best Day
Despegar.com, Corp., one of the the leading online travel companies in Latin America, announced it has agreed to acquire Best Day Travel Group (“Best Day”) one of the leading travel agencies in Mexico, for a total consideration of approximately US$136 million. Despegar Acquisition of Best Day is subjected to the occurrence of certain closing and business conditions.A portion of the purchase price is payable on a deferred basis and includes a variable component of up to circa +/- 10% of the total consideration, based on future performance. According to Best Day, during 2019 the company recorded estimated unaudited pro forma revenues and EBITDA of approximately US$140 million and US$8 million, respectively, with online sales accounting for approximately 70% of total sales. Approximately 75% of its revenue is generated in Mexico. The remaining revenue is generated mainly in Brazil, Argentina, U.S. and Canada, among others. Packages, Hotels and Other Travel Products account for approximately 95% of its revenues. Despegar Acquisition of Best Day wont affect brands and network of kiosks as well as key executives. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place during the first half of 2020.
- Nestlé
Food giant Nestlé has spend US$700m upgrading its facilities in Mexico. The Switzerland-based business said it will use the money to to modernise the 17 factories it operates in Mexico with “state-of-the-art technology” to increase productivity, streamline processes, and expand their productive capacity. It will also accelerate its work on innovation and the development of healthy products to meet the nutritional needs of Mexican consumers.The upgrading work and innovation commitment will generate more than 400 direct and 4,000 indirect jobs in Mexico in the next few years. Nestlé has operated in Mexico for 90 years and recently invested in Mexico-based venture capital firm Angel Ventures in order to boost the growth of food, beverage, and pet care start-ups in Latin America.
- Hasbro
WPP’s MediaCom is now the global media agency for Hasbro. MediaCom will now handle all of Hasbro’s media duties after taking the U.S. account away from Omnicom Media Group’s OMD. MediaCom will now handle all the brands under Hasbro in all the markets it has a presence in. Brands under Hasbro include MARVEL, Power Rangers, Transformers, PlayDoh, My Little Pony, Star Wars, Sesame Street, Trolls and more. Prior to the consolidation, OMD held the Hasbro account for 15 international markets including APAC and Europe, while MediaCom was overseeing Latin America. The WPP shop, which looks after the brand’s media in other markets including China and Latam, wooed Hasbro with a consolidation deal, according to people with knowledge of the matter. MG has held the account since 2013. Global media spend for the brand is around $210 million, according to COMevrgence. A spokesperson for Hasbro said: “We’ve made the decision to consolidate media buying for Hasbro under a single agency in order to both drive efficiencies and to provide the best tools and resources for our current collective needs across our global business.”After a thorough review of the agency landscape and our current partnerships, moving forward, all of our global markets will be resourced exclusively through GroupM.”
- Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. announced it signed a record number of rooms in 2019, pushing its global pipeline to approximately 515,000 rooms as of year-end 2019 for the first time in the company’s history. The company signed 815 agreements, representing more than 136,000 rooms, marking the seventh consecutive year of record-breaking volume of organic rooms signings. Growth was fueled by unprecedented levels of organic rooms signed in each of the company’s international regions. During 2019, the company added 516 properties with more than 78,000 rooms in 60 countries and territories – an average of one new property every 17 hours.At the end of 2019, Marriott International’s worldwide system consisted of more than 7,300 properties and roughly 1.38 million rooms in 134 countries and territories. More than half of the company’s record global development pipeline is located outside North America.
- Aveda
Aveda Corporation, an American cosmetics company founded by Horst Rechelbacher, now owned by Estée Lauder Companies, has landed in South America with the opening of a sustainable salon in Brazil, according to a report published by WWD. The eco-friendly hair care brand has partnered with local firm Laces to open the Sao Paolo space. The brand also launched on Brazilian e-commerce site Slow Beauty at the close of 2019.Aveda’s natural positioning will fit well in Brazil, the birthplace of fellow naturals brands such as Natura. The launch is part of Lauder’s wider strategy to grow the Aveda brand. “We aim to be leaders in the prestige segment [in Brazil],” Daniel Rachmanis, President, Latin America The Estee Lauder Companies, told WWD.
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- Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has appointed agency R/GA Buenos Aires as its´ new communication partner for the Southern Cone. R / GA will be in charge of the communication strategy for the Femme Care category and the Neutrogena and Listerine brands in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.
- Like K-pop
Like K-pop, instant ramen from South Korea, builds second US plant with eye to Latin America. Nongshim, purveyor of the spicy Shin Ramyun brand, has decided to build a second factory in the U.S, while rival Samyang Foods increases production at home to sell more of its fiery noodles in China and Southeast Asia.South Koreans are the world’s most voracious eaters of instant ramen. But as the domestic market for ramen becomes saturated owing to a declining birthrate, South Korean noodle makers have expanded overseas. Nongshim will begin construction on a second U.S. plant which will “have an important role in capturing markets in Latin America,” the company said. The brand aims to double sales to US$600 million by 2025 in North and South America.
This October, deemed Hispanic Heritage and Breast Cancer Awareness month, 
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)
Mazda
Team One, Publicis Groupe’s fully integrated media, digital and communications agency for premium brands, today announces it will partner with 
Before the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, toy giant Mattel announced a limited-edition Día de los Muertos Barbie to honor the 3,000-year-old indigenous observance that celebrates the lives of deceased friends and family, Adweek reports. While the holiday originated in Mexico with the Aztec, Toltec and other Nahua people, it’s celebrated in other areas of Latin America.Día de Muertos takes place on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. This colorful and lively holiday is filled with music, food, sweets, offerings, and flowers. While the Día de Muertos Barbie® Doll takes inspiration from the modern version of this celebration, the tradition has roots that go back thousands of years.
Toyota, one of the brands that are already known for great success among Hispanic consumers, has launched a campaign to promote the new Corolla sedan. Developed by Conill, Toyota’s Hispanic marketing agency, the campaign tries to convey the spirit of the new Latino generation: expressive, straightforward and determined. The commercial, titled “WE” and directed by David Vergés, features the voice of Mexican actor, director, and producer, Diego Luna; as well as a mural by Mexican graphic designer and artist Ricardo Gonzalez.
Cubavera®, the Latin lifestyle fashion brand that offers relaxed style inspired by Latin roots, is pleased to announce a partnership with Orishas, the internationally acclaimed Cuban hip hop band born in Havana, Cuba circa 1999.The 360 partnership includes sponsorship of the band’s US “Origen” Tour in cities including: New York City, NY, Miami, FL, Washington DC & San Francisco, CA kicking off in March 2019 (link of schedule) with Cubavera brand iconography and experiences integrated into the shows. Additionally, each of the principle band members will be wearing custom designed Cubavera styles for the performances. Orishas and Cubavera will co-create original content celebrating Cuban culture, music and fashion, throughout cities around the world. The elements of the partnership will be amplified and shared across all platforms on social media.
Interpublic’s UM has been appointed North American media AOR for Battery maker Energizer Holdings, following a review. WPP’s Wavemaker was the incumbent. Battery maker Energizer Holdings ad budget last year was US$80.1 million, according to its latest annual report.
Tequila Don Julio celebrated the launch of its new campaign For Those Who Know, a campaign that celebrates Mexican culture and the moments we share with those we love. The event gathered international/Mexican muralist Claudio Limon who brought to life the story of a Houston restaurant owner with a special mural on the establishment’s walls telling the story of the family. Celebrating 42 years in business, Luis Lopez owner of Gerardo’s Drive-In immigrated from Michoacán as a butcher before ultimately becoming a restaurant owner. The event brought Mexican actress/singer Maite Perroni who hosted and narrated the event, while expressing her profuse love for Mexico. Also in attendance was renowned Mixologist Mica Rousseau who curated a special drink menu to complement the restaurant’s food offerings, including a special bean-based cocktail.
TurboTax®
Urban Skin Rx, the melanin experts and go-to clinical skin care line geared towards treating and perfecting diverse skin tones, announced it will expand its retail distribution beyond its e-commerce website 
Iconic espresso-style coffee brand 
Continental Food and Beverage Inc. / Inca Kola USA has joined the Super Bowl fever to celebrate the Game Week Kick Off Reception in Atlanta, Abasto Hispanic has confirmed. This year, Continental Food and Beverage Inc. / Inca Kola USA honored Josef Martinez as Athlete of the Year. The soccer player from the Atlanta United was named Major League Soccer 2018 MVP.Journalist Mariela Romero, Univision’s regional director of community empowerment in Philadelphia, Raleigh and Atlanta, explained the importance of the Salute to Hispanics in Sports Initiative.The program aims to enhance the positive image of Hispanics by highlighting the great community work being done by these professionals.
The international arm of Avon, Avon Products, Inc. continues to go after a millennial customer by partnering with on-demand delivery service Rappi. Currently, Avon is testing a pilot program of 150 products in the physical storefronts of 11 select top representatives, located in 11 different regions of greater São Paulo, Brazil. These stores are using the Rappi service to facilitate two-hour fulfillment to consumers. To use the Avon and Rappi service, customers are charged a delivery fee of US$1 to US$3, based on location. Danielle Bibas, Avon global chief creative and content officer said that “the company wants to become a digital social-selling company”
Conversations are ongoing between authorities at Emirates in Dubai and Lima in Peru about starting flights between both cities continue to take place. According to Peru Trade, Tourism and Investment Office the lack of direct flights between Dubai and Lima is continuing to subdue trade between the two countries.Peru is the third largest investor in the UAE from Latin America, and was the second largest destination in South America for investment by UAE companies in 2018. For the time being, Emirates has “no firm plans to start services to Peru” but will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen the South American network.
Newlink, an internationally consulting firm based in Miami with offices throughout Latin America and Europe, will continue serving as public relations agency of record for the 
Aviation entrepreneur Declan Ryan has confirmed that he hopes to float his Colombia-based Viva Air carrier on the stock market next year.The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) operates in Colombia and Peru, flying routes in those countries and also to Miami. It carried four million passengers in 2017. It’s majority-owned by Dublin-based Irelandia Aviation, which has a track record of launching low-cost carriers. According to Mr Ryan, a son of the late Ryanair founder Tony Ryan, Viva Air is likely to undertake its initial public offering (IPO) in New York, and possibly also list in Colombia.Viva Air’s Colombian operations began in 2012, while the Peru unit was launched in 2017. In 2017, Viva Air placed an order for 50 Airbus jets in order to modernise its fleet and capture expansion opportunities in Latin America.Mr Ryan said digital innovation is playing a key role in airline development.
Wells Fargo is launching a new integrated marketing campaign called “This is Wells Fargo,” highlighting changes the company continues to make to its operations and culture. The campaign launched across the U.S. last Friday, Jan. 25 and will run through the fourth quarter. 
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) has appointed The Martin Agency as its new creative agency of record. The agency will handle branding and strategic planning efforts in partnership with IPG´s Initiative, which will handle the media portion of the business.
GM’s Cadillac has signed a three-year partnership deal with PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association) becoming PGA´s official vehicle. The deal includes PGA Championship, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship official vehicle rights. Additionally, Cadillac will have the rights to media buys on CBS and ESPN, which will televise future tournaments.The partnership also includes onsite hospitality at the major championships, vehicle fleets for the players, and Cadillac displays inside Championship Shops for spectators and 
Hyundai Motor America won’t renew its deal with the NFL, after four seasons.The automaker will, however, continue to work with the NFL as the sponsor of individual teams (six during the 2018 season: the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers) as well as the presenting sponsor of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” kickoff show, according to Hyundai CMO Dean Evans. Most of the money saved by not renewing the sponsorship will be reallocated to media buys, according to Evans.
Thalia Sodi, world renowned and best selling Latina artists, launches the newest extension of her lifestyle brand, 
Under its Leão brand, Coca-Cola Brazil has launched a range of yerba maté pods it says will meet Brazilian demand for practical and convenient healthy drinks. The capsules offer consumers a more convenient and practical way to prepare tea, according to the manufacturer. Compatible with Nespresso machines, the pods are available in three flavors: original yerba maté; blackberry, blueberry and vanilla; and passionfruit, orange and ginger. Leão said it sources the yerba maté from producers in southern Brazil while the herbs used in the Leão Senses range are imported mainly from Europe and Asia.Coca-Cola Brazil is the country’s biggest soft drink manufacturer, operating in nine segments: water, coffee, teas, soft drinks, nectars, juices, dairy products, sports drinks and vegetable drinks.Its portfolio includes 213 products, including regular, zero-calorie and low-calorie variations.Leão’s portfolio of brands includes the Leão tea and coffee range, Del Valle, Chimarrão Pampas and Powerade.
Energy company Chevron has put its global media planning and buying business in review. WPP has been the brand´s incumbent for 16 years. Two unnamed competitors will be pitching against the incumbent, aacording to a party close to the review . WPP currently handles global media for three of the world’s four largest fossil fuel companies, according to Adweek. The latter review resulted in the formation of dedicated unit Team Energy, which consists of Ogilvy, Grey, VML, Mindshare, Essence, SocialLabs and Landor.
Air France – KLM recently announced that LINKS Travel Trade, Marketing & Public Relations, a global communications agency specializing in the Tourism and Travel sector, has been named as the airline group’s agency of record (AOR). With deep knowledge in the Latin American and Caribbean markets, LINKS will develop Air France – KLM ‘s communications strategy specifically for the Mexico market beginning January 2019.LINKS Travel Trade, Marketing & Public Relations is headquartered in Miami with additional offices throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Los Angeles, México, New York, Panamá and Perú.
Low-cost transatlantic carrier Norwegian plans to introduce free onboard Wi-Fi and new flights in Mexico and South America. The new Wi-Fi will be available on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft, with the first Wi-Fi-enabled Dreamliner having been delivered December 18, 2018. Norwegian said that more than 50 percent of its Dreamliner fleet would offer in-flight connectivity by 2020.This exclusive, invite-only event focused on the luxury travel market brings together world-class travel agency owners and managers with the most opulent, luxury suppliers to cultivate collaboration, share insights, and help carve a path into the future of luxury travel.
Copa Airlines is to further expand its network in South America with a new non-stop flight connecting Suriname with its Panama City hub.The carrier will initially operate the route to Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 July 2019, using Boeing 737-700 aircraft.Copa Airlines currently has an average of 350 daily flights through its hub at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, connecting more than 80 cities in 32 countries.Confirmation of Copa Airlines’ new route to Suriname comes just weeks after the airline finalized a three-way joint business agreement with US carrier United Airlines and Avianca of Colombia on US-Latin America routes.
Mariano Defelipe is Publicis Groupe Argentina new Integrated Business Director.
Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) –Americas has named Ezequiel Fonseca Zas SVP, Emerging Business. He will oversee all digital strategies, products and revenues across the portfolio of brands and markets and will continue leading the multiplatform strategy, product development, games & TVE products, digital ad sales planning, direct-to-consumer business development and operations for the all VIACOM Americas digital portfolio.
Lucas Arechaga has been appointed Programming Strategy & Operations Director Cartoon Network LATAM for Turner Latin America.
Marc Schader is the new Global Chief Client Officer for Havas Group Media.
Hogarth Worldwide, a WPP company and internationally-known marketing implementation agency, has established a new operation in Miami focused on the Latin American market. Hogarth’s Miami operation will be led by Mauro Baz, who joined Hogarth in 2011.
Lucia Diz has been appointed Digital Media Planner for MediaCom Argentina.
Chris Hirst has been appointed CEO for the Havas Creative global network.
Petco announced it has selected New York-based Horizon Media as its strategic media agency of record in support of the company’s ongoing retail and marketing transformation efforts.The selection follows just weeks after Anomaly was named the company’s creative agency of record, and was the result of a review process initiated in the Fall of 2018 and managed by MediaLink.Horizon will begin working with Petco immediately to deliver fully-integrated media planning and buying across paid channels and strategic integration with both Anomaly and Edelman, Petco’s PR agency of record. 
Avocados From Mexico (AFM), is taking shoppers’ party spreads to the next level with its Guac Nation program. The No. 1 selling avocado brand in the U.S. is teaming up with RITAS and TABASCO® Brand to help consumers savor winning flavors during the Big Game. The program runs through February 3, 2019, and will offer 360 support to inspire avocado consumption and lift sales. Avocados From Mexico will also be returning with its fifth annual Big Game commercial on February 3. Guac Nation seamlessly ties-in to support AFM’s established shopper communications platform, Savor Every Moment. During the week of the Big Game last year, increased avocado consumption helped retailers reach a 4-year sales high of US$58 million2 of all commodities. With millions of consumers hosting Big Game parties, this serves as an opportunity for high avocado consumption. Guac Nation is leaning into that excitement and engaging shoppers as they prepare for game day, making avocados the star player on their shopping lists.
P&G is bringing more of its media planning and buying in-house in an effort to cut costs and improve profit margins, as well as bringing its marketers closer to the consumers they serve. There was not a formal review but an internal bid process, in which Incumbent media shops Hearts & Science and Carat and P&G’s own in-house team participated, according to Adweek. Procter & Gamble’s in-house agency has taken over a larger share of its media business in the US. P&G categories at stake included fabric care, oral care, feminine care, personal healthcare, home care, skincare and baby care. P&G spent US$2.75 billion on paid media in the U.S. in 2017 and just over US$2 billion from January to September 2018, according to Kantar Media.
American video game company Electronic Arts — which develops and publishes games like FIFA, Madden NFL and The Sims —has placed a big part of its´media business
Banco Santander Chile has agreed with LATAM Airlines to renew and extend for 7 years the commercial and strategic alliance that they have maintained for 24 years and that will benefit more than one million customers included in the SANTANDER LATAM Pass program.Banco Santander Chile, the country’s largest bank, strengthens its commercial alliance with LATAM Airlines, the largest airline in Chile and Latin America, forming the fourth largest loyalty program in the world. The agreement will continue to contribute to the consolidation of the Bank’s leadership in the Chilean market.For 2019, it is estimated that Banco Santander clients will take over one million trips free of charge thanks to the SANTANDER LATAM Pass Program.
SC Johnson is fulfilling a worldwide commitment made nearly 10 years ago by expanding its industry-leading global ingredient transparency program to Latin America and delivering transparency to consumers everywhere around the world who use its products. SC Johnson has led the industry toward greater transparency and continues to disclose beyond industry standards. The company has also led the charge with governmental bodies for positive reform of chemical management and disclosure. When the company first announced its ingredient transparency plan, regulations requiring ingredient disclosure did not exist. SC Johnson’s pioneering approach began in earnest in 2009, with ingredient disclosure programs launched in the U.S. and Canada. In 2016, the company’s European ingredient transparency program was unveiled at WhatsInsideSCJohnson.com. One year later, the Asia Pacific market was added to SC Johnson’s global ingredient transparency program. Latin America is the final piece of the puzzle.The 133-year-old company, which generates 
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises announced the integrated sponsors for the first-ever Spanish-language version of NBC’s hit series 
Novamex announced the purchase of Tio Gazpacho, an award-winning drinkable soup company with flavors inspired by Spain. Novamex is a leading importer and marketer of Mexican soft drinks and groceries in the U.S., and is rapidly becoming a platform for the growth and development of natural and organic beverages.
General Motors provided full details on the massive marketing campaign for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, which will include ads on TV, radio, online, in print and through other mediums designed to reach new customers.First up are three new advertising spots entitled ‘A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll’, ‘Official Truck of Real People’ and ‘Tailgates‘ which will air on TV, online and in movie theaters throughout the first half on 2019. Chevrolet has also partnered with Amazon to advertise the 2019 Silverado on 7.1 million Amazon delivery boxes. Silverado ads will also appear on Amazon’s homepage and on the homepage of other popular websites such as Bleacher Report, USA Today, CNN and YouTube.Additionally, Chevy has partnered with multiple publications to take out fully sponsored front page cover designs (above). Chevy has also created dedicated, in-language, Hispanic-market versions of the campaign ads “to help ensure Silverado maintains its position as the top-selling pick-up among Hispanic buyers,” it says.The ad blitz for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado will kick off tonight when the 60-second version of “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock n’ Roll” airs during the College Football Playoff National Championship, which starts at 8 PM ET.
McDonald’s media buying across the U.S. for local co-operative groups of McDonald’s operators since 2017 has been OMD. The agency also does McDonald’s buying at a national level, Adage has reported. But now, OMD is about to get some competition on the local business. The fast-food chain is conducting a review for the local U.S. media business and after this review, McDonald’s will allow local co-ops to choose from a variety of media agencies to work with. It remains unclear how many agencies are part of the review. Prior to OMD winning the local media buying business, regional co-ops hired their own media agencies, often having creative and media handled by the same shops.
Driven Brands, parent to auto-service brands including Meineke Car Care Centers — has tapped Atlanta-based Publicis Media shop Moxie as its new agency AOR, following a review.Moxie, the marketing solutions agency Publicis Media’s Zenith acquired in 2006, will work on brand strategy, creative and media buying and planning for Charlotte, North Carolina-based Driven, whose brands also include Carstar and Spire Supply. Driven Brands Inc spent an estimated $24.7 million in measured media in the U.S. in 2017, according to Kantar Media.
One of South America’s largest air carriers, LATAM Airlines, completed its first-ever direct flight from Latin America to Israel.The trip took place from the Chilean capital of Santiago via São Paulo/Guarulhos-Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport to Ben-Gurion International Airport outside of Tel Aviv. This is the sole direct route from Latin America to Israel, and will function once a day on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.From January to November of this year, Israel has experienced 146,000 tourists from Latin America—a 62 percent increase compared to 2016, according to Israel’s Tourism Ministry. 
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has announced the opening of W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, the first W hotel in the country.W Costa Rica is located within a 2,300-acre nature reserve just minutes from Tamarindo, an internationally-renowned surf spot that has earned a reputation among amateur and professional wave enthusiasts. With more than 75 hotels in 50+ destinations worldwide, W Hotels & Resorts offer luxury, boutique hotels with a unique focus on design, music and fashion.
Bodega Luigi Bosca | Familia Arizu, one of the oldest and most renowned wineries in Argentina, announced that it has received a significant strategic investment from the Latin American fund of L Catterton, the largest and most global consumer-focused private equity firm in the world. Through its investment, L Catterton will partner with the Arizu family to support the global growth of the winery’s iconic brands and their long-term vision to expand into the most important international markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Bodega Luigi Bosca will continue to be run and managed by the Arizu family, who have built and developed the prestige and preeminence the winery enjoys today.
Delta Air Lines, strengthened by its deep ties with Aeromexico, is relaunching nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Mexico City. The year-round, daily flight is slated to begin June 8. It marks Delta’s third announcement of a new international destination for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this year. Delta flew between its Twin Cities hub and Mexico’s capital city several years ago, but didn’t have enough passengers to support the route and ceased service in August 2011. Since then, Delta and Aeromexico have formed a close joint venture — with Delta owning 49 percent of the Mexico-based carrier — which expands connecting traffic in both cities and increases the route’s chance of success.Aeromexico is the largest airline in Latin America and Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport is the region’s busiest airport. MSP passengers connect there to 41 other destinations in Mexico and Latin America, MSP officials said.
Newell Brands, a premier consumer goods company, has selected WPP as its communications partner for its portfolio of brands globally following a review. 
Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio includes more than 4700 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco locations worldwide, has consolidated its national media business under Publicis Groupe’s Zenith. Zenith already handled Sonic, while Interpublic’s Initiative previously serviced the national Arby’s business. Zenith will begin working on the Arby’s national account as of of Jan. 1. Initiative, Arby’s media incumbent for more than 15 years, retains the brand’s local media account.Buffalo Wild Wings moved its media to WPP’s Mindshare in the fall. Arby’s spent about US$140 million on measured media in 2017, according to Kantar Media.
Hennessy, the world’s best-selling Cognac, celebrates 
Verizon officially announced its media and advertising division would be rebranded Verizon Media Group, effective on January 8. This means the end of the Oath brand. The change is aimed at representing the brand´s strong alignment as a core pillar of Verizon’s business.A spokesperson for the company confirmed that an official Verizon Media Group logo is launching alongside the official rebranding on January 8.
Greenwich-based private equity firm L Catterton is acquiring Jose Cuervo-backed mexican hot sauce producer and distributor Cholula. Manufactured in Chapala, a town in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Cholula is named after the 2,500-year-old city that is Mexico’s oldest inhabited municipality. The product line was introduced to the U.S. market in 1989 and became identifiable for its distinctive mix of piquin and arbol peppers and its colorful packaging capped with a round wooden top.The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The transaction was a collaboration between L Catterton’s Flagship Buyout Fund and L Catterton Latin America.
Brazilian airline Gol will lease 11 Boeing aircraft from Irish aviation financier Avolon from next year.Avolon said on Monday that it has agreed to lease 11 of the Boeing 737 Max 8 craft that it has on order from the US manufacturer to Rio de Janeiro-based Gol.The Irish company intends to begin delivering the planes to Gol from the middle of next year.Felipe Campos, Avolon’s head of Latin America, pointed out the craft would boost the airline’s efficiency and reliability and allow Gol to expand.Gol is listed in New York and Sao Paulo. It had revenues of US$9 billion last year and profits of US$70 million.The carrier has almost 40 per cent of Brazil’s domestic air travel market and around 10 per cent of its international traffic.
Karisma is expanding with Nickelodeon, Margaritaville hotel brands. Karisma Hotels & Resorts, which has several resort brands under its umbrella, has already made quite the name for itself in the Mexican Caribbean as well as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. When it comes to expanding, it is showing no signs of slowing down.Karisma is most focused on at the moment, Nickelodeon and Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience by Karisma.The plan is not to bring massive hotels to smaller islands. The primary reason that Karisma envisions Margaritaville on smaller islands is that the Margaritaville hotels are flexible, from small hotels of 100 to 200 rooms on up. As for Nickelodeon, the next one to open will be in Riviera Maya in 2020. Karisma is looking at expansion opportunities for Nickelodeon all over Latin America, where Poling said brand awareness is strong.
Mahindra Vehicle Sales & Service announced the appointment of Global X-Sports LLC as exclusive distributor of its ROXOR vehicles in Latin America and the Caribbean. Representing multiple premium brands in the region as well as having extensive experience in powersports vehicles, Global X-Sports is perfectly aligned to represent Mahindra’s new ROXOR products.ROXOR is a fully customizable off-road only, turbo-diesel vehicle designed to handle the toughest of jobs and most rugged terrain.
The Bespoke Travel Group, the company behind luxury travel brands Bespoke Brazil and Bespoke Latin America, has rebranded under the name Humboldt. The travel company, which specialises in luxurious tailor-made packages to Latin America, have changed their identity to exemplify the adventurous and exclusive nature of their products, as they expand into other parts of the world.Since their establishment in 2011, the Bespoke Travel Group has gained a strong reputation and loyal customer base for their individual five-star packages to Brazil and South America. Featuring a copper sextant to represent discovery, the new brand identity will allow the company to continue their expansion into other areas of the world.To develop the brand, the Norfolk-based company employed Full Mix Marketing.
Walker & Company Brands
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has awarded its´most important global market to Publicis Groupe’s Starcom, following a six-month review, Adweek has reported.The assignment includes media buying and planning for all of Fiat Chrysler’s brands, which include Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram.The IPG network has handled U.S. media buying and planning for Fiat Chrysler since December 2009, when it won the account away from Omnicom’s PHD.
Paint brand Benjamin Moore, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has appointed Fig and Horizon Media as its agencies of record for creative and media, respectively. The appointment follows a review. The agencies will jointly be handling strategy, creative, production, media planning and buying, activation, social and community management for the company. The Martin Agency was the creative and media incumbent since 2013. Benjamin Moore spent US$35.5 million on measured media in the U.S. in 2017 and US$18.2 million during the first half of 2018, according to Kantar Media.
The Randalls at North Fry and Morton roads in Katy will close and be sold to El Rancho Supermercado, a fast-growing Hispanic grocery chain that entered the Houston market 
Valeritas, a commercial-stage medical technology company, has appointed agency Deutsch for the medical tech brand’s wearable insulin delivery device V-Go.Deutsch will handle all creative, media, and data analytics for the product’s direct-to-consumer efforts. Their first campaign will launch in the first half of 2019 in select U.S. metropolitan markets.
Beauty brand Avon has consolidated its global media buying and planning business with agency Spark Foundry, following a formal review. Media Buying & Planning were previously handled by Publicis Media agency and WPP’s GroupM. From January 2019, Spark Foundry will “hub” the account from London. Key markets outside the U.S. include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Africa, the Philippines and the UK. Avon spent US$118 million on global advertising in 2017, according to its latest annual report. In 2016,
Viva Air, Latin America‘s leading low-cost airline, announced a new direct international route between Miami and Santa Marta. This will be the first direct route ever offered between the two cities, with rates starting from US$174 USD round trip. Tickets are currently available to book on www.vivaair.com, with the first flights departing December 18th, 2018. 
Omnicom has been appointed 
The Swedish beauty and well-being brand Foreo, maker of facial cleansing brushes, electric toothbrushes & eye massagers, readies for global expansion in 2019. The beauty tech brand is now present in more than 200 duty free stores in 23 countries. According to Foreo’s Global Travel Retail Director Gary Leong the brand´s expansion has already reached major capitals in Europe, North America, and Oceania (covering the entire Pacific Rim) and has started to spread in Latin America and the Middle East as well. North America, Latin America and Europe will be the brand´s main focus in 2019.Facial masks – with their roots in Asia – have been the most significant trend in the beauty in dustry and the most searched-for skincare term in 2017, according to Google.
Betterez, a Toronto-based tech startup modernizing the ticketing and reservations systems of the ground travel industry, announced that it will be powering omnichannel ticketing and reservations for one of Latin America’s largest bus operators, Grupo Senda. The company transports over 75 million passengers yearly to over a thousand destinations. 
The Toyota Corolla, a perennial top seller among light vehicles in the U.S., is on the way with a new platform and feisty personality. While much of the US car market has swung to the booming crossover segment, not all consumers have backed away from cars. Toyota believes there are still pockets of opportunity for car sales with multicultural groups. African-American, Asian and Hispanic consumerswill be key targets as Toyota looks to maximize the sales potential of the 12th-generation Corolla, said Sam De La Garza, Toyota’s senior manager of small-car marketing. The Toyota sedan campaign will have a similar feel to the hatchback’s ads, which are based on the “Greater Than” tagline. The brand is also developing ads that will target African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and then total market. Although the Corolla ranks 11th overall when looking at the industry as a whole, it sits at No. 2 among Hispanic buyers, trailing only the Honda Civic. It’s No. 6 among Asian buyers and No. 7 for African-American consumers.
Hoy Health, LLC has announced robust channel partnerships and reseller agreements with diverse healthcare and business entities, opening opportunities to bring quality healthcare programs and services focused on primary care to medically underserved and Hispanic populations. Hoy Health is an emerging health-tech company with solutions for individuals and institutional re-sellers that include affordable Rx drugs, chronic condition management programs and telehealth/virtual care. Hoy Health Establishes Key Partnerships Across Multiple, Varied Business Sectors; Meets Primary Healthcare Needs of Medically Underserved.According to Mario Anglada, CEO, Hoy Health. “Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the US, accounting for US$1.7 trillion in purchasing power.” Channel partners and resellers will offer products that span the Hoy Health ecosystem.
Insurance giant State Farm, which consolidated its marketing business with Omnicom early this year, is reviewing its PR duties. According to sources, the process involves the company’s relationship with Interpublic’s Weber Shandwick, which has served as State Farm’s lead agency for nearly a decade. As the US’s largest property and auto insurer, State Farm has a hefty marketing spend; In 2016, the company reportedly spent US$726m. Along with smaller regional partners, State Farm works with some non-Omnicom shops, including Translation which has produced multicultural-targeted campaigns for the client.
Buffalo Wild Wings parent company Inspire Brands announced that it has chosen The Martin Agency as its new creative AOR after a competitive review. The appointment follows a media agency assessment that resulted in Mindshare picking up the account from Horizon Media. Buffalo Wild Wings spent about US$75 million on ads last year, according to Kantar Media.
WPP has won Volkswagen‘s creative account in North America, following a seven-month global agency review. The incumbent in the U.S. was Interpublic’s Deutsch. Omnicom will handle Europe and South America. The German automaker will centralize its marketing to be run from four main hubs that it calls “powerhouses.” They are based in Berlin, New York, São Paulo and Beijing. VW previously used roughly 40 agencies globally. Omnicom’s PHD remains Volkswagen’s global media agency.As VW’s “Powerhouse” agency for North America, WPP will handle Digital, Creative, Dealer and Production throughout the United States and Canada, with additional responsibility for Mexico. WPP formed a new entity to handle the account called The VW Partnership. The review covered the automaker’s flagship VW brand, not its other nameplates, which include Audi.Volkswagen is the 61st-largest advertiser in the U.S. with US$746 million in spending last year, according to the Ad Age Datacenter.
Chilean owned LATAM airlines has announced that it will operate three weekly flights between Montego Bay, Jamaica and its major hub in Lima, Peru starting July 1 next year. LATAM Airlines Group is Latin America’s largest airline group operating more than 1,200 flights per day and transports 67-million passengers per year. The airline has one of the largest route networks in the world, offering air services to around 140 destinations in 25 countries. LATAM has significant presence in six domestic markets in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Hilton announced the opening of Hilton Guadalajara Midtown, the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand’s second hotel in Guadalajara and eighth property in Mexico. This opening is also a celebrated addition to Hilton’s expanding portfolio in the country, where the company has more than 60 hotels across seven brands welcoming travelers. Situated in the heart of the city’s financial and business district, the 225-room vibrant hotel in Guadalajara features a swimming pool, fitness center, signature restaurant, two bars and more than 11,500 square feet of flexible event space.Conveniently located less than 12 miles from Guadalajara International Airport, Hilton Guadalajara Midtown offers travelers access to Plaza del Sol shopping center as well as neighboring markets and attractions such as Teatro Degollado, Lake Chapala and Expiatory Temple. Guests can also take the famed Tequila Tour by train from Guadalajara to Tequila Jalisco.
Argentinian exclusive resort Llao Llao, located in the city of Bariloche, has appointed Socialive as its creative, digital and media agency.
The pioneer of boutique hotel design in Mexico, Grupo Habita, has partnered with the global hotel industry’s leading guest acquisition platform, SiteMinder, to capitalize on the rise of international tourists in the country.Grupo Habita, which launched at a time when Mexico City struggled to appeal to international leisure travelers, has brought leisure tourism into less-travelled destinations for almost two decades. The hotel group has amassed 12 lifestyle properties across Mexico, as well as two in the United States, and today says technology will allow it to continue innovating and tapping into new source markets.Mexico ranked as the sixth most visited country in the world in 2017, with 39.3 million international visitors. It is expected to achieve a new record in 2018, having attracted more than 30.5 million international visitors during the first nine months, which is up 6.8% based on year-on-year figures.Already, Grupo Habita is working on future must-see destinations, including the remodeling of a mansion in Puebla, Mexico, and new properties in both Los Angeles and Austin, Texas.
Omnicom’s DDB has been assigned U.S. Army US$4 billion ad account, according to the Department of Defense.The DOD statement said the new contract could extend to 2028. The scope of work includes media, creative, digital, PR and direct marketing.McCann has been the incumbent on the account for more than a decade.DDB will create a dedicated unit for the army account that will include staffers from OMD, Rapp, Critical Mass, Annalect, The Marketing Arm and other specialist Omnicom agencies.
Dunkin’, long recognized for keeping on-the-go guests energized with its signature hot and iced coffees, is now determined to be known for great-tasting espresso beverages. Nearly one month after unveiling its new rebranding designed to emphasize its beverage-focused strategy, Dunkin’ revealed one of the most significant product initiatives in the brand’s recent history, with the goal of offering an entirely new espresso experience for customers in its U.S. restaurants by the holiday season. The donut chain has unveiled it’s newest campaign from BBDO, “Sipping is Believing,” which i
Revlon has put its global brand PR account up for review, according to an individual familiar with the process. Lippe Taylor had been the brand AOR for several years, but it declined to participate in this process. Revlon reported net sales of US$655.4 million in Q3, down 2% year-over-year. Its net loss of US$11.1 million in the quarter was an improvement from the loss of US$32.4 million in the prior year. Last June, 
In partnership with Universal Pictures and Illumination’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch, Honda has discovered that their Happy Honda Days event was stolen by the Grinch during Sunday television programming, leaving an empty Honda dealership and spreading unhappiness across the automaker’s annual holiday campaign. The Grinch canceled Honda’s annual sales event because it was simply too happy and today, he has taken over the brand’s Twitter channel, where he shares unhappy and unmerry holiday comments, featuring the hashtag #GrinchTakeover. Fans will want to follow along to see what else the Grinch may be scheming — or if Happy Honda Days can be saved.The Grinch is also using Honda’s Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube channels to spread word about his Twitter takeover. As a marketing partner of the film, Honda’s campaign includes two TV commercials, digital media, social media posts and NBCUniversal custom content featuring the Grinch.
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) announced that Apple CarPlay™ integration for your iPhone® and Android Auto™ are now available as a dealer-installed update for applicable Mazda vehicles, model year 2014 or newer and equipped with MAZDA CONNECT™ infotainment system.This dealer-installed update includes both hardware and software components. his integration helps keep the driver’s hand and eyes away from their smartphone. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers.