LONDON: HJ Heinz UK is shifting the bulk of its £12 million ($23.8m; €17.7m) advertising account out of McCann Erickson just seven months after appointing the agency.
The food giant cites "international realignment of other McCann Worldgroup business" which has caused "growing conflicts of interest".
The US-headquartered maker of the eponymous tomato ketchup is now expected to call a pitch for the business. It is unclear if M&C Saatchi, which won Heinz' £1.2m Amoy brand last year, will be asked to participate.
Heinz UK marketing director Suzanne Douglas says that the decision is "not a reflection" on McCann.
Data sourced from Brand Republic (UK); additional content by WARC staff
