Wyeth tasks M&C, Weber Shandwick for infant formulas

Both agencies were handed the Hong Kong assignment following a multi-agency review for the Progress, Promil and Promise brands. Since 2002, Wyeth has been attempting to regain leadership of the category from Mead Johnson, with sources reporting that the company achieved greater market share gains than its rival in open trade and key chains since the third quarter of this year. Clarence Chung, Wyeth's sales and marketing director said Weber had been selected based on its "very solid experience in PR and sound knowledge in consumer and health products". Georgena Fung, Weber Hong Kong's VP and co-director of its Asia-Pacific consumer practice, credited the win on the consultancy's experience in marketing consumer brands such as Coca-Cola and MasterCard. "As for M&C, we liked their creativity and branding insight," Chung said. "We are confident that all three parties will have synergies and organise a successful integrated communication campaign for Wyeth in 2005." Chung said the appointments did not signal that Wyeth was preparing to step up its brand battle.