Well, this is news to us, but yes, the Kraft Foods camp has confirmed that it’s recently discontinued its relationship with McGarryBowen Chicago in regards to its Philadelphia Cream Cheese account in the U.S. (BBH took over for JWT in Europe). We’ve been told that this realignment actually happened a couple of months ago. Regarding McGarryBowen, a spokesperson for Northfield, IL-based Kraft Foods (also parent of Jell-O, Oscar Mayer, Planters, etc.) says, “We appreciate their work on the brand the past four years and wish them continued success as they continue to support other Kraft brands now and in the future.”
McGarryBowen, which took over for Nitro on Philadelphia creative duties back in 2009, supports other Kraft brands including Miracle Whip (you might remember the “Take a Side” campaign from two years ago). According to Kraft Foods, the brand has a new agency already working on the Philadelphia brand, and that would be New York-based, Omnicom-owned Roberts + Langer DDB. Along with Philly Cream Cheese, the shop works with several Johnson & Johnson brands including K-Y, Neutrogena and Aveeno (here’s Roberts + Langer’s Jennifer Aniston-starring spot for the last brand that aired around Oscars time).