Richards to Re-Bid Citrus Business

ATLANTA The Florida Department of Citrus said it would issue a request for proposal for its advertising account on Feb. 23.

Interested agencies can download the document from the state’s Web site, www.floridajuice.com.

The creative and media buying account, pegged at $30 million, is handled by The Richards Group in Dallas, which has held the business since 1996. A Richards representative said the agency would re-bid.

RFPs for the state-mandated review are due at the FDC’s Lakeland, Fla., offices on March 15.

Vanessa Hodak, associate marketing manager for domestic juices, said a cut to 10 semifinalists would follow. A decision is expected in June.