SPRG adds more biz across two markets

The Hershey Company has appointed Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG) as its public relations consultant for its Van Houten brand in both Malaysia and Singapore.The win which followed a multi-agency pitch will see SPRG tasked to raise brand awareness and reinforce the brand's positioning as an experienced chocolate-maker in its ongoing communications programme for Van Houten.Michelle Villarroel, marketing director, Asia South, The Hershey Company said the Van Houten brand has been in Malaysia and Singapore for over 50 years and it was time to increase visibility and reinforce its brand presence in the two markets.He added the newly appointed SPRG would help translate its brand strategy into a fresh approach to engage with the Van Houten customers in this region.Stefanie Braukmann, general manager of SPRG Malaysia said: "We are delighted to be able to work with the Hershey Company and look forward to help strengthen Van Houten's brand presence in Malaysia and Singapore."Meanwhile, in Singapore, the agency has bagged PR duties for the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) on a one-year retainer to support its overall communications outreach.SPRG will be providing strategic communications counsel, oversee all communications efforts, media relations and publicity initiatives of all SKM-related activities in Singapore market for the period commencing September 2011.Commenting on the appointment, William Wan, PhD., general secretary, Singapore Kindness Movement said: "The role of the Singapore Kindness Movement is to promote acts of kindness, graciousness, respect, courtesy and consideration in our society. It's a big task and critical to us are partners who believe in the cause and we believe that in SPRG, we have found that partner."SPRG Malaysia and SPRG Singapore are part of Hong Kong based Strategic Public Relations Group, which is the largest independent public relations network in Asia.