Bath-based communications consultancy Highlight has been appointed by luxury chocolatier Lily O’Brien’s to lead its consumer UK PR and influencer Christmas campaign.
The agency, which has a strong food and drink portfolio, takes on the account as Ireland-based Lily O’Brien’s continues to spearhead significant growth in the UK.
The brand, launched by Mary Ann O'Brien from her County Kildare kitchen in 1992 and named after her daughter, is now worth an estimated £15m.
It achieved record sales last year, with a growing market share driven by its best-selling desserts and its ‘ultimate’ and ‘exquisite’ collections.
Highlight PR will help position Lily O’Brien’s as a brand “made with heart, offering affordable indulgence for the people We really know” and promoting its selections as the perfect gift for loved ones this festive season.
Highlight consumer director Alison Vellacott said: “Lily O’Brien’s stands for innovation, craft, and indulgence for extra special moments.
“In the current climate, we know chocolate fans nationwide want a taste of luxury without the price tag, so we’re ready to make its award-winning collections a ‘must have’ this Christmas.”
Lily O’Brien’s marketing director Karen Crawford added: “Lily O’Brien’s has experienced market-leading growth in the past year, and we are continuing to invest in our brand through the launch of our new marketing campaign, showcasing our unique dessert chocolates and the O in O’Brien’s, rolling out across key consumer touchpoints.
“Bringing on board Highlight PR to further propel consumer awareness of our brand and product ranges is a key part of our journey to become a major player in one of the UK’s biggest FMCG (fastmoving consumer goods categories.”
Last year Lily O’Brien’s – together with iconic former Bristol chocolatier Elizabeth Shaw – became part of Colian food group as the Polish-headquartered company launched a dedicated UK division, targeting a doubling of its business to £40m over five years.
Highlight PR’s food, drink and FMCG portfolio currently includes Papa John’s International, Clipper Teas, organic food brand Kallo and Whole Earth, best known for its peanut butter.
It also handles international kids’ characters and toy companies, including Sylvanian Families and Miffy.
In June the agency, which was established in 1999, won the Consumer Relations and Small Consultancy of the Year categories of the PRCA Dare Awards in June.
