Kroger Will Work With DDB to Become an Omnichannel Retailer

Kroger named DDB New York as its official Agency of Record (AOR) after a historic competitive pitch process. As Kroger’s first-ever creative AOR, DDB will be responsible for developing a refreshed, stronger brand identity to support the company’s vision of serving food inspiration and uplift through Restock Kroger and beyond. 

The grocery chain will work with DDB to evolve the company brand as it transitions to become an omnichannel retailer, powered by four modalities: Store, Delivery, Pickup and Ship.

DDB’s work will build on Kroger’s history and purpose to Feed the Human Spirit with an elevated creative and strategic approach, deepening Kroger’s connection with customers today and into the future, according to a press release.

“Kroger is excited to partner with DDB New York to uplift our brand,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “At Kroger, we believe that no matter who you are, where you’re from, how you shop or what you like to eat, everyone deserves to have affordable, easy-to-enjoy, fresh food. This partnership will solidify Kroger’s position as a food authority, further proving to all of America that the retailer stands for fresh and quality.”

Founded in 1949, DDB Worldwide is one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing networks. Is part of the Omnicom Group (NYSE) and consists of more than 200 offices in over 90 countries with its flagship office in New York.

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“DDB New York stood out for its creativity, passion for our business and industry, and collaborative spirit,” said Mandy Rassi, Kroger’s head of brand building. “Consumers make 221 food-related decisions a day. A standout brand and narrative will drive more customers to choose Kroger more often via any channel. Kroger and DDB will work together to cut through the ‘sea of sameness’ that has arisen in grocery retail advertising, thereby supporting our transformation as a company.”

“All of us at DDB are humbled and excited to be named Kroger’s Agency of Record,” said Audrey Melofchik, President of DDB New York. “It is evident that the Kroger team is as eager as we are to work in partnership to bring the retail brand to new heights. There is massive creative potential to be explored within the brand, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with Kroger.”

This new partnership follows the recent news that DDB Worldwide was named the #2 Network of the Year at the 2019 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and marks the first major new business agreement for the New York agency under Melofchik’s leadership.

DDB’s first project for the supermarket chain is expected to launch later this year.