Agency Chosen to Lead Strategy, Creative Development, Media Planning and Buying for the Popular “Ice, Custard, Happiness” Treat Brand
Rita’s Italian Ice, the world’s largest Italian Ice concept with over 600 outlets in 21 states, announced they appointed New Jersey based Sigma Group as agency of record. Sigma Group has been contracted to provide strategic planning, branding, creative and promotional development, as well as media planning and buying services for the popular Cool Treat brand. Terms of the agreement and budget were not disclosed.
“We look forward to having Sigma Group as our partner to help us accelerate the growth of the Rita’s brand and the success of our franchisees,” said Mike Lorelli, Executive Chairman, Rita’s Italian Ice. “We value their strategy, deep insights, exceptional creative and leading edge media planning. They were passionate about competing for and winning the Rita’s business.”
Rita’s was founded in 1984 and is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world. In the past several months, Rita’s has grown rapidly to include year round outlets in Arizona, Nevada, California and Utah, as well as its first International outlet now open in China and opening early 2014 in Canada. Sigma Group will assist the growing brand and partner with Rita’s public relations agency of record, Duke Marketing, to develop fully integrated promotions such as Rita’s 30th Anniversary which will take place in 2014.
“Sigma is so proud to have been chosen as agency partner by Rita’s,” said Shannon Morris, President, Sigma Group. “Rita’s is a wonderful family brand that has amazing corporate values and a great vision for business growth. We’re really excited to tell the Rita’s brand story in new and unexpected ways to make Rita’s a standout choice for consumers.”
Sigma Group creates innovative marketing and advertising programs that connect companies and their customers to drive business results. They work with some of the world’s most well-known brands, are the No. 1 ranked agency in New Jersey (AdWeek), were named the top small agency in the Northeast (AdAge), and have been listed as one of Inc. magazine’s 5,000 fastest-growing companies. Sigma Group produces award-winning work for clients across consumer, retail and technology sectors. For more information visit www.sigmagroup.com or contact Shannon Morris, President, at 201-977-1077 direct.
Rita’s Franchise Company, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the world, currently operating in 21 states with over 600 outlets. Rita’s presently has its first international outlet open in China and, opening soon in India, the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and Canada, and is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.
The popular chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Milkshakes, Sundaes with Unlimited Toppings, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Since 1984, “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” has been the brand’s motto, and almost thirty years later, Rita’s is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere.
Rita’s topped the Zagat Survey for the #1 Best Quick Refreshment, Ice Cream/Custard for 2012, and was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s “Startup Journal” and named Top 100 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchise Rankings” in 2012. For more information about Rita’s please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com or www.ownaritas.com.
