CAA is setting the table for a full culinary division to serve star clients like Gordon Ramsay, Roy Choi, Duff Goldman and Christina Tosi.
The agency has hired Andrew Chason of Vector Eats to run the unit, where he’ll manage brands and leverage new business opportunities for CAA’s roster and his own clients coming over, including star chefs Aarón Sánchez, John Besh, Amanda Freitag and Andrew Carmellini.
“From the surge in popularity of high-profile chefs and food-based television to the explosion of culinary festivals around the world, food culture is as prominent in the zeitgeist as entertainment, fashion, or sports,” Chason said in a statement.
“As food and chefs increasingly become a fundamental part of pop culture and consumers place a higher value on experiences, rather than material goods, we see tremendous growth opportunities in this area of business.”
The new group will oversee TV, marketing, publishing and licensing and merchandising opportunities for the roster, among other opportunities.
CAA Managing Partner Kevin Huvane said Chason is “among the most accomplished executives in food, and we are thrilled to have him guide the efforts of this group and further solidify our position as the leader in the epicurean space.”
Home runs for CAA in the space include partnerships for Ramsay with Waterford and a home collection with Royal Doulton.
CAA also helped Bethenny Frankel expand her Skinnygirl brand into non-alcoholic beverages, food, coffee and candy.
10 'Batman v Superman' Product Placements: Zap! Pow! Buy! (Photos)
Turkish Airlines The air fleet spent a mid-eight-figures to be the airline of choice in Gotham City, an individual familiar with the deal told TheWrap. The cost included fees to Warner Bros., production costs for featuring the plane in the movie, and media buys (including spots before the Super Bowl) to promote its airline and the film.
Microsoft Lumia 950 smartphone The device is Bruce Wayne's personal phone. Not only does it get great exposure, but the phone plays an important role early on in the plot.
Samsung Notebook 9 The laptops are featured in several scenes on conference room tables in Lex Luthor's offices.
2016 Jeep Renegade In a formal partnership between the studio and the auto company, the Renegade is actually titled the "Dawn of Justice Edition." It has several beauty shots in the film, and the physical car carries the Batman insignia and Superman shield.
Ford Mustang The car ppears in an intense car-chase scene.
Jolly Ranchers In perhaps the most interesting placement, the Hershey Company's hard candy Jolly Ranchers have incredibly prominent placement in a scene in which Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor attempts to intimidate a Holly Hunter's Sen. Finch. The scene even shouts out a popular Jolly Rancher flavor -- cherry.
Chateau Margaux wines The high-brow wine is the poison of choice for Bruce Wayne and various ladies he entertains overnight.
Gucci The legendary design house opened up its showroom to make custom looks for Gal Gadot's Diana Prince and Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne. Gadot even sports one of the monogrammed duffel bags during a scene.
Under Armour The athletic wear company is emblazoned on basketballs used at LexCorp for staff needing a fitness break, in line with the office culture of Silicon Valley.
Aston Martin Bruce Wayne rocks a super vintage Aston Martin (a brand that counts director Zach Snyder as a longtime fan).
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Zack Snyder’s superhero showdown features brands like Jeep, Under Armour, Jolly Ranchers and more
