CAA Launches Culinary Division

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.

Also Read: CAA Marketing Unveils New Leadership Structure, Beefs Up Ranks

“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.

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