Charm Communications seals Nasdaq-listed Zhongpin Inc’s branding and communications account

The scope of the agreement between Charm and Zhongpin includes both brand services (including consulting and creative), and media services such as  strategy and buying.

Zhongpin previously worked with separate brand consultant and advertising agencies, The branding was done by Meikao, and advertising by Interface Communications. The group also used Charm's services for Tianjin satellite TV last year.

Charm says the client now has a new strategy that requires a larger scale of brand promotion and a full-service agency. It was appointed without a pitch.

Zhongpin is one of the largest producers in China's national meat industry. It's clients include a number of multinationals including Wal-Mart, Metro, KFC, Carrefour, and McDonald's.

According to China Daily, Premier Wen Jiabao has told Chinese government departments to take immediate measures to support pork production and increase supplies. He hopes to thereby prevent a surge in the price of the meat, one of the key factors in pushing up China's inflation rate.