Greek Yogurt Leader Chobani Taps Gotham for Full-Service AOR Duties

Chobani Greek yogurt, the New Berlin, New York-based division of dairy product manufacturer AgroFarma chose New York-based Gotham Inc. as its agency of record. The account moved without a formal review from Boulder-based agency TDA Advertising & Design, who won the business back in May 2009. Since launching its brand in 2007, Chobani has become a major player in the Greek yogurt market. Today, Chobani, whose name is derived from the Greek word chopani, meaning “shepherd,” stands as the #1 yogurt in the Greek category in the U.S.

“Our Chobani business has grown over 350 percent in the last two years, and the category itself continues to grow with major competitive launches in the near future,” says Hamdi Ulukaya, President and CEO. “We will work with Gotham to define a competitively advantaged position for the company, tell our unique story, continue to drive growth, and enhance our brand awareness nationwide.”

Gotham will launch integrated broadcast, digital and print work in the early part of 2010 nationwide. This is the first major brand push from Chobani, who in 2009 engaged primarily in regional outdoor efforts and digital efforts.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the fastest growing Greek yogurt brand in the U.S.,” remarks Peter McGuinness, CEO of Gotham. “Chobani is a brand with momentum which garners a great deal of love from its loyalists. With the competition heating up, it is a truly exciting time for the brand and we are proud to help build on their current success and introduce the brand nationally.”

About Chobanir
America’s #1 Greek Yogurt brand Chobanir is committed to living the “Nothing but Good” philosophy. That’s why all products are all-natural, gluten-free, Kosher certified and made from hormone-free milk. Chobani offers a wide variety of flavors to please any palate for approximately 140 calories per six ounce cup, providing two times more protein than other yogurts, five live and active cultures, and three different strains of probiotics. Chobani retails for MSRP $1.59/6 oz, $3.99/16 oz and $6.59/32 oz and is sold nationally at Whole Foods Market, Costco and Sam’s Club along with regional supermarkets across the United States. For more information, visit www.chobani.com.

About AgroFarma, Inc.
AgroFarma is one of New York State’s largest dairy product manufacturers. Based in New Berlin, New York, the company was founded in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, a third-generation purveyor of Mediterranean foods. Committed to social responsibility across all platforms, AgroFarma supports natural farming practices to preserve the environment and is committed to producing products that are healthy, high-quality and all-natural under its two brands Chobani and Euphrates. Additionally, as part of its Giving Back initiative, AgroFarma donates 10 percent of Chobani’s profits to charities worldwide, 30 percent of which is donated to local New York state philanthropic organizations.

About Gotham
Gotham services the integrated communication needs of clients in fashion and beauty, retail, healthcare, financial services, hi tech and packaged goods categories. Clients include: Best Western, Lindt, Lufthansa, Fresh Direct, Yellowbook.com, Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton (WWRD Holdings), Goody, Hitachi America, Maybelline, Remington, Time Warner Cable and Newman’s Own. For more information, visit www.gothaminc.com.