The Green Row blog

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:02:00 +0000

London Borough signing you up for Free Green Homes Concierge Services

The London Boroughs of Harrow, and Kensington and Chelsea have teamed up with London Green Homes Concierge Service to give homeowners in those boroughs a year's FREE service, normally worth £199. The service helps homeowners install improvements like loft insulation, draught proofing and solar water heating to make their homes more energy efficient. Included is a home assessment, a full report and then a years concierge service to help you make any small or big changes.

This is an awesome opportunity for anybody making changes to their home, it would cost in the region of 2k to get all of these elements in one service. If you live in the Boroughs of either Harrow or Kensington and Chelsea and want to take this offer up please contact http://www.greenhomesconcierge.co.uk/ or call 0800 089 0098

If you want to taketailored to your needs, whether you want to save money, reduce your carbon footprint or just make your home warm and cosy.

important.
That’s why Harrow Council has teamed up with Green Homes Concierge Service to offer residents a ground-breaking home energy scheme. Created with the London Development Agency, Green Homes Concierge And what’s more… The first 50 people to join the scheme will receive the service free of charge (it usually costs £199 for a year’s consultation).

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:37:00 +0000

PR industry forecast to thrive in recession

A new report backs up the trend in businesses using PR as a key marketing resource through touch economic times.

http://www.netimperative.com/netimperative/news/2008/november/3rd/pr-industry-forecast-to-thrive-in-recession

Nearly half of UK companies surveyed plan to increase spending on PR over the next 12 months, according to a new survey.
The survey of UK businesses, conducted by research company Shape the Future, has highlighted the most frequent areas of marketing spend predicted by businesses over the next 12 months. These were identified as websites (58.9 percent) and PR (42.5 percent).

These figures suggest a reversal on the usual slashing of PR and marketing budgets during hard times. Interestingly, a fifth of businesses surveyed (19.7 percent) also planned to increase spend on website optimisation.

The research also identifies a healthy opportunity for those in the marketing service industry, as companies intend to employ a more diverse range of tools in the tussle for market share.

"There is a clear message here that companies have really got to grips with the influencing power of the internet. With such importance placed on PR and the net, firms with a finger on the pulse of social media campaigns may well be the likely winners," said Peter Martin, managing director of Shape the Future and author of the report.

Sectors and Stats

· Companies more likely to increase marketing spend were business services companies
· More businesses in the property sector are likely to be decreasing spending than average, as are retailers and wholesalers
· Businesses in the South East were more likely to be reducing their marketing spend (20.3 percent were maintaining or increasing, while 25.3 percent were planning to decrease)
· Only 9 percent of companies surveyed planned to reduce their marketing budgets for the coming year

The online survey was conducted between 23 September and 4 October 2008, using a sample of 1,492 businesses across the UK, using Shape the Future's proprietary software and systems.

Source: http://www.shape-the-future.com

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:29:00 +0000

UK AWARE ANNOUNCES NEW UK DATES
LONDON OLYMPIA - 17th and 18th April 2009

UK AWARE, the green and ethical lifestyle show, is proud to announce two new UK dates, following the success of its May 2008 inaugural show LONDON AWARE 08. UK AWARE, www.ukaware.com will take over Olympia Two on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April 2009 and expects in excess of 10 000 visitors.

UK AWARE is the UK's only public facing green lifestyle show with a proven track record. Danny Carnegie, Founder of UK AWARE said; “We’ve got an interactive, mainstream show which is going to blow the socks off the UK Consumers. Expect lively debate, amazing exhibitors and an opportunity to experience the future of consumerism for the benefit of this planet.

UK AWARE has chosen Olympia because it was imperative to use a venue which aligned itself ethically. EC&O have recently won an AEO award in recognition of their sustainability initiatives, so it was a natural choice. In an industry which traditionally has a large carbon footprint it is great to be able to work with a venue which is setting the industry standard, not just as a venue, but as a sustainable venue.

Exhibitors and speakers include Oxfam, Trevor Baylis OBE, Fairtrade foundation, Method, Green Homes Concierge Service, Greenpeace, G Wiz and many exciting consumer products and services. Live music and entertainment plus other unique exhibitors will be announced in due course.

For further information about exhibiting please contact Jodie Carnegie at UK AWARE on 020 8842 7500 or Jodie@ukaware.com

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:16:00 +0000

LBC - London's Biggest Conversation

Our own Helen Trevorrow gets to grips with issues facing small businesses during the 'credit crunch' and fights it out live on air with LBC's Petrie Hoskins and James Hartigan: Click on the link 23%20Oct.mp3

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:13:00 +0000

NICARAGUAN TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH PERCOL COFFEE

Beverly Butler from Petersfield in Hampshire and her husband won a once in a lifetime trip to Nicaragua this summer courtesy Percol Fairtrade and Organic Coffee, Trips Worldwide and Waitrose Food Illustrated Magazine. Here’s what Beverly had to say:

“What a fantastic time we had in Nicaragua – so well organised, and exciting as we moved around staying in six hotels in total, from a mountain lodge, to colonial style hotels and a luxury ecolodge.

“We had a driver and guide with us the whole time, who became very good friends over the two weeks as we traveled around the country and we found all the Nicaraguan people very open and friendly.

“We became experts in coffee during our trip. We first visited the coffee bean processing factory in Sebaco and watched the whole process, from drying the beans to selecting the right blends for specific companies in the tasting laboratory. We then spent two days visiting the small coffee co-operatives where Percol coffee is grown and walking round the plantations with the owners learning about coffee growing – it was fascinating

“As well as learning about coffee we also climbed the active Masaya Volcano, trekked up the waterfall of the Maderas Volcano in a cloud forest, visited ‘Leon Viejo’, the first capital of Nicaragua, where we learnt a great deal of Nicaraguan history and Granada, Nicaragua’s oldest and third largest city. Our trip was round off by a stay at the luxury Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge situated directly on a gorgeous beach and surrounded by nature and wildlife.

“This really was a once in a life time holiday – Thank you Percol and Trips Worldwide!”

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:10:00 +0000

TUSCAN COOKERY COURSE WITH KATIE AND GIANCARLO CALDESI

In association with the Castello Di Gabbiano, Delicious Magazine is proud to present an evening of traditional Tuscan cookery with Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi at their London cookery school, La Cucina Caldesi. In this exclusive evening of hands-on cookery, learn all about the traditions of Tuscan food and wine under the professional eye of Giancarlo and Katie - stars of the BBC's Return to Tuscany. Soak up the atmosphere of a restaurant kitchen, discover new and exciting ingredients and experience the authentic Tuscan taste of wines from the CastelloDi Gabbiano

To seciure a ticket for this one-off event please call La Cucina Caldesi on 020 7487 0750 and select option 2. Places are limited so don't delay. Tickets are priced £95.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:08:00 +0000

VICTORIA LEAVITT JOINS POLLEN AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

, the London based branding and design consultancy, has appointed Victoria Leavitt to its Board of Directors as Non-Executive Director. Vicky will be responsible for helping to drive overall business strategy for the independent branding and design firm.

Vicky joins Pollen with significant management experience and a wealth of expertise across all marketing disciplines from a wide array of industry sectors including FMCG, beauty, healthcare, financial services and retail. Vicky has been at the helm of two of Omnicom’s London-based branding firms as CEO of New Solutions and Managing Director EMEA for Siegel+Gale.

Dan Dimmock, at Pollen, says; “We are absolutely delighted to have Vicky on-board. She brings with her a wealth of blue-chip marketing and management experience from a career that has spanned all marketing disciplines and much of the globe. She combines this incredible expertise with unstoppable enthusiasm and a strong track record of business growth.”

Vicky Leavitt continues: “This is an exciting role for me and I am particularly looking forward to working with the talented Pollen management team to build on the success they have already achieved, whilst also raising their profile within the industry.”Pollen is an experienced and professional branding and design consultancy, helping clients to engage with customers and employees, to grow their businesses, and to develop purposeful, exciting brands that drive results. Pollen prides itself on clear strategic thinking and strong ideas for clients that span a wide array of industries - from telecommunications, entertainment and media to FMCG, airlines and luxury resorts. http://www.pollenlondon.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Save money, save the planet
Make savings that really count with Green Homes Concierge Service

Leading home energy service, Green Homes Concierge, is helping all London homeowners to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and to save money in the process. A more efficient home costs less to run: by making simple changes to your home today, Green Homes Concierge can help you reduce your impact on climate change and save you up to £300 a year on your energy bills.

Created with the London Development Agency, Green Homes Concierge is the groundbreaking home energy scheme working closely with individual London homeowners to help them reduce their energy consumption, lower their energy bills and slash their carbon emissions by a third.

How it works
It’s never been easier to reduce your energy consumption and make the changes you know you should. You join the service for a one off, subsidised payment of £199 for a 12 month period. You will then be allocated a personal home energy advisor who will visit your home to undertake an in-depth analysis and create a tailor-made report for your home identifying areas where potential energy savings can be made – this might include draft proofing, insulation, double glazing, solar heating and hot water systems.

Following this initial assessment you will then have unlimited access to a Green Homes Concierge Customer Relationship Manager who is able to provide immediate, accurate and independent advice on the best products and services available to improve your home’s energy efficiency. They will work with you every step of the way to arrange any home improvement work that needs undertaking. Even the simplest changes can make a significant difference to reducing the energy consumption of your home and reducing the cost of your bills.

CEO of Green Homes Concierge Service, Andrew Long, says: “With energy bills on the rise and the threat of climate change ever more apparent, it is vital that we all make changes to the way we live our everyday lives. The personal and professional service that we offer makes it easy for homeowners in London to reduce the energy consumed in their own homes. Together we can make London a cleaner, greener place and make a significant contribution to reducing energy bills.”

To find out more about Green Homes Concierge for yourself please call 0800 089 0098 or visit http://www.greenhomesconcierge.co.uk/

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:38:00 +0000

Shoppers splash out on Fairtrade but not green
Peter Cripps, The Grocer, 20/09/2008
In: Industry news, Industry news
Viewings: 170
Credit crunch-hit consumers are more likely to pay for Fairtrade than environmentally friendly groceries, according to a survey seen exclusively by The Grocer.Despite feeling the pinch, 92% of consumers still claimed to be willing to pay extra for a product perceived to be ethical and 76% said they would choose products benefiting people rather than the planet. Fairtrade was shoppers’ favoured type of ethical product, with 65% of shoppers prepared to pay an extra 10p or more, according to the report by market researchers Feel.“Environmental shopping is obviously under pressure from the credit crunch, but people still care about social issues,” said Chris Arnold, founder of Feel. “In times of recession, people come together more – they may get more touched by environmental issues when they see the effect they have on people.”A separate report by the Food Standards Agency also revealed environmental issues were less important than economic and social issues in the minds of shoppers. The survey of 2,068 shoppers showed that 66% thought economic issues such as price and quality were most important, 23% said their priority was social issues and just 10% first considered green issues.Forum For The Future, an environmental charity that works with businesses, said it was important the environment was not forgotten. Ahead of a report to be released on Monday that highlights environmental products on offer, CEO Peter Madden said: “It is clear from our work with over 15 major supermarket and retail partners that more consumers are demanding greener products and services that are also good for communities.“The challenge is making sure those choices are affordable. More supermarkets are now offering low-priced, sustainable options and making green choices such as low-energy lightbulbs more affordable. These will help customers save money when fuel bills are sky-high,” he added.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:35:00 +0000

NOW OFFICIALLY THE BEST TASTING COFFEE IN BRITAIN PERCOL FAIRTRADE COLOMBIA GROUND COFFEE
Percol Fairtrade Colombia ground coffee has won a three star gold accreditation at The Great Taste Awards making it officially the best tasting ground coffee in Britain.

Percol Colombia is the only coffee to have been awarded a 3* gold in 2008 and is the highest ranked coffee for taste and quality. Regarded as the industry Oscars, The Guild of Fine Food’s annual Great Taste Awards are the UK’s largest independent evaluation of fine food and drink.
Percol has won 29 awards for quality and taste since 2002. In 2008 a record breaking 4,790 foods entered the Great Taste Awards where they were blind-tasted by up to three separate teams of experts including Charles Campion and Alex James.
Brian Chapman, Founder, Percol said; “It is an awesome achievement to have attained three gold stars and to be the only coffee to do so. We stand in esteemed company with the other Great Taste Award winners and we are delighted to be leading the way for the highest standards of taste in coffee.”
· Fairtrade Colombia, 3*** Star Gold rating – Unmistakably Colombian. A tantalizingly rich aroma with a hint of nuts. Complex flavours creating a smooth, full bodied coffee with attractive citrus notes on the finish RRP 250g at £2.49

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:22:00 +0000

GLOSSY COATS, SMOOTH DIGESTION, AGILE JOINTS
Britain’s best supplemnts for dogs now available all over the UK

Pooch & Mutt, the famous supplement for dogs is now available all over the UK

Made in Great Britain, Pooch & Mutt supplements are 100% natural, made from the finest high quality ingredients and come in fully environmentally friendly packaging. Specially developed for dogs the Pooch & Mutt products are formulated and created by Blue Chip, the leading equine nutrition company and choice of champion horses in racing and eventing.

Pooch & Mutt is a favourite of dog breeders and has been used by a Crufts Supreme Champion. Guy Blaskey, Founder of Pooch & Mutt says; “We make high quality products which give dogs a high quality of life. All dogs can use our supplements but we are most happy when we see dogs with problems make a full recovery.”

Simply add the daily amount of supplement to your dog’s regular food by sprinkling over the top or mixing in. The range includes:

Mobile Bones - A natural joint and bone supplement created to support, ease and preserve healthy joints, strong bone, cartilage and mobility. Ingredients include a unique combination of herbs, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and Glucosamine, MSM, Omega 3 from Linseed, Omega 6 from Evening Primrose and others. RRP £14.99 500g

Bionic Biotic is a digestive and conditioning probiotic supplement for dogs to maintain optimum digestive health and a fully functioning immune system. It gives your dog energy and vitality and can also help with specific problems like underweight or out of condition dogs, diarrhoea, firm stools, glossy coat and skin, overweight dogs and stress. RRP £14.99 500g

For more information about what we do, to see some of the many dogs that we have helped , to buy online and to find out where else you can buy our products come and visit our website

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:09:00 +0000

LONDONAWARE 08 was a huge success with plans already underway for 2009. Click here for highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:38:00 +0000

BRANDS GROUP LAUNCHES NATURAL FAIRTRADE COLA

London based food and beverage company, Food Brands Group, is extending the Percol Fairtrade beverage portfolio with the launch of a new Fairtrade cola – Percola. The product is an innovative addition to the company’s best-selling hot beverage range.

The 500ml bottle will retail at £1.19 and is the first Fairtrade cola with no preservatives or artificial colours. It is made with Fairtrade sugar sourced from selected farms in Africa where Percola pays smallholder farmers a fair price to improve their working conditions and build a better quality of life.

Brian Chapman, Founder of Food Brands Group says: ‘Consumer demand for Fairtrade products is growing year on year and we have seen sales of Percol coffee up more than 20% since 2007. To build on this success we have been working hard to expand our Fairtrade offering with new and pioneering products to excite the customer. Percola is a unique example of the brand’s versatility.’

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:26:00 +0000

WINE BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT…
New pouch redefines sustainability in the wine industry

From the peaceful, tranquil surroundings of Arniston Bay comes the Arniston Bay pouch – one of the most convenient and environmentally friendly wine products on the market.

Easy to transport and 20 times lighter than a normal wine bottle, the Arniston Bay pouch is perfect for BBQs, summer picnics, parties and more. Available in Chenin Blanc Chardonnay and Pinotage Rosé varietals, the pouch is unbreakable, re-sealable and easy to store. An Arniston Bay pouch will stay chilled and fresh in the fridge for up to one month once opened and when empty flattens for quick, easy disposal.

As well as being the most convenient summer wine available, the Arniston Bay pouch has an 80% lower carbon footprint than the same wine in glass bottles. From cradle to grave, including all production and transportation, the pouch has been developed to lower the environmental impact of the entire product, rather than just its disposal at the end of its lifecycle.

The Arniston Bay pouch is available from branches of Tesco, Waitrose, Morrison’s and Asda priced £9.79 for 1.5 litres. 250ml pouches will be available in retailers soon priced £1.79. Arniston Bay is produced in Stellenbosch, South Africa by leading wine producer, the company of wine peopleTM.

Tasting Notes:
Arniston Bay Chenin Blanc Chardonnay
Lovely pineapple and ripe melon flavours on the nose following thorough to a full-bodied middle palate with a fresh, crisp finish. Serve chilled on its own or with seafood and salads. Available in Tesco, Asda and Waitrose

Arniston Bay Pinotage Rosé
Lively strawberry and violet aromas combine with the fresh, fruity taste to yield a light, easy-drinking wine. Serve chilled on its own or with seafood and salads. Available in branches of Waitrose and Morrison’s

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:55:00 +0000

GREEN ROW TO REPRESENT PINK

Green has been appointed to handle consumer PR for PINK - the glamorous and fun sparkling wine by Yellowglen. It is delicious with refreshing strawberry fruit characters and a delicate mouthfeel. Watch out for PINK in the hands of celebrities and supporting The Pink Ribbon Foundation breast cancer initiative.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:35:00 +0000

POLLEN APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Friday, 25 July 2008

London — Pollen, the brand and design consultancy, has appointed Lucy Protheroe to the position of Director of Operations. With immediate effect she will be responsible for providing a dedicated focus on client accounts, overseeing production and excellence in client service.

Lucy joins from Stream Digital Media, a division of Ascent Media, where she led the development of digital services and headed up production and client services. Clients included many global media brands including BBC, Sony Pictures and Universal Music. Lucy was formerly with marketing and communications agency DeepSync, advising football clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool.

Dan Dimmock, Director of Strategic Development said; “Lucy is an utter professional. Her experience will act as a catalyst for the seamless evolution of our client campaigns and the consistent high standard of production in Pollen’s output.”

Pollen is an experienced and professional brand and design consultancy helping clients to engage
with customers and employees, grow their businesses and develop purposeful, exciting brands that drive results. Priding itself on clear strategic thinking and strong ideas, Pollen works with FremantleMedia, AREF (The Association of Real Estate Funds), BSkyB, VWater (Pepsico International), Renew, MPG (part of Havas Media, the 6th biggest worldwide communications group) and E! Entertainment.

Earlier this year Pollen appointed specialist consultant and ex-Enterprise IG (The Brand Union)
Creative Director Peter Stimpson as a Senior Branding Advisor.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:24:00 +0000

GREEN ROW COMMUNICATIONS APPOINTS CHAIRMAN

Ethical and lifestyle specialist Green Row Communications has appointed Christopher Broadbent as non executive chairman. Green Row’s current clients include Ban Bullying at work, Percol Coffee, Fairhills, the world’s largest Fairtrade wine producer, London Aware and Green Cuisine.

Helen Trevorrow, Green Row’s founder said; ‘Christopher brings a great combination of long term PR business knowledge with considerable experience of the areas of CR, and sustainability. He is very well connected in the business, political and NGO communities around these sectors, all of which will add strength and knowledge to our offering.’

‘Last year, more was spent on ethical goods and services by UK consumers than on alcohol and tobacco, at over £28bn’ added Christopher. ‘This is a great time to be specialising in this area. Add to that the sustainability agenda, which is not going to go away and any PR company knows its stuff will thrive.’

He remains on the boards of travel specialist Brighter Group and of Argyll Consultancies, the parent Kaizo.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:32:00 +0000

PERCOL COFFEE LAUNCH NEW AFRICAN RANGE

The people at Percol have teamed up with charity Schools for Africa to launch a new range of hot drinks. The Africa range includes tea, ground coffee, instant coffee and hot chocolate and is as delicious as all the other multi-award winning Percol products.

Percol has created its own new initiative, ‘Children in Africa’, where Percol raises money from the sales of the Africa range to support a number of children’s charities – the first of these being Schools for Africa (www.schoolsforafrica.co.uk), which raises capital to build schools in remote and poor areas of Africa. 30p will be made on every case sold.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Green Row wins Arniston Bay reports PR Week

Green Row Communications has won the retained account for South African wine producer Arniston Bay.

The agency has been retained for 12 months following a four-way competitive pitch.
It will raise brand awareness in the key female lifestyle press such as Eve magazine and wants the wine to be seen as 'relaxing and unpretentious'.
It will support the summer marketing drive for the brand's wine pouch, a product that claims to have an 80 per cent smaller carbon footprint than wine bottles.
Next week the wine brand will launch consumer sampling in mainline city railway stations. The Metro is also running a competition with the brand.
The agency also handles PR for fairtrade wine brand Fairhills.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:47:00 +0000

GREEN ROW TEAM UP WITH COOKIE GIRL

Xanthe Milton is Cookie Girl. She began making cookies at age 6. During a break from her acting career she began selling freshly baked cookies in a basket tucked under her arm knocking on the doors of west London offices and studios - before long her customers were hooked. Her cookies have been sold at Selfridges and she is currently working on a book of recipes with Ebury Press. She writes the popular Cookie Chronicles in Grove Magazine and appearances include Master Chef, Market Kitchen and will be appearing in Diet on the Dance Floor on Living this summer.

In Summer 2008 by the powers of the internet you are going to be able to order cookies online delievered to your door, desk, wherever. Blending magic with reality, sumptuous chocolate with crisp golden dough, London’s best kept secret, Cookie Girl and her veritable feast of cookies are now available all over the UK by delivery from http://www.cookiegirl.co.uk/

Famous amongst the residents and celebrities of Notting Hill, where Cookie Girl sells her wares each Saturday from her bijous1950’s styled stall, she has honed her skills from the age of 6. Learning from her mother and now cooking with her own daughter each cookie is individually hand-made using only very the finest Belgian chocolate and ingredients. Choose from milk, dark or white chocolate or cookies rolled with oats or sultanas all made to Cookie Girl’s exacting secret recipes.

Traditionally delivered only by hand by Cookie Girl herself the new online service will spread the Cookie Girl experience all over the country. Simply visit http://www.cookiegirl.co.uk/ordercookies.asp to order baskets of milk, dark or white chocolate cookies to your office, as a gift or just to indulge yourself, bite into a cookie and let your imagination melt away. Baskets are available in 3 sizes 25 (£40.00) 50 (£60.00) or 100 (£100.00) but Cookie Girl and her team also make bespoke baskets with prior arrangement. Discounts are available for weekly or regularly deliveries.

Russell Brand said; “I’m in love with Cookie Girl and it is making me ill.”
Caprice said; “These cookies are irresistible.”
Jade Jagger said; “The best cookies I have ever tasted.”

Cookie Girl’s clientele include Will Young, Cat Stevens, Gareth Gates, Jasmine Guinness, Sienna Miller, Belinda Carlisle, KT Tunstall, The Gorillaz, The Magic Numbers, James Morrison and the great and the good of Notting Hill.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:03:00 +0000

Carly and co go to The Castello di Gabbiano, Tuscany

As Press Officer for Gabbiano wines my main role is to meet with and speak to wine writers and journalists, send out samples and attend tastings. However, this Spring I had the best three days of my career so far when I got to escort eight journalists to the Castello Di Gabbiano in Italy for the ultimate Tuscan wine experience.

I woke up on Wednesday morning feeling very nervous – “what if one of the journalists forgets their passport?!” I thought. Despite the panic I got myself to Gatwick Airport and luckily enough all of the journalists arrived on time with passports in hand. After a short flight to Pisa and a hot mini-bus ride into the hills (plus numerous head counts) we finally arrived at the stunning Castello Di Gabbiano set at one of the highest points of the Chianti Classico region in Tuscany.

We spent the first hour soaking up the amazing scenery and serenity of the Tuscan hills, before we were taken down to cellars and shown the wine making facilities. We were then taken through a tasting of the whole range of Gabbiano wines as the sun set over the Castello. We worked our way up through the range, starting with the entry level wines and the refreshing 2007 Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie, made with 85% Pinot Grigio and 15% Gargenega. We then sampled the 2007 100% Sangiovese Rosé, followed by the entry level Chianti DOCG 2006. Moving onto the premium wines, made with grapes grown purely on the Gabbiano estate, we sampled the Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva and the Super Tucans, Alleanza and Belleza – each glass increasing with flavour and body.

Just up the hillside from the Castello stands Il Cavilaire, an authentic Tuscan restaurant where we were treated to a fantastic meal of smoked goose carpaccio, asparagus and parmesan risotto, ravioli of chicken liver with a saffron sauce, rack of lamb with a Rosé wine and pink peppercorn sauce and a lemon and amaretto crème to finish – each dish paired with one of the Gabbiano wines to compliment the flavour. Despite polishing off five courses and huge amounts of homemade bread with the estate’s own produced olive oil and vinegar I still managed to squeeze in some delicious chocolates and a couple of shots of limoncello!

We awoke on the second day to glorious sunshine and looked forward to a trip to Florence. We arrived at the far end of the city and entered the indoor food market, which was like nothing you will ever see in the UK. Cured meats and cheese hung from every corner, fresh fish and meat lay out on every surface and the smell of fresh pesto and pasta was intoxifying. We were collecting ingredients for the evening’s meal when Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi, of TV and restaurant fame, would prepare us a delicious meal.

Following our shopping trip we wandered through the city soaking up culture and fashion at every turn. We stopped for lunch and ‘gelato’ before heading back to the Castello where Giancarlo and Katie had already begun to prepare the evening’s meal.

After a short rest we all met back I the kitchen for a quick demonstration and then enjoyed another evening of great food and great wine before turning in reluctantly, knowing we had to return back to London the following morning.

So, after a long wait, I finally got to visit the Castello Di Gabbiano for an amazing three days of drinking wine, eating glorious authentic Tuscan food and soaking up the incredible culture up in the hills of the Chianti Classico region, as well as the historical buzzing city of Florence. The journalists were all great and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we have already started to see some great features as a result. I would definitely recommend the Castello Di Gabbiano as a great place to visit – I know I will be returning one day and not in a professional capacity!

Posted by: Carly Thornton, Account Executive

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:43:00 +0000

LONDON AWARE WEEKEND 10TH AND 11TH MAY 08
CHANGING THE WORLD WITH THE POUND IN MY POCKET

2 million Londoners are gearing up to put their money where their mouths are with a weekend dedicated to buying environmentally sustainable products and services only. Whether it is wine, beer, chocolate, transport, saucy undies, toiletries or even a holiday the LONDON AWARE 08 Weekend marks the launch of a major new initiative dedicated to putting the power back into the hands of everyday people.

UK AWARE, the organisation behind the LONDON AWARE O8 weekend, is a social enterprise founded by full time Firefighter Danny Carnegie, who was so baffled about how to make positive changes in his day to day life he decided to take action to bring business and consumers face to face. The LONDON AWARE 08 weekend is about making the right consumer decisions. It encourages consumer to spend their money but empowers them in the knowledge that their consumer choices matter.

Over the LONDON AWARE 08 Weekend 10th and 11th May it is expect that:

2 million Londoners will buy a sustainable product
£4.5 million will be spent on environmentally sustainable products
1 in 4 Londoners will purchase only environmentally sustainable products
The most comprehensive green consumer event ever will be staged

Danny Carnegie, Founder UK AWARE said; “The principle is very simple – just buy the things you want but make the decision based on the products which are the most environmentally sustainable. As consumers we can force change through our purchasing decisions. We can make a difference by hitting business where it counts – in the pocket. We are demanding that business gives us the options, the innovations and a positive future for our plant.”

Zac goldsmith, The Ecologist said; “The sheer diversity of activities at LONDON AWARE 08 is testament to how much we can all do to make a difference. It's inspiring.”

The LONDON AWARE 08 Show has assembled the most comprehensive definitive list of exhibitors and fused them with most pioneering brands in the environmental movement. It is a mixing pot of authors, music, shopping, food, media, travel, health and beauty and even comedy. The event is expecting 12 000 visitors over 2 days and already boasts an exhibitor list including, Trevor Baylis OBE, Greenpeace, The London Development Agency and many exciting consumer products.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:05:00 +0000

ALIENS LAND AT COLOGNE BONN AIRPORT YOU TUBE FILM PROVES EXISTENCE OF ALIEN LIFE

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=VNdWQuNtJ8Y

Live footage recorded at Cologne Bonn airport this week confirms the existence of extra terrestrial life. Recorded by Swedish tourists on route from Stockholm to Rome via Cologne the tourists unknowingly recorded a UFO in the skies above Cologne Bonn airport.

The footage has become a phenomenon on You Tube all over Europe. The footage shows a female tourist at Cologne-Bonn Airport being filmed by her friend with a hand held camera. Suddenly, while she speaks to the camera, the skies immediately darken above her and panic breaks out amongst the travelers at the airport. The footage seems to present remarkably clear pictures of an approaching UFO.
UFO researchers are examining the footage while committed UFO fans believe this proves the existence of intelligent life in space. An expert said; “This is bound to be seen in the mainstream as extremely controversial however, the authenticity of the footage is not in doubt and it does seem to confirm the existence of extraterrestrial life."

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:06:00 +0000

Gabbiano appoints TV Chefs Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi

Tuscan wine brand, Gabbiano, owned by Foster’s EMEA, has joined forces with husband and wife team and stars of BBC’s Return to Tuscany, Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi. Katie and Giancarlo will act as brand ambassadors to promote the Gabbiano brand in the UK and Europe.

As part of the overall Gabbiano marketing campaign, the TV stars will be hosting their extremely successful annual cookery school, which started with the Return to Tuscany TV show, at the Castello di Gabbiano, Tuscany in October.

The Caldesis will be working with Gabbiano on a number of PR initiatives, including a press trip to the Castello di Gabbiano where the wine is produced and a cookery class for media at La Cucina Caldesi cookery school in Marylebone.

Giancarlo and Katie will also be developing a range of rustic Tuscan recipes to accompany the Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT Della Venezie 2007 and Chianti DOCG 2005 as well as using the wines in the recipes and their three restaurants, Caldesi Tuscan Restaurant, Caffe Caldesi and Caldesi in Campagna.

Giancarlo Caldesi says; “We are really pleased to be working with Gabbiano. With its Tuscan heritage and quality wines they couldn’t be a more perfect for partner us. We are also very excited to be hosting our cookery school for the first time at the beautiful Castello Di Gabbiano. The stunning castle and Tuscan sunshine will make the event very special.”

The Gabbiano Chianti DOCG 2005 is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes with fresh violet and cherry flavours. The Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT Della Venezie 2007 is a blend of 85% Pinot Grigio and 15% Garganega which is peachy and refreshing with a fantastic zingy mouth feel.

Foster’s Marketing Director, James Lousada; “We are thrilled to have the Caldesi’s on board. Following the success of their TV Show, it was clear they would be ideal brand ambassadors. Gabbiano is all about enjoying good food with family, just like in the Mediterranean, and with the Caldesi’s great love of cooking rustic Tuscan cuisine and dedication to their family, they are the perfect match.”

Wines to share with family and friends, Gabbiano Pinot Grigio IGT Della Venezie 2007 and Gabbiano Chianti DOCG 2005 are produced by the Castello Di Gabbiano, a 12th century Castello set on a hilltop in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.

noreply@blogger.com (Green Row Communications) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:43:00 +0000

NEW FROM THE UK’S HOTTEST COFFEE - THE PERCOL GOLD AWARDS
Percol, the Award-winning Fairtrade and Organic coffee brand is launching a new set of awards to recognise gold standard excellence in food and drink. The inaugural Percol Gold Awards will mark the winning of five gold awards for Percol themselves at the Great Taste Awards in 2007 taking the total number of Percol awards for quality and taste to 27 since 2002.
The Percol Gold Awards are voted for by Percol’s 1 million customers and celebrate quality and excellence in food and drink. Customers can nominate individuals or brands to win a Percol Gold Award in the following categories:

1. Best food and drink writer
2. Best food and drink TV programme
3. Best Fairtrade product
4. Best Organic product
5. Best food and drink personality

To nominate please send your nominations to gold@greenrow.co.uk

Brian Chapman, Founder, Percol said; “We are delighted to be launching these awards which we hope will grow bigger every year. There is an abundance of talent and excellence in British food and drink at the moment and Percol customers recognise that.”
Angela Mount, Percol taste expert said; “We are looking to reward brands and people who represent everything that is exciting and innovative. We’ve had many entries already which just goes to show how the public feel about their quality food and drink.”