New virtual food and drink marketing agency is launched

James Newman, former marketing director at Gusto Italian, has set up a marketing agency specialising in food and drink for the North.

And he has launched the venture with his former employer as its first client.

Called “Brain Fuud”, the agency provides a virtual marketing director service, offering partners a flexible subscription model to senior level strategy, action and advice, in addition to integrated marketing services including digital marketing,PR, design, and brand development.

Newman said: “This has been nine months in the planning, and Matt, Gusto’s managing director, has been incredibly supportive and forward-thinking.

“I saw a gap in the market for a northern-based, hybrid agency/consultancy specialising in F&B, to support and drive growth for all the fantastic businesses up here.

“When Covid hit, the idea of focusing on virtual services was apparent.

“www.brainfuud.com is flexible, lower risk, lower cost, and focused on driving growth. If this current situation has proved out one thing, it’s that we can all successfully work remotely.

“Having someone who knows what strings to pull to drive growth, and can hand pick specific talent to deliver on projects, is a win for the client.”

The agency has also been appointed by Vaporetto, a mobile wood fired pizza business, to develop its brand, and deliver digital marketing services.

Matt Snell, managing director at Gusto Italian, said: “I’m delighted we can retain our working relationship, and James can continue his fantastic work here at Gusto, whilst supporting his new venture.

“Now, more than ever our industry needs commercially astute marketers who can focus on growth opportunities, and I would recommend James, and Brain Fuud, to anyone in our industry.”

Prior to Gusto Italian, Newman was marketing director at Red’s True Barbecue where he helped to create the brand’s irreverent brand communications strategy, and grow the business from two to eight sites, before joining the premium Italian casual brand in 2018.

Newman also held senior positions at Finn Communications, in Leeds.

Close