MELVILLE, N.Y., June 4, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Full-service integrated advertising, marketing and digital agency The EGC Group announced today the launch of its Craft Beverage Division. This newest initiative will address the needs of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage brands – and is designed to help them achieve accelerated growth and exposure through strategic branding and consultation.

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"Launching our craft beverage consulting division is a perfect next step for the agency," said Ernie Canadeo, founder and president of The EGC Group. "The market is expanding rapidly and there's increasing interest in craft products. With our innovative approach to consumer outreach and branding, it's going to be a great fit."

"Spearheading our newest division will be James McCune, an executive creative director with more than 20 years of industry experience," said Nicole Larrauri, managing partner for The EGC Group.  "Jim has been the exclusive brand designer for Blue Point Brewing Company, which was recently ranked #36 of all craft brewers in the nation. His credentials are impeccable. He's a total professional with a great mix of creative, strategic and analytical skills. We are delighted to welcome him."

McCune will serve as executive director of the new unit, leading a team of marketing experts to offer the following services to beverage clientele: strategic planning, visual ID and branding, package design, marketing, product development, promotions and public relations.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to offer EGC Group's world-class services to the drink industry," McCune said. "Our initial focus is on the burgeoning craft brewing industry, because we have our finger on the pulse of the trends that influence consumer behavior and impacting the development, marketing and sales of this fast-growing segment."

LANDING PAGE

http://craftbeveragebranders.com

ABOUT JAMES MCCUNE

James McCune is an award-winning executive creative director. James has been building strong brands through strategic rich-media for nearly two decades. James enjoys agency life and has managed the creative on accounts that have included Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Wrestling Entertainment, Playboy and Universal Studios during his tenure as ECD of TEAM Services, a marketing agency in New York. James also served as the exclusive brand designer of Blue Point Brewing Company and as a professor of digital arts at NYIT. He inspires excellence in every creative branding and strategic marketing campaign.

ABOUT THE EGC GROUP

The EGC Group [egcgroup.com] is a full-service integrated advertising, marketing and digital agency headquartered in Melville, NY. EGC Group ranked as one of the Top Advertising Agencies in the nation by Advertising Age and is an Inc. 500/5000 honoree. EGC Group's work has been honored with some of the industry's top awards and retains clientele across retail, admissions, health, auto, craft beverage and nonprofit industries. The EGC Group was founded in 1985 and is a member of AAAA.