Ad agencies named

Welch's has selected The Via Group as its new lead advertising agency, because Via "understands how to engage consumers in an ever-changing world," said Chris Heye, Welch's vice president of marketing.

Portland-based Via Group, which has a Boston office, was tapped after a competitive review that was run by the ad consultancy Jones Lundin Beals in Chicago. JWT in New York previously handled the Welch's creative business. Other clients include LoJack, Maidenform and Guardian Industries.

Welch's, which markets Concord- and Niagara-based grape products, spends around $15 million annually on advertising, according to press reports.

Also, online travel reservation company Orbitz Worldwide has selected Mullen's media division, mediaHub, as its media agency of record.

Chicago-based Orbitz selected mediaHub in Wenham, Mass. to handle its brand planning and media buying after a review of media shops.

Orbitz spends an estimated $40 million on media annually.

The news marks an expansion of Mullen's relationship with Orbitz; the ad agency has handled Orbitz.com's creative ad account since 2006.

Mullen's mediaHub replaces New York-based Mediacom, which handled Orbitz.com's media business previously.

(Boston Business Journal)