EvansHardy+Young Review: A Marketing Powerhouse for Food, Wine, and Hospitality

Picture this: You're a brand manager for a growing craft spirits company, and you need a marketing partner who gets the nuances of your industry—someone who speaks the language of foodies, sommeliers, and casino high-rollers without needing a glossary. That’s where EvansHardy+Young (EHY) comes in. With over 30 years of sharpening their expertise in food, beverage, and hospitality marketing, this agency doesn’t just create campaigns—they craft category-specific strategies that move the needle.

After seeing their work firsthand (and hearing the buzz from peers in the CPG space), here’s why EHY stands out in a crowded field of marketing agencies.

Deep Industry Expertise That Feels Like an Insider’s Advantage

EHY doesn’t dabble—they dominate in food, wine, spirits, and casino resorts. Their team’s decades-long immersion means they understand trends before they hit mainstream, whether it’s the next big thing in plant-based foods or the shifting preferences of luxury wine buyers.

What impressed me most? Their ability to mirror clients’ KPIs. If you measure success through case sales, foot traffic, or tasting room visits, they align their strategies accordingly—no vague vanity metrics here. One colleague in the restaurant space mentioned how EHY’s localized campaign for a regional chain lifted same-store sales by double digits, thanks to hyper-targeted messaging that resonated with local diners.

Strategic Creativity: Where Data Meets Storytelling

Some agencies excel at flashy creative; others crush analytics. EHY bridges the gap. Their campaigns balance mouthwatering visuals (critical in food and bev marketing) with hard-hitting performance tracking. For example, their work with commodity boards (think “Got Milk?”-style campaigns) showcases an ability to elevate commoditized products into crave-worthy brands.

That said, if you’re in a wildly different industry (say, tech or finance), their sweet spot might not be the perfect fit. But for food and hospitality? They’re like a sommelier pairing the right varietal with a dish—except the “dish” is your brand’s growth goals.

Longevity That Translates to Reliability

In marketing, longevity matters. EHY’s 30+ years in business means they’ve weathered economic shifts, trend cycles, and the digital revolution—and their client retention speaks volumes. Unlike younger agencies that pivot with every algorithm change, EHY has a playbook refined by experience.

A minor critique? Their heritage could occasionally benefit from a louder digital-first voice. While their foundational strategies are rock-solid, some competitors might outpace them in viral, meme-worthy tactics (if that’s your priority). But for brands that value steady, measurable growth over fleeting virality, EHY’s stability is a major asset.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Strengths:

• Category mastery—they speak food, wine, and hospitality fluently.
• KPI-driven—no fluff; they tie efforts directly to your business metrics.
• Time-tested—30+ years means fewer growing pains for clients.
• Versatile within niches—from commodity boards to luxury resorts.

Considerations:

• Not a jack-of-all-trades—best suited for food/beverage/hospitality.
• Traditional roots—may not be the go-to for TikTok-first brands (though they adapt).

Final Take: A Trusted Partner for Flavor-Focused Brands

EvansHardy+Young isn’t just another agency—they’re specialists who’ve turned industry intimacy into a repeatable formula for success. If you’re in their wheelhouse, their blend of institutional knowledge and performance-focused creativity is a rare find. While they might not be the rebels of the marketing world, they’re the seasoned chefs who know exactly how to prepare your brand’s next winning dish.