NEW YORK – August 18, 2026 – Marino, a leading national strategic communications firm based in New York City with offices in Los Angeles and Miami, has been named a finalist in the 2026 PRNEWS Platinum Awards—the profession's most enduring recognition of outstanding work in PR and communications. Marino was recognized in the “Integrated Communications, Marketing & PR” category for its National Pinsa Day campaign for Di Marco, the original creator of Roman pinsa. 

"PR has never been more essential to how organizations build trust, navigate complexity and demonstrate impact," said Kaylee Hultgren, Associate Publisher of Content and Awards at PRNEWS. "This year's Platinum Awards finalists represent the very best of that work—campaigns and teams that didn't just execute well, but delivered results that matter. We look forward to celebrating them on October 6 in New York City." 

Marino developed and launched the first-ever U.S. National Pinsa Day on May 28, 2026, in partnership with Di Marco's Italy-based agency partner (Alta Cucina), creating an ownable cultural moment that brought together media relations, influencer engagement, experiential marketing, paid and organic social, and consumer conversion. The campaign set out to establish pinsa as a distinct and premium category in the U.S. market while positioning Di Marco as the category's originator and authority. 

"Marino has been a trusted strategic partner in Di Marco's U.S. expansion across both the foodservice and retail markets,” said Fabrizio Vivarelli, Marketing Director, Di Marco. “Their strategic thinking and proactive approach have made a measurable impact on our business. From launching National Pinsa Day in 2026 to elevating our brand through a comprehensive strategic communications program, Marino has consistently transformed bold ideas into results-driven campaigns that build awareness, generate excitement, and drive growth." 

The campaign generated more than 130 million impressions, 1.09 million social views, 37,000+ engagements and 29,000 clicks, while nearly 2,000 coupons were distributed with a 53.7% redemption rate. A highly visual activation featuring Roman centurions roaming New York City helped drive organic social sharing and influencer participation, while a branded pinsa kiosk at Eataly's Flatiron Plaza transformed awareness into product trial and purchase. 

"Through this activation, Di Marco introduced Americans to a product that was already deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, but still relatively unknown in the U.S.," said Robert Barletta, EVP and head of Marino’s Food & Beverage practice. "We knew we needed more than a traditional brand launch—we needed to create a moment that would make people curious about pinsa and give them a reason to enjoy it. National Pinsa Day gave us that platform, allowing us to turn an emerging category into a cultural conversation while driving meaningful engagement and measurable results for the brand." 

For nearly 30 years, the Platinum Awards have recognized the campaigns, agencies and in-house teams setting the standard for influence, reputation and results. This year's finalists were selected from a highly competitive field spanning every discipline in the profession, from media relations and brand strategy to public affairs, digital communications and experiential campaigns. 

Winners will be revealed live at the 2026 PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala on Tuesday, October 6, at The Lighthouse in New York City. The evening will also celebrate the 2026 People of the Year honorees and the Agency Elite Top 120, bringing together communications leaders from top agencies, brands, nonprofits and public sector organizations for the industry's premier night of recognition. 

About Marino.  

Marino is a national marketing, communications, and creative agency delivering data-driven and fully integrated strategies that shape perceptions, amplify impressions, and build high-level relationships that move brands forward. From Fortune 100 companies and global brands, to nonprofits and startups, Marino partners with organizations across every stage and sector, including real estate, corporate and professional services, consumer, social impact, and emerging industries. Headquartered in New York City, with an office in Los Angeles and executive presence in Denver, Atlanta, and Philadelphia, Marino brings full-service integrated marketing expertise to clients across the country.