Cav Snacks On New Pistachio Partnership

American Pistachio Growers has announced a new partnership with British pro cyclist Mark Cavendish MBE, which will see the American-grown pistachio nut become the “Official Snack” of the 25-time Tour de France stage winner.

Cavendish said of the deal: ‘I’m proud to support America’s pistachio farmers in this educational campaign and to add my voice to the growing group of advocates who encourage people to exercise and be mindful of what they eat.’

‘The fact that I eat pistachios because I love them and because they’re recommended by my nutritionist makes it easy for me to say they’re my Official Snack.’

Cavendish’s nutritionist, Nigel Mitchell, who is also the nutritionist for the British National Cycling Team, prescribes American-grown pistachios as part of a cyclist’s diet and is a strong advocate for including whole foods as fuel for athletic performance.

Mitchell added: ‘Mark needs a high-protein diet and requires certain nutrients throughout each day and before and after races.’ 

‘He trains five hours a day and is one of the fastest sprinters alive. His body is in a constant state of exertion and recovery.  Pistachios fill a nutritional need and just as important, they’re a convenient, delicious snack that he likes to eat.’

Cavendish has been stepping up his personal portfolio of partners in the last few months, after relaunching his brand CVNDSH in June. Sport Industry TV spoke to him about his plans at the event.

Last month, the sprinter was also appointed as a consultant for nutrition company Science in Sport (SiS) in return for a stake in the company.

In addition to Cavendish, big mountain snowboarder and National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year Jeremy Jones claims American-grown pistachios as his Official Snack, along with the gold and silver Olympic medal-winning women and men’s USA Water Polo teams.