United Follows City With Asian Soft Drinks Deal
Manchester United have agreed a sponsorship deal with PepsiCo in Asia-Pacific that will see the US giant become the official soft drinks partner of the Barclays Premier League champions in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei.
The multi-year deal follows in the footsteps of their Manchester neighbours, who announced est Cola as the club’s official soft drinks partner in Thailand earlier this month.
Pepsi will now hold exclusive rights to use United’s branding on products and sales materials in the seven markets, which, according to an official press release, are home to over 38 million United fans.
The 20-time English champions have expanded rapidly in Asia this year, which includes striking a new regional partnership with Thai telecoms firm True Corporation and a five-year deal with Vietnam’s BIDV bank in April.
Manchester United’s group managing director Richard Arnold said: ‘Manchester United and Pepsi are two iconic brands and the club is delighted to be teaming up with PepsiCo as our official soft drinks partner in these seven territories in Asia.’
‘Our huge following in this region and the strong popularity of both brands within Asia-Pacific can only benefit our fans. PepsiCo understands what our fans love and through our partnership will be bringing them exciting promotions and incentives and getting them closer to the club they support.’
Mustafa Moussa, senior marketing director for social beverages at PepsiCo Asia-Pacific, added: ‘Sports represent a huge global platform for PepsiCo, and we’re delighted to be teaming up with Manchester United in Asia-Pacific. The combination of Manchester United’s stature as one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises and PepsiCo’s portfolio of beloved brands will create exciting new opportunities for consumers throughout the region.’
United’s kick off their 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign on Saturday 17th Augusts against Swansea City.
