The deal, which was confirmed ahead of the recent EOC Executive Committee meeting in Spanish city Tarragona, is said to unite both organisations' determination to support European athletes in competing at elite and community levels.

EOC President Patrick Hickey and secretary general Raffaele Pagnozzi signed a Charter of Cooperation with Backaldrin chief executive Harald Deller and corporate communications and marketing board member, Wolfgang Mayer.

Backaldrin also sponsor the Austrian Olympic Committee as well as the German Olympic Sports Confederation and Jordan Olympic Committee (JOC).

"We are delighted to be signing this agreement with Backaldrin," said Hickey.

"They are an established sponsor of other European National Olympic Committees and their message that elite performance in sport relies on proper nutrition is a very positive one for athletes to learn at a young age."

Deller added: "We are very proud to have received the EOC’s trust with this deal and we hope it is the start of a great partnership.

"At Backaldrin The Kornspitz Company, sponsoring professional and youth sport is an important part of our social responsibility and sustainable business practices.

"In sponsoring the EOC, we hope to reach out to elite athletes and young people in general and promote healthy eating habits as a cornerstone of both elite athletic performance and a healthy lifestyle."

Backaldrin is backing the JOC’s "Smile Like a Winner" campaign, which is helping raise support for Jordan's athletes ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. 

The company has launched a special "Nashama" bread to support the campaign and highlight the importance of nutrition.