USOC announce five-year partnership with confectionary giants The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company have agreed a five-year partnership with USOC ©USOC

The Hershey Company, the largest confectionary producers in North America, have agreed a five-year partnership with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to help support the country's Olympic and Paralympic teams for Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.

The company will serve as an official sponsor and confectionary partner of the American teams, while they will work with USOC to develop unique programming on media channels featuring top athletes.

”We are thrilled to welcome The Hershey Company and its iconic family of brands to the Team USA family of partners,” said Lisa Baird, USOC chief marketing officer.

“We know that Hershey’s will demonstrate its support of America’s elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes in exciting and innovative ways, and we sincerely look forward to celebrating with them on the Road to Rio and beyond.”

Through this multi-year partnership, Hershey will be able to create brand programmes featuring several of their most famous products, including Reese’s, Kisses and Twizzlers, as well as new additions including Brookside Dark Chocolate and Krave Premium Jerky.

The Hershey Company will enjoy exclusive sponsorship and promotional rights from the USOC during the next five years ©Getty Images

Additionally, the company will also enjoy exclusive sponsorship and promotional rights from the USOC and will be able put that to use in their advertising, packaging and merchandising during the next five-years.

“Partnering with Team USA is a perfect fit for a great American company like Hershey and our range of brands that have been a part of the lives of all Americans for generations,” said David Palmer, director of partnership, marketing and planning at The Hershey Company.

“We are tirelessly working to integrate our company and brands into the Olympic spirit and support Team USA via athlete endorsements, unique consumer offers and compelling consumer activations.”

The Hershey Company have become the USOC’s 26th domestic sponsor and join several well-established brands such as BMW, BP, Kellogg’s and Nike in supporting the American teams.