British cider brand Strongbow has been named as the official drinks partner of Team GB for Rio 2016 ©Team GB/Strongbow

British cider brand Strongbow has been named as the official drinks partner of Team GB for Rio 2016, having signed an exclusive agreement with the British Olympic Association (BOA). 

Strongbow, owned by Dutch multinational brewing company Heineken, is aiming to unify Britain in its support for Team GB by launching a campaign with the theme Supporting the supporters.

The sponsorship will be supported by a multi-million pound media campaign in the lead-up to and during the Olympic Games, using the Team GB association to promote the brand's products.

Strongbow is said to be looking to build on the feel-good factor from London 2012, where Team GB won 65 medals, including 29 golds.

"We want to bring back the excitement we all felt during London 2012 and rally the nation to get behind Team GB," said Cindy Tervoort, Heineken’s UK marketing director.

"The pride and enthusiasm we experienced as a nation in 2012 was incredibly special, and we anticipate that our campaign will help the nation feel it once again.

"We know how important the Olympics are for them, and our marketing will firmly position ourselves as supporting the supporters."

Strongbow is looking to build on the feel-good factor from London 2012, where Team GB won 65 medals
Strongbow is looking to build on the "feel-good factor" from London 2012, where Team GB won 65 medals ©Getty Images

Strongbow is the UK’s best-selling cider and will be available for the duration of the partnership to invited guests visiting the Team GB clubhouse in London.

"The fans made the difference in 2012 and with the team competing some 6,000 miles away in Rio we want to make sure they know they have the whole nation behind them all over again," said Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the BOA. 

"Strongbow’s commitment to supporting the supporters and celebrating success is a great way of embracing that passion for our Olympians."

Heineken and the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) revealed in October that the Holland Heineken House (HHH) for Rio 2016 will be located in Ipanema.

Heineken has organised the national house on behalf of the NOC*NSF at every Summer and Winter Olympics since the 1992 Games in Barcelona.

The HHH showcases and celebrates The Netherlands' culture and achievements, and has become a popular meeting place for thousands of Dutch and international visitors to the Games.

Rio 2016 represents the 13th time Heineken will open its doors to athletes, their families and friends, media and Olympic fans.