The companies, both household names in Azerbaijan, will bring enhanced visibility to the Baku 2015 brand and help, it is claimed, to raise awareness and increase anticipation for the Games.

Under the agreement, Azerzun will be the Official Team Supplier of the Games through its brand Azerçay, while Bazarstore, the Official Supermarket of Baku 2015, will produce all official Games merchandise before selling it across their stores.

"It's a pleasure to welcome these two leading Azerbaijani companies as Official Supporters of the first European Games," said Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports and chief executive of Baku 2015.

"Azersun Holding and Bazarstore are an established part of life for millions of Azerbaijanis, and their support will help to continue the momentum growing around Baku 2015."

Azersun Holding has the right to use the Baku 2015 logo and composite branding in marketing and promotional activities,including to feature the Baku 2015 logo on the packaging of Azerçay products and composite branding in television adverts ahead of the Games.

"We are proud to be Official Supporters of the first European Games," said the company's chief executive Savas Uzan, adding: "Tea drinking is an important part of our country's culture, and the hospitality Azerbaijan is famous for."

Baku 2015 chief operating officer Simon Clegg (left) and chief executive Azad Rahimov (second left) alongside the representatives from Azersun and Bazarstore ©Baku 2015





Bazarstore, meanwhile, will retail official Games merchandise from both its flagship and pop-up stores during the Games, as well as at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, while Baku 2015 branding will feature across all of its ventures.

"We are delighted that Bazarstore will be the Official Supermarket of Baku 2015 and play its part in this historic moment for Azerbaijan," Tahir Gozal, Member of the Board of Azersun Holding, said:

"By producing and retailing official Baku 2015 merchandise, we will involve our staff and customers in the excitement and anticipation generated by the first European Games."

The two add to a total of seven Official Supporters for the inaugural Games, due to take place from June 12 to 28, with McDonald's Azerbaijan, Milla, Motorola Solutions, Sitecore and Tickethour all already confirmed.

Seven Official Partners have also been unveiled, with Azerbaijani companies Azal Airlines, Nar Mobile and SOCAR joining international giants BP, Coca-Cola, P&G and Tissot.

"These agreements bring the European Games the support of two of Azerbaijan's best-known companies as well as Azersun Holding's popular tea brand, Azerçay," said Baku 2015 chief operating officer Simon Clegg.

"By having Bazarstore and Azersun Holding as Official Supporters, we will be able to bring Baku 2015 into people's daily lives."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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