ZICO Eyes Gold, Named “Official Coconut Water of the Olympic Games”

The curtain may have closed on the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, but ZICO’s partnership with the international games is just getting started. Last week, ZICO announced that it was named “the Official Coconut Water of the Olympic Games,” a designation based on parent company The Coca-Cola Co. Inc.’s sponsorship of the Olympics, and one that provides the coconut water company with the same marketing rights as Coke through the duration of its current sponsorship, currently ending in 2020.

ZICO has not yet incorporated its ties to the Olympics in its packaging, however, Bill Lange, the vice president of marketing for ZICO, said that the company does plan to add the image of the interlocking Olympic rings and information about its relationship with the Games in its marketing plans going forward. And although ZICO’s presence at the London Games appeared to be relatively small – the company sponsors decathlete Brian Clay, who won the gold medal in the event at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but failed to reach the podium in London – Lange noted that the company’s announcement was about the broader partnership with the Olympics and not a London-specific tie-in.

“We do feel that this sponsorship/partnership reinforces the athlete equities that ZICO has always stood for and continues to exemplify with our team of athletes,” Lange said.

Here is ZICO’s press release announcing its partnership with the Olympics:

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug. 7, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ –– ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water is proud of their presence at the London 2012 Olympic Games as the official coconut water supporting and hydrating select athletes and even spectators. The London 2012 Olympic Games mark the beginning of ZICO’s long-term commitment to the Olympic movement. Over the coming years ZICO will look to develop unique programs and events that will bring the spirit of the Olympics to millions of naturally powered athletes, families and fans.

ZICO has always been about supporting and empowering diverse athletes across all levels of participation and competition in their sport. This belief led to the creation of Team ZICO, a carefully selected group of professional, Olympic and grassroots athletes who were chosen based on a combination of their passion and commitment for fitness and health, and their incorporation of ZICO’s “Naturally Powered” brand philosophy. One such athlete is ZICO-sponsored swimmer Mallory Weggemann, who plans to compete in 9 events at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Olympic Games bring together thousands of elite athletes from around the world and ZICO is thrilled to support an event that is rooted in the core values the brand was built upon. “ZICO has always shared the Olympic Values, which include, excellence in giving the best of oneself, on the field of play or in life, taking care of one’s own health and respect for the environment,” said Mark Rampolla, CEO of ZICO Beverages, LLC. “We are honored to be a part of and look forward to supporting such a momentous event going forward.”

About ZICO Beverages, LLC.: Founded in 2004 by Mark Rampolla, ZICO Beverages, LLC (pronounced Zee-co) is the maker of ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water. With five electrolytes, as much potassium as a banana and low acidity, ZICO is the all natural, refreshing way to hydrate and replenish. And because ZICO is the only major brand of pure premium coconut water available in both a tetra carton and a re-sealable, recyclable, on-the-go HDPE bottle, it truly is the ultimate hydration drink. ZICO is headquartered in El Segundo, Calif. For more information, please visit http://www.zico.com.