LOS ANGELES, April 24 – Underscoring its reputation as the fastest-growing independent energy drink company in America, Bliss Beverage today announced a major agreement with the nation’s largest retail chain, Wal-Mart, that will significantly increase distribution of Socko Energy beverages in the U.S. Beginning May 15, “WWE RAW(R) Attitude Powered by Socko” and “WWE Slammin’ Citrus Powered by Socko” specially-designed four-packs will be available at nearly all Wal-Mart stores nationwide. This is the first of two major announcements from Bliss Beverage; the other is forthcoming.
The major rollout is supported by an integrated marketing campaign that will leverage Socko’s and WWE’s existing licensing and promotional partnership. WWE RAW(R) Attitude marketing initiatives include sponsorship of a WWE Pay-Per-View, online, print and broadcast advertising throughout WWE channels including www.WWE.com, and WWE Magazine and mobile components.
“This is truly a monumental experience for Socko,” said Bliss Beverage co-founder Jordan Harwood. “For the first time, consumers everywhere will be able to experience our product.” Partner Mike Jannicelli added, “Not only will this deal harness the power we already have with consumers and take that excitement to the next level, but a partnership of this magnitude certainly positions the company for future growth.”
Before approaching Wal-Mart, Bliss Beverage founders Harwood and Jannicelli teamed up with entertainment and marketing company Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment (BHE TV, LLC), responsible for branding Socko on a global level through non-traditional, entertainment-based marketing initiatives including creating and executing the Wal-Mart strategy.
“This has been a very exciting project to work on,” said BHE TV principal Eric Bischoff. “The Bliss Beverage team has done a great job laying the foundation for growth. When they came to us about a year ago and asked us to develop a mass market retail strategy for them, we knew that Wal-Mart was the right retail partner for Bliss Beverage. We have the right brands, a great product and the perfect retail partner, so we could not be more excited.”
Bischoff’s partner Jason Hervey adds, “When we partnered with Bliss, landing Wal-Mart was a major goal of ours. This agreement is a result of a very specific strategy that we are currently executing.”
“WWE RAW(R) Attitude Powered by Socko” and “WWE Slammin’ Citrus Powered by Socko” have been specifically designed to deliver an impact of energy fortified with Taurine, vitamins B12, B6 and Horny Goat Weed to help endurance while increasing mental awareness without unwanted carbohydrates.
About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and NYSE Arca stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com.
About World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto and London.
About Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment
Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment was formed in 2003 by Eric Bischoff and Jason Hervey, who combined their collective experience in the entertainment industry both in front of the camera and as executive producers, with Bischoff as president of a division of Turner/Time Warner, and Hervey as a partner with Peter Guber in Mandalay Sports Entertainment. The BHE television division specializes in creating content and production for various broadcast outlets and has created and produced series and pilots for NBC, CMT, E!, and is currently in production on a new series for VH-1. The BHE consulting division specializes in innovative brand integration solutions and creating non-traditional brand building and marketing opportunities for their clients by leveraging BHE’s extensive relationships in the industry, and experience in entertainment licensing and merchandising. BHE is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and is represented by the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills, California.
About Socko Energy
Socko Energy is the flagship product of Bliss Beverage, a Scottsdale, AZ-based company that has developed an energy drink which appeals to a mass audience without succumbing to the latest “extreme” trends set forth by other energy drinks on the market today. The end result — Socko — is a vibrant, eye-catching energy drink filled with clean, refreshing, non-heavy, healthy ingredients with a smooth taste and electrifying color. Socko is quickly becoming the fastest-growing independent energy drinks in the country. To learn more about Socko Energy, visit www.sockoenergy.com.