Carlton's life on Mars
09/02/2010 11:27 AM
Carlton has announced that MARS will be its major sponsor for the next three years, with the famous confectionary company to feature on the club's guernsey.
CEO Greg Swann announced the new partnership on Tuesday in what he described as a significant deal for the Blues.
"The MARS Bar is an iconic brand, Carlton is one of the biggest brands in Australian sport and we are delighted with our new association which is a significant commitment by both organisations," Swann said.
The Victorian-based company continues its association with the Blues and joins Hyundai as a major sponsor.
"MARS has a long history of supporting sport at both grass roots and elite level and have been involved with AFL players and clubs for many years. This new sponsorship is by far the biggest AFL involvement we have had and it is appropriate that we partner with Carlton, one of the biggest names in Australian sport," Peter West, General Manager Mars Snackfood, said.
"We have been manufacturing MARS Bars in Australia for over 30 years and the heritage of our brand has always been around celebrating active lifestyles as expressed in the Work Rest Play campaign. This partnership is a natural fit for the MARS brand and will further promote an active lifestyle."
MARS was involved in one of the more memorable publicity stunts in AFL history when the Blues wore a light blue outfit for a match in 1997 as part of the launch of a new product.
It was the first time a club has changed its colours for the sake of a sponsor's promotion and drew mixed reaction from fans.