Dole appointed RWC 2011 Official Supplier

Rugby World Cup Limited has announced the appointment of Dole as a Tournament Supplier for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand.

The world’s largest supplier and marketeer of high quality fruit and vegetables will provide Rugby’s showcase Tournament, including all 20 participating teams, with bananas, while promotional activation will provide fans with the opportunity to win match tickets.

The deal is a natural fit for both parties with healthy lifestyle promotion a central strategy for Tournament owners, the International Rugby Board, and Dole.

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby World Cup Limited is delighted that Dole has joined the impressive portfolio of sponsors and suppliers for Rugby World Cup 2011. The creation of this partnership with one of the world’s most recognisable brands further enhances the enormous prestige and attraction of Rugby World Cup in the global market place.”

“Rugby World Cup shares similar brand values with Dole and we are committed to Rugby being a vehicle for the promotion of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to working closely with Dole to promote Rugby and healthy living around the world as sporting community counts down to the start of Rugby World Cup 2011 and a Tournament that looks set to be a resounding success.”

Steve Barton, New Zealand market representative for Dole Asia Ltd, said: “Dole bananas are a source of energy and good health they are ideally suited for promoting top performance and sporting excellence”.
“As the largest banana supplier to New Zealand consumers for 15 years, it is fitting we align with our biggest sporting event in recent history. Dole markets for fruit are worldwide and in keeping with the global stature of this Tournament.”