Yakult’s long-standing commitment to the Essendon Football Club will continue into its 20th year with a three-year extension announced today.
Proudly, Yakult is the Bombers’ longest-serving commercial partner. The extension will see the world’s leading probiotic beverage brand continue as the training ball and interchange bench sponsor, and the official partner of the prestigious Crichton Medal and annual Tackling Childhood Cancer match.
With the support of Yakult, since 2017 the Bombers have dedicated one game each season to the club’s long-serving charity partner Challenge - a not-for-profit organisation that supports children and families living with cancer or blood disorders.
Yakult is a fermented milk drink that contains a high concentration of the unique bacteria lactobacillus casei Shirota strain.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell acknowledged Yakult’s longevity and loyalty to the club and was excited to continue the partnership into a second decade.
“As our longest-serving commercial partner, we are so thrilled to continue our relationship with Mr Kenji Ono, Mr David Whatley and the Yakult family,” Campbell said.
“To work in partnership together for over 17 years is something both organisations should be incredibly proud of. In recent years, we’ve seen Yakult align with our charity partner Challenge to present our annual Tackling Childhood Cancer Game, which highlights the partnership going from strength to strength and for the betterment of others beyond our organisation.
“We thank Yakult for their wonderful and ongoing support of the Bombers and look forward to working together as we head towards the 20-year milestone.”
Yakult managing director Mr Kenji Ono said Yakult was delighted to continue its partnership with Essendon.
“We are very pleased to extend our partnership with the Essendon Football Club,” Mr Ono said.
“We share Essendon’s commitment to loyalty and the community, so the decision to continue the partnership was a simple one.
“We look forward to the next three years and we feel it is especially auspicious given that it coincides with Essendon celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.”
Yakult was first launched in Australia in 1994 and originated in Japan over 85 years ago. Yakult is stocked in Coles, Woolworths and various independent grocers around Australia. Click here for more information on Yakult.
