Yakult’s long-standing commitment to the Essendon Football Club will continue into 2025 with a new extension signed on Monday morning.

The world’s leading probiotic beverage company, Yakult has been on board with the Bombers since 2005, continuing their tenure as the club’s longest serving commercial partner.

Yakult continue their official partnership for the annual Challenge game, which they have done since 2017, whilst remaining the club’s official training ball partner.

Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo highlighted the longevity and commitment shown in the partnership. 

“We’re thrilled that Yakult have recommitted with the club once again,” Vozzo said.

“As our longest standing partner, we’ve enjoyed an outstanding tenure with Mr. Kenji Ono, David Whatley and the wider company. Over the course of more than 20 years, their support as our ball partner and aligning with Challenge has held a significant impact.

“We’re looking forward to what we can continue to achieve together in future.” 

Earlier this year, Yakult showcased their support for the Challenge game by pledging $20,000 to the not-for-profit’s cancer support programs, just one of their several key contributions to the club.

"We are pleased to extend our partnership for a further year to allow us to support the club and the important work they do, particularly with the annual Challenge match," Yakult Australia Managing Director Mr. Kenji Ono said.

First launched in Japan in 1935 and introduced in Australia in 1994, Yakult is stocked in major supermarkets and several independent grocers around the country. Click here for more information on Yakult.