Wimbledon 2008 starts today, and the list of Official Wimbledon Sponsors covers a broad spectrum of companies and businesses. But wait a minute. This is Wimbledon, so sponsors are not called sponsors at all. Instead, they're called Official Suppliers - a much more tasteful label for a dignified event like Wimbledon.
So who's who of Wimbledon sponsorship suppliers? Check out the list below:
- Blossom Hill (official wine)
- Evian (official water)
- Garnier Ambre Solaire (official sunscreen)
- Group 4 Securicor (official security services provider)
- Haagen-Dazs (official ice cream)
- Hertz (official car)
- HSBC (official bank and official credit card)
- IBM (official supplier of information technology)
- Lanson (official champagne)
- Nescafe (official coffee)
- Philips (official supplier of display technology)
- Polo Ralph Lauren (official outfitter)
- Robinsons (official still soft drink)
- Rolex (official timekeeper)
- Slazenger (official ball)
Is it just me or does this list appear to be missing some "official" sponsors? What about the official suppository? Or how about the official condom?
I guess what I'm trying to say is I think the use of the word "official" with sports sponsorship has lost value from a consumer perspective because it seems like there is an "official" brand, company or product for everything imaginable. The special quality that should be related to "official" has been lost in terms of adding value to consumers.
What do you think?
I agree that "official" has lost a great deal of importance and become quite laughable as the range of products has widened. When it comes to tennis, I expect to see to tennis-related sponsors for things like rackets, shoes, foot powder, etc.
If we're going to get silly; I'm holding my breath for things like the official steriod of MLB, official illegal substance of the NBA or official bail bondsman of the NFL.
Posted by: Scott | June 24, 2008 5:08 AM | Permalink to Comment