Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Ltd has extended its sponsorship of the Fijian Drua team for another year as part of their mission to give back to Fiji.
This announcement was accompanied by the launch of their co-branded Fiji Bitter Drua cans. Fijian Drua CEO Mark Evans said: “Rugby and beer, I’ve got to say for me it’s a dream come true. I’m very passionate about both so to be renewing this deal with Paradise Beverages is fantastic”.
“I want to recognise that Fiji Bitter were partners of the Drua right back in their earliest incarnation when they weren’t even called the Drua yet. They’ve been with us from the get-go and we’re very appreciative of that and hopefully we can do them proud, and with their support hopefully have an even more successful season than last year,” Mr Evans added.
Paradise Beverages general manager Mike Spencer said while the company expects a slight rise in sales for the co-branded cans, “it’s not really about the sales. We don’t sell a lot more with this sponsorship. It’s more about marketing the Drua and giving something back to Fiji”.
Mr Spencer also highlighted the company’s continued commitment to sponsoring sport and art at the grassroots level in an admirable attempt to fund the uplifting of local villages and small communities, the Fijian Drua being their first sponsorship of a professional team.
According to Paradise Beverages chief financial officer Vinish Singh substantial investment is made in sponsorships annually and the company is proud to sponsor music, fashion, sport, and sustainability projects such as with the Mamanuca Environment Society.
Having considered about 20 locally created designs for the co-branded beer cans, the approved design is now available to the public in Fiji and New Zealand, and will be introduced to Australia and other Pacific Islands soon.
“Hopefully all of you at home will be enjoying one of these beers responsibly, when you’re watching the Drua beat the Crusaders on the 11th of March at Churchill Park in Lautoka,” Mr Spencer added.
