Union gets jersey sponsor

Bimbo and the Philadelphia Union team up

The Philadelphia Union has a jersey sponsor.

Bimbo Bakeries, a Mexican baking company that owns well known U.S. brands like Entenmann’s and Stroehmann, will have its logo on the team's jersey for the next four years.

The Union are the fifth professional soccer team to don the Bimbo logo, as Grupo Bimbo, the company’s Mexican parent is also the jersey sponsor for three of Mexico’s Primera Division teams; America, Chivas de Guadalajara and Monterrey and Costa Rican professional team Deportiva Saprissa.

“Today’s announcement is yet another defining moment in both Philadelphia Union’s and Major League Soccer’s history,” said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz.  “The Union brand is about authenticity and you don’t get more authentic than Bimbo.  We’re honored to partner with such a major international company with a rich soccer tradition and longstanding commitment to world class products and outstanding customer service.

“Finding the right partner to place on the Union jersey took some time but we wanted to make sure we partnered with an authentic company that shares our core values and commitment to the sport, fans and customers,” Sakiewicz continued. “We are proud to say that we have found that partner in Bimbo.”

Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) operates 34 bakeries in the United States through more than 8,000 routes.

“Bimbo Bakeries USA is thrilled to become a part of the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer families,” said Vince Melchiorre, Senior Vice President of Bimbo Bakeries USA.  “Grupo Bimbo has long been a supporter of the sport of soccer worldwide and putting our name on the jersey of Philadelphia’s hometown soccer team is a perfect fit as we continue to build our Bimbo brand with U.S. consumers.”

Additionally, the sponsorship, which is worth $12 million to the Union, gives Bimbo the right to use MLS League and Club marks along with logos and marketing assets at League and select Club events such as the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, Major League Soccer's championship game.  Bimbo will run a nationwide “Soccer Mom of the Year” promotion, with the winner earning a trip to MLS Cup 2011.

“Major League Soccer is proud to welcome Bimbo to the North American soccer family,” said Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ marketing arm. “Bimbo has made a long-term commitment to our sport, both at the Club and the League level. This is a company that is well-respected internationally and we look forward to working together as we both continue to grow our business.”

Bimbo Bakeries has also pledged to support youth soccer in the Delaware Valley, including organizations such as the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association and the Delaware Youth Soccer Association.