Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum Is Official Rum of Bellator MMA™
FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release
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Bardstown, KY— Starting this summer, Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum, a 93-proof spiced rum, will be the official rum of Bellator MMA™, one of the leading mixed martial arts (MMA) properties in the U.S., earning exposure to millions of fans in the brand’s core demographic.
As the official rum, Blackheart will be featured on in-cage and arena signage during live Bellator events. In addition, the first Blackheart Rum television commercial, as well as custom in-show features will air in conjunction with Bellator events on Spike TV. And Blackheart will be promoted on Bellator’s social and digital channels, reaching millions of MMA fans. The sponsorship officially kicks off on June 26 with “Bellator 139” featuring a heavyweight slugfest between Cheick Kongo and former world champion, Alexander Volkov.
Blackheart has been a knockout in the Spiced Rum category with double-digit growth since it was released by Heaven Hill Brands in 2010. With its unique “sultry seductress of the high seas,” back story and label art featuring a sexy, pirate pinâ€up girl, Blackheart embodies a bold, edgy lifestyle.
“We are looking forward to this sponsorship and its ability to bring the high energy, bold sport of mixed martial arts together with our Blackheart Rum that’s edgy to its core,” said Hannah Venhoff, Blackheart Brand Manager. “And with two brands like Bellator and Blackheart, both seeing incredible growth over the last few years, this is sure to be an exciting partnership.”
Bellator MMA was founded in 2008 and has since become one of the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotions, in a sport that continues to grow in popularity Bellator has a vision to enhance the fight business and offer the most exciting sporting events for viewers, while featuring top-athletes from around the world. Bellator MMA audience numbers have seen double-digit growth with live, main event fights often drawing over 1 million viewers.
“We are thrilled to partner with Blackheart Rum, an exciting and emerging brand that will resonate with our passionate, growing fan base,” said Scott Coker, Bellator President.
Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is available in 1.75L, 1L, 750ml and 50ml sizes and bottled at 46.5 percent alcohol by volume (93 proof). In 2014, for the second straight year, Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum was named a “Rising Star” by The Beverage Information Group. Rum is the second-largest spirits category and is projected to increase to 28 million cases in sales this year, according to The Beverage Information Group.
Available nationally, Blackheart brand support consists of a comprehensive marketing plan that includes on†and offâ€premise pointâ€ofâ€sale materials, website and social media activities and print and digital advertising that all embody the brand tagline “Seduction in a Bottle.”
About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.
About Bellator MMA: Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader. Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations. Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.
About Spike: Spike is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks. A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press. Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com
www.heavenhill.com
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