World Footy News

The search for a major sponsor in these deteriorating economic times has been a difficult task for some AFL clubs, so it would have been a great relief for the Western Bulldogs to secure Mission Foods for the next 3 years, worth $4.5million. In a press release the club stated that Mission Foods’ products will be distributed nationally and be available from all leading food retailers and independent supermarkets from Monday 19th January 2009. “Mission Foods have chosen to partner with the Western Bulldogs to spearhead their launch into the Australian market place for the Mission brand”, said Western Bulldogs President David Smorgon.

Established in 1949, Mission Foods is part of Mexican based group Gruma Corporation, with operations spanning Mexico, the USA, Central and South America, UK and now Australia. Mission Foods are exclusively focused on the manufacture of flatbread and Mexican products and corn based snacks with 60 years experience manufacturing over a quarter of the world’s tortilla’s.

From an international footy point of view the introduction of a large Mexican company is enticing. To the best of our knowledge Australian football has no presence on the ground in the country of 107 million people. With Mission Foods CEO Juan Gonzalez reportedly a "sports nut" no doubt the Doggies will want to get him on board as a supporter of the club. Wouldn't it be tremendous if they could also stoke an interest in introducing our great game to Mexico? worldfootynews.com has contacted both the Western Bulldogs and the AFL with some initial thoughts on this. We'll keep our readers informed if there are any developments.

From the Australian part of the Mission Foods website:

Globally, Mission Foods is committed in each country it operates in to participate in community based projects.

An AFL partnership was chosen in recognition of the national strength of the AFL in the Australian community and the fact it forms a critical part of the Australian fabric and psyche. The Bulldogs are a part of this strength and for this reason we have chosen them to assist Mission Foods in launching our brand in this market place.

"The decision to partner with the Western Bulldogs was based on their 128 year history and strong community positioning. This, in addition to their solid on field performance, gives Mission Foods an outstanding platform to position our brand and to share in an exciting journey with this Club," said Mr Gonzalez.

Mission Foods is thrilled to partner with the Western Bulldogs and share in the journey to future success.