Posted: November 22, 2005

Commonwealth Games: Foster’s Group joins the Games Team

Today Foster’s Group (Foster’s) announced its sponsorship of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games (the Games). As an Official Sponsor of the Games, Foster’s has the marketing rights for beer, spirits, cider and ready-to-drink alcohol (RTD) beverages.

Sport is integral to the fabric of Australian culture and Foster’s has a long and proud history of supporting sport at both the grass roots and elite level in Australia and around the world. Just like Australia’s medal winning athletes, Foster’s vision is to take on the world and be the best.

In announcing the sponsorship, Trevor O’Hoy, President & Chief Executive Officer of Foster’s Group said: “We are excited to be associated with the Commonwealth Games. The athletes embody something very close to the heart of everyone at Foster’s – striving to overcome challenges and be the very best in the world. Melbourne is the global headquarters and spiritual home of Foster’s, and since the eyes of the world will be on our great city for the duration of the Games, this sponsorship provides us with extensive opportunities to promote our business and our brands on the world stage.”

“Melbourne will be home to tens of thousands of international and interstate visitors for the duration of the Games. Our multi-beverage portfolio provides us with an outstanding opportunity to showcase our brands and products,” O’Hoy continued.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Harnden, welcomed Foster’s involvement with the Games.

“We are thrilled with the addition of Foster’s to the Official Games Sponsor Family,” Mr Harnden said.

Foster’s will leverage its association with the Games through a series of high profile initiatives led primarily by brands such as Crown Lager (official beer and Presenting Sponsor of the Rugby Sevens), Cougar Bourbon (official spirit and RTD) and Strongbow Cider (official Cider). Foster’s will also leverage other brands in its multi beverage portfolio, including its international flagship beer, Foster’s Lager - the 7th largest beer brand in the world and, therefore, instantly recognisable to international visitors to Melbourne.

Tonight Foster’s sponsorship will be celebrated in style as it partners Melbourne 2006 to host Australia’s leading athletes and Commonwealth Games dignitaries at a glittering event at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where guests will be among the first to view the newly completed athletics track.

The Games will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations taking part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games to be held from 15-26 March 2006.

For further information on the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, go to www.melbourne2006.com.au.

About Foster’s Group:
Foster's Group is a premium global multi-beverage company delivering a total portfolio of beer, wine, spirits, cider and non-alcohol beverages. Foster’s comprises three operating divisions – Foster’s Australia – the Australian multi beverage business; Foster’s Wine Estates – the world’s leading premium wine company and Foster’s Brewing International – which manages Foster’s Lager the world’s seventh largest international beer brand. Foster’s products inspire global enjoyment and are enjoyed by consumers all over the world.