ManU announced a multi-season sponsorship agreement with int'l food brand Nissin to become a global partner of the club. Founded in Osaka, Japan in '48, Nissin is famous for its instant noodles which were invented by its Founder, Momofuku Ando, who developed the convenience food as an answer to food rationing after World War II. In the first year of the partnership, the Japanese food brand will produce Nissin and ManU branded food products for sale across the globe and will unveil a campaign linking the club with its products. Nissin branding will also be visible on stadium perimeter boards at all domestic games at Old Trafford, as well as official club publications, MUTV and the club's official website (ManU). The IB TIMES's Sean Martin reported the club's latest deal proves that, "despite a dismal season, the Manchester United brand still presents an attractive offer for brands looking to affiliate themselves with the world's biggest sporting institutions." Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, "but the agreement means that United now have 14 global partners," which will earn the club around £9M ($15M) a year. Nissin CEO Koki Ando said that the agreement "is just the beginning of a new project that will see the noodle makers forge associations with the biggest names in sports." Ando: "Nissin will start a new project in collaboration with athletes and sports teams. Our slogan for this project is 'Hungry To Win.' We strongly believe we can ignite a spirit of challenge across the world" (IB TIMES, 7/16).
