Maria Sharapova’s failed drug test has "flatlined many of her business partnerships" however the tennis player's confectionery brand received "a much needed boost with the news that it would launch a line of luxury chocolates," according to Tony Connelly of THE DRUM. Sharapova’s sweet brand, Sugarpova, will "go ahead with plans to broaden its range of products" after Baron Chocolatier, which is producing the high-end chocolates for the Russian star, "robustly defended the 28 year-old." Baron Chocolatier SVP Christopher Mattina described Sharapova as "a woman of integrity" and said that she served as "a role model for millions of people." The backing from Baron Chocolatier will "serve as a huge boost to the five-time grand slam winner’s confectionery business which previously only sold gummy sweets." Sharapova had anticipated that the partnership with the luxury chocolate brand "would triple sales for the company when the line launched in May, shortly before the French Open." Supergoop, a skin care brand which Sharapova co-owns with Holly Thaggard, also announced that "it would stand by her" (THE DRUM, 3/14).
