I just sent this marketing suggestion along to RMH
Post# of 75010
As I'm sure you know....
Mintel report shows Chinese energy drink comsumption increased by 25% four times more than the USA...http://www.beveragedaily.com/Markets/Chinese-energy-drink-consumption-up-25
I'm sending you this suggestion as an athlete and RMHB investor who has completed 11 Ironman Triathlons including Ironman Hawaii Kona in 1984 when the sport was in it's infancy. Also a veteran of over thirty marathons and two fifty mile races.
The impact that sponsorship for sporting events around the world should not be taken lightly. The brands introduced at such events have a way of staying with the athletes involved.
For instance in Ironman Hawaii Bud Light, Timex, and ABC were the three major sponsors. Everywhere you turned during pre-race meetings and dinner, awards dinner, and at the finish line there were tubs of six-packs of Bud Light Beer free to the athletes. The Timex Ironman watch was born in Kona in the early 1980's as was the Zoot Clothing brand. That was over 30 years ago when I was there and it still sticks in my mind.
The WTC(World Triathlon Corporation) is a huge business and has races around the world. Triathlon is easily the fastest mainstream sport in the world as it is a race for triathletes(male and female) of all levels of ability, and of all age-groups.
As a shareholder and Ironman Triathlete I thought the following might be of interest to those in control of the future of Rocky Mountain High Brand.
DALIAN WANDA GROUP
In Fall 2015, World Triathlon Corporation and the Ironman brand were acquired by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group. Wanda Group reached an agreement of 100% equity for $650 million and the assumption of debt from former owners Providence Equity Partners.
(In the past year two new races were introduced in China)
IRONMAN 70.3 Hefei, Hefei, China
IRONMAN 70.3 Xiamen, Xiamen, China
The WTC(The World Triathlon Corporation) has two new races in China and full-time staff there now trying to navigate local politics, "FIND CLEAN WATER", etc. (Apparently, there’s still some “sensitivity” in China about large groups of people gathering in public places…) Also, all those future triathletes need coaches and training plans. In Mandarin.
Take special note of the statement "FIND CLEAN WATER".....
(Expansion continues in 2017 with three more new races introduced.)
IRONMAN continues expansion in China with IRONMAN 70.3 events in Liuzhou, Qujing, and Chongqing in 2017.
IRONMAN, a Wanda Sports Holding company, announced today the addition of three new IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons to take place in China in 2017. Continuing the expansion of race offerings in China, the new events include IRONMAN 70.3 Liuzhou (April 1, 2017), IRONMAN 70.3 Qujing (May 28, 2017), and IRONMAN 70.3 Chongqing (September 24, 2017). With inaugural events in Hefei and Xiamen this year, China will now have five IRONMAN 70.3 events taking place throughout the country during the 2017 season.
"The development of races in China continues to be a priority for us and Liuzhou, Qujing, and Chongqing will provide three new fantastic race locations for our athletes," said Andrew Messick, Chief Executive Officer for IRONMAN. "There is a budding group of athletes throughout China looking for more opportunities to compete in our events. Combined with great tourist destinations, these events should provide experiences athletes around the world will enjoy."
"Leveraging the synergies of IRONMAN and the other Wanda Sports businesses, we add further value to the Chinese sports landscape," said Philippe Blatter, President and CEO of Wanda Sports Holding. "With Chinese consumers becoming more active and seeking unique personal experiences, there is a great demand to participate in IRONMAN races as the premium series in the endurance world."
Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/news/article...z4Wsl54hmO
So we have a Chinese owned world-wide sporting organization and we have an execellent product about to make itself known to China, and we have Mrs. Lily Li as Vice President of International sales.
My proposal is to have Mrs. Li contact the WTC about supplying EAGLE SPIRIT WATER, RMHB energy drink, and/or energy shots to the above five races and in effect become a race sponsor. They appear to be looking for clean water.
As well as for consumption on the race course there is also the option of having bottles of water or cans of energy drinks put in goodie bags given to all race participants.
The opportunity is not lost on energy drink competitors when it comes to Triathlon. Red Bull sponsors many Ironman races around the world including the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
In 2006 Cobra Energy Drink began suppying Ironmnan 70.3 in the Phillipines. The race is still going strong and is now called the Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 and the last race just took place in August.
It would be a great way to spread the RMHB name across different Provinces in China. If the athletes like it they will tell other people and other sports organizations and so it goes.....the birth of a new energy drink to the Chinese fitness and sporting market.
Interesting to note that marathons and biking are among the top three sporting events in China and all three events noted require a source of water and energy drinks.
Top six sporting events in China...
(1)The Great Wall Marathon
Time: the third Saturday of every May
Location: Huangyaguan Great Wall, Tianjin, North China
The Great Wall Marathon has been held annually at the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall every May since 1999. It is regarded as one of the most challenging marathons in the world. Huangyaguan literally means "Yellow Cliff Pass". During the marathon, participants have to climb thousands of stone steps varying in length and size and many steep ascents and descents to complete the course. The Great Wall Marathon is definitely an extraordinary experience. While it puts your physique to the competition, you will also ejoy the breathtaking sights around you.
Here is a frequently asked question and answer from the marathon website...
Can I drink the water in China?
No. For drinking, it's advisable to buy bottled mineral water. The prices range from RMB 3-10 depending on the brand and where the water is bought. Most hotels provide a kettle for boiling water.
There will be water stations at approximately every 4 kilometers along the route. Some stations will also serve energy drinks and bananas. All stations provide bottled water. Marathon runners will be offered energy gel after 26km and 35km.
(2) Formula One Chinese Grand Prix
Formula One Chinese Grand Prix Shanghai
Time: every April
Location: Shanghai, East China
The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix is held in Shanghai every year since 2004. The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix 2004 achieved an unprecedented success in Shanghai and the Formula One has been much more prevalent in Shanghai and many other big cities in China since then. The Shanghai International Circuit, regarded as one of the most impressive circuits in the world, is really new, which was officially opened at 2004. The facilities and architecture are in their best situation.
(3) Shanghai Rolex Masters
Shanghai Rolex Masters
Time: every October
Location: Shanghai, East China
The Shanghai Rolex Masters, formerly the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000, is a series of nine tennis tournaments that are part of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour, held annually throughout the year in Europe. It is a professional tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts. The world’s tennis elites including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray participate in this event, and compete for a total of four million dollars.
(4) Beijing International Marathon
Beijing International Marathon
Time: every October
Location: Beijing, North China
Beijing International Marathon is an annual marathon race. Held in October every year, it offers a chance to experience Beijing's golden fall and combines views of the ancient city and modern landscapes. The BIM provides a spacious, smooth competitive route, with a mild autumn climate and a high level of organization and competition. The full marathon starts at Tian'anmen Square and finishes at the National Olympic Sports Center, at a length of 42 kilometers in total.
***It appears that Gatorade and water was supplied at aid stations. In previous years water ran out at the 30k aid station. 30,000 ENTRIES ALLOWED IN THE RACE. Up to 60 countries are represented in the race.
(5) Huangshan Mountain Bike Festival
Huangshan Mountain Bike Festival
Time: every April
Location: Huangshan, Anhui Province, Central China
Also named Huangshan MTB Festival, it is one of the "must go for" races in China. Bikers have the chance to experience a mountain bike race at one of China’s most beautiful and mythical mountains – the Yellow Mountains (Mount Huangshan). Huangshan MTB Festival has built its reputation both in China and abroad. It is the world’s largest cycling race in number of contestants. The race course stretches through the villages of Hongcun and Xidi, two World Heritage ancient villages located at the foot of the mountainous scenic area. These beautiful places are the inspiration of many traditional Chinese paintings.
Time: July or August
Location: Qinghai Province, West China
Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race has ranked 2.3 grades, which is currently the top road cycling race in China and the world’s international road cycling of the highest altitude. Every year the world's cycling elite will come to Qinghai, pedaling their way to glory in the Tour of Qinghai Lake. The route is designed along Qinghai Lake and extended to the surrounding areas in some of the most picturesque in the world. Competitors can appreciate the vastness and magnificence of the natural scenery while racing.
As an athlete I can attest to how important high quality water and energy drinks are in endurance races. Often they can make or break your race. Ideally you would want the size of water bottle that would fit firmly into a bike water-bottle holder cage during the bike leg of a triathlon or on a mountain bike in mountain bike events. The trouble with pouring water into cups is that it can become cross-contaminated and sealed 16.9 OZ bottles of Eagle Spirit Water seems like a perfect fit for endurance events.
I believe the two marathons in China I mentioned above use Gatorade. Certainly time for a change there. I was in a major race in Canada where the Gatorade was pre-mixed by race organizers and you didn't know what you would get as some aid stations mixed it stronger than others.
As an investor I sincerely hope that RMHB considers being a sponsor for endurance athletic events in China as a marketing strategy to get the name out there.
Best Regards,
Ray