MusclePharm Sees Substantial Growth in International Markets
DENVER, CO, Apr 10 (Marketwired) --
MusclePharm Corporation (OTCQB: MSLP), a nutritional supplement company
focused on active lifestyles, announced today it continues to see
strengthening demand for its line of branded sports nutritional products
in international markets.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, gross sales of MusclePharm
products in international markets grew to approximately $27 million, an
increase of over 550% as compared to gross sales of $4 million in 2011.
In 2012, international sales accounted for approximately 35% of overall
sales, up from 19% in 2011.
The Company views Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia and the Middle
East as key international markets where near term growth is expected to
accelerate. As a result of MusclePharm's marketing and sponsorship
partnership with the UFC, the Company's line of sports supplements has
been a beneficiary of a number of very successful international UFC
events.
Moreover, MusclePharm has recently increased its marketing efforts in
Australia, a market the Company views as very promising. As part of that
marketing campaign, MusclePharm has signed an endorsement deal with the
Australian rugby superstar, Quade Cooper. As part of the relationship,
Cooper will represent MusclePharm in a series of advertisements, media
appearances, and social media outlets.
The 25-year old Quade is arguably the most exciting and electrifying
rugby player in the world. Playing fly-half for the Queensland Reds,
Quade delighted Reds fans in 2011 finishing the season with a record 228
points, besting the previous record of 171 points which he also set in
2010. Quade holds many of the Queensland Rugby records including most
points scored (31) by a Reds player in a single Super Rugby match. Quade
also boasts a strong social media following with 544,000 Twitter
followers, 104,000 Facebook followers and 86,000 Instagram followers.
Commenting on the announcement, MusclePharm Founder & CEO Brad Pyatt
stated, "It is encouraging to see how the popularity and awareness of the
MusclePharm brand has increased throughout the international markets. Our
relationship with UFC gives us a tremendous advantage in the
international markets where UFC interest has taken off. We anticipate
continued robust sales growth in international markets in 2013.
Pyatt continued, "Quade Cooper is a true international superstar in the
world of rugby. His powerful body and overall ruggedness are
representative of the MusclePharm brand. We purposefully timed the Cooper
relationship with our accelerating international presence in the sports
nutrition market."
This is the second professional athlete endorsement deal MusclePharm has
recently announced. Last month, the Company announced a multi-year
endorsement deal with the NFL San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl quarterback
Colin Kaepernick.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/10/idU...KW20130410
