MINNEAPOLIS (July 24, 2003) - FLW Outdoors announced Thursday that Tyson Foods has joined its sponsorship team, which comprises some of the world's most sought-after brands. Through its multiyear sponsorship, Tyson becomes the official meat-product sponsor of FLW Outdoors and will have a major role in its six tournament trails including the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the world's most lucrative bass-tournament series.
As the world's largest producer of protein products, Tyson knows the value of the family market. The family-friendly sport of fishing draws 55 million people to the water each year, making competitive fishing the perfect marketing tool for Tyson to reach a large consumer audience known for its loyalty to FLW Outdoors' sponsors.
John Tyson, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods, said: "Our FLW Outdoors sponsorship allows us the unique opportunity to touch Main Street U.S.A. and speak directly to families who fish. We intend to be an active partner, utilizing every marketing and promotional asset available to reach our target audience while promoting FLW Outdoors and the sport of fishing."
Tyson Foods will make its first appearance at the 2003 FLW Tour World Championship of Bass Fishing in Richmond, Va., this September. At the event, Tyson's logo will be seen on NASCAR-like Ranger boats towed by matching Chevy Trailblazers. The company will also have a presence at the FLW Tour Outdoor Show taking place in conjunction with the FLW Tour's season-ending event.
For the 2004 season, Tyson will sponsor a team of three professional anglers who will compete from logo-emblazoned Ranger boats. Tyson will also have a presence at the Family Fun Zone, a free event that is open to the public and held at each Wal-Mart FLW Tour stop. The Family Fun Zone features interactive games and product displays for family members of all ages to enjoy.
"FLW Outdoors is the world's largest professional fishing organization, and its newest sponsor, Tyson, is the world's largest protein producer," said Irwin Jacobs, chairman of FLW Outdoors. "The partnering of these two world leaders in their respective categories is another great example of how strong competitive fishing has become as a marketing tool for some of America's largest companies - companies that want to reach the huge, family-focused demographic that only FLW Outdoors can offer."
Tyson Foods will be featured in a variety of media formats maintained by FLW Outdoors. The brand will appear on the "FLW Outdoors" television program, which is broadcast to 65 million subscribers of the Outdoor Life Network. It will also be publicized through FLW Outdoors Magazine advertisements, prominence on FLWOutdoors.com, product displays in the Family Fun Zone, signage at tournaments, angler-award programs, and inclusion in promotional and public relations materials.
FLW Outdoors is the world's leading marketer of competitive fishing. It administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the world's most lucrative bass-tournament series; the EverStart Series, the pathway to the Wal-Mart FLW Tour; and the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League for weekend anglers. FLW Outdoors also operates the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail; the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, the world's most lucrative walleye-tournament series; and the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League for weekend anglers.
Tyson Foods Inc. (NYSE: TSN) founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Ark., is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, and it is the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500. Tyson Foods produces a wide variety of brand-name, protein-based and prepared food products marketed in the United States and more than 80 countries around the world. Tyson Foods is the recognized market leader in the retail and food-service markets it serves. The company has approximately 110,000 team members as well as 300 facilities and offices in 29 states and 22 countries.
Wal-Mart and many of America's most respected companies support FLW Outdoors and its tournament trails. Wal-Mart has been the title sponsor of FLW Outdoors since 1997. For a complete list of FLW Outdoors sponsors and for more information about the premier products and services they offer, please visit flwoutdoors.com.
For more information about Tyson Foods, visit www.Tyson.com. For more information about FLW Outdoors, browse the organization's Web site or call (270) 252-1000.