Japanese green tea brand ITO EN has just unveiled an official three-way partnership between its bestselling "Oi Oicha" tea, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, and Major League Baseball (MLB).
The deal positions the world's number one unsweetened green tea beverage, a favorite of Ohtani's, as the Official Green Tea of MLB in Japan, as well as an official MLB partner in the U.S.
Additionally, ITO EN has entered into a local club partnership agreement with the Dodgers.
The partnership aims to introduce the premium green tea drink to American consumers, and it comes after ITO EN signed the three-time MVP as its global brand ambassador in 2024, building the foundation for this new partnership.
As part of the effort, the brand will run across digital and in-store promotions in Japan and the U.S. to increase product awareness.
Ohtani is arguably one of the most popular players in the MLB at the moment, owing to the star athlete's incredible performance that has led to multiple records being broken.
This strategic three-way partnership leverages his power as an influencer and is sure to take off as his career reaches new heights in the future.
The World's Tea Company
In a statement, ITO EN VP Shusuke highlighted how Ohtani and the MLB will help the company promote green tea across the globe:
"As we aim to be the 'World's Tea Company,' we are confident that we will be able to further enhance the value of green tea around the world by working with Ohtani and MLB, both in Japan and across the U.S., as well as the Dodgers in the L.A. Market.
With this global agreement, we will strengthen our global strategy on 'Oi Ocha' through promotions around the world."
Last Tuesday, the brand held a press conference in Tokyo to announce the partnership.
The event was marked by a special appearance from Los Angeles Dodgers player Mookie Betts alongside Honjo.
Since establishing a local subsidiary in New York in 2001, ITO EN's "Oi Ocha" has made moves to establish itself as a global brand.
Meanwhile, last October, Ohtani appeared in a campaign for Porsche helmed by M&C Saatchi.
