Mizuno USA has renewed its long-term commercial partnership to 2026 with Alpargatas, the leading Brazilian distributor of performance footwear and clothing. The 13-year agreement renewal retains Alpargatas as sole licensing and distribution rights holder for Mizuno with an option to renew for an additional 13-year term. The agreement focuses on business growth in the Latin American region.
ADVERTISEMENT "Alpargatas has consistently demonstrated deep market insights as well as superior branding expertise and operational capabilities since the partnership began in 1997," said Bob Puccini, president of Mizuno USA, Inc. and director of Mizuno Corporation, responsible for the Americas. "This track record of success has placed Mizuno where we are today in Brazil - one of the most desired brands in the market."
Driven by Mizuno's innovative technologies and product offerings, the brand has blossomed with consumers in the region. In the past five years Mizuno grew four-fold with expectations for strong continued momentum ahead of major international sporting events coming to Brazil through 2016.
"The product innovation, attention to detail, quality and longstanding heritage of Mizuno products continues to inspire us and our efforts in the market," said Marcio Utsch, president of Alpargatas. "Together we see tremendous potential for the brand to continue growth in the region through strategic marketing initiatives and innovative products."
In the next term, Brazil will remain an important running market. The implementation of growth strategies in this important region and markets represent significant upside potential for both Mizuno and Alpargatas. Towards that end, both organizations expect enhanced collaboration and leveraging of best practices.
"Mizuno has the opportunity to push the envelope and make an even greater impact," said Puccini. "We are fortunate to be able to continue on our journey with such a trusted business partner. It is the shared cultural values that cement our confidence in our future success together in the region."
Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes baseball, golf, softball, running, track & field, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America. Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Ga.
