Last Thursday (February 27), tennis sweetheart Maria Sharapova stopped by Sunset Boulevard’s Pinkberry to introduce her “Sugarpova Toppings.” Pinkberry’s newest yummy candy toppings were a hit, along with the four-time Grand Slam singles champ. Instead of serving aces, Sharapova was behind the counter serving frozen yogurt to enthusiastic children at the exclusive in-store event. Available nationwide Friday, March 7, the exclusive Sugarpova line features 12 varieties of sweet and sour gummies, as well as three types of gumball candies. This Pinkberry partnership with Sharapova was another ace for the tennis great who frequently chows on Pinkberry’s delicious treats.
“Maria is a big fan of Pinkberry, and Pinkberry is a big fan of Maria,” explains Ron Graves, Pinkberry CEO. “I think we share similar values in terms of quality and consumer delight. If you know anything about her and her candy line, it’s very fun and tasty and distinctive. Those are the kind of offerings we have at Pinkberry.” While Pinkberry could’ve partnered with other A-listers, Graves says the frozen yogurt company was drawn to Sharapova’s originality, shared values and limited retail distribution of its Sugarpova candy line.
Brand executives worked tirelessly with 26-year-old Sharapova and her team to develop “mini versions” of three popular varieties for the topping bar; “Smitten,” a sweet, rainbow-colored ribbon candy; “Flirty,” lip-shaped gummies with fruit-flavorings that appear like Sugarpova’s iconic logo; and “Flirty Sour,” a wild combination of colorful sour gummies in the form of lips, hearts, and stars. Although previously sold exclusively at Hallmark shops, Sugarpova Toppings are now available for purchase at Pinkberry’s topping bar, and for in-store retail.
Ranked No. 5 in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the Russian-born fashionista wowed attendees sporting a Monique Lhuillier gold sequin, embroidered blouse with poplin collar, and cream-colored, pleated Carven skirt. Sharapova topped her glam look with classic nude Christian Louboutin pumps at the in-store event. Named one of the “30 Legends of Women’s Tennis: Past, Present and Future” by Time, Sharapova has roughly 864,000 Twitter followers and nearly 12 million Facebook followers.
Launched in West Hollywood, Calif., in 2005, Pinkberry innovators reloaded the frozen yogurt niche. Now the frozen yogurt company has more than 250 stores worldwide in 20 countries. The highly-successful Pinkberry is known for its unique, light and invigorating treats.
For more information on Pinkberry:
Visit www.pinkberry.com
Follow Pinkberry on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pinkberry
Or, follow Twitter @pinkberry.
To learn more about Maria Sharapova:
Visit www.mariasharapova.com
Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sugarpova
Twitter:@sugarpova
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sugarpova#
Penny Scott is an award-winning editor and writer in SoCal, who enjoys indulging in “froyo” (frozen yogurt) with her three daughters.
