Cricket legend Ian Botham is to use his big hitting credentials to support one of UK grocery’s newest brands.
The former England all-rounder will be the face of Vitaminsmart wellbeing soft drinks. His familiar features, known to millions of cricket fans, will appear on neck collars appearing across the brand’s four-strong range from next month as he kicks off his endorsement of the brand.
Botham’s association with the brand has been prompted by the shareholding he has in InVentaBrand, the brand strategy agency set up by former Golden Wonder boss Paul Monk.
Other shareholders include England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio and former soccer star Rodney Marsh.
The agency is advising Vitaminsmart on marketing strategies as it bids to make its mark in the world of fmcg.
It is hoped the brand’s four variants - Defence, Regenerate, Relax and Calorie Controller - can achieve sales of around £500,000 in their first year on shelf. Listings for the 500ml offerings (rsp: £1.30) have so far been secured with Whistlestop and the Eat Café chain.
Despite Botham’s clear financial interest in the venture, he insisted the drinks brand had been a “revelation” during his latest charity walk.
He said: “I tried the drink and could honestly say it was the first time I had enjoyed this type of product.”