Suntory Oceania and the One New Zealand Warriors have signed two new partnerships for the 2025 NRL season, kicking off a multi-year deal with Gatorade as the club’s ‘Official Hydration Partner’ and V Energy as the ‘Official Energy Drink Partner’.
The announcement comes with the NRL squad now into preseason training ahead of another gruelling 27-round campaign in 2025.
One New Zealand Warriors general manager commercial and consumer business Glenn Critchley said the club was thrilled to have both brands supporting the team this season and bringing world-class sports hydration and energy to Aotearoa’s favourite rugby league team.
“We’re excited to partner with Gatorade and V Energy, two powerful, global brands that are synonymous with energy and innovation,” he said.
“Gatorade’s long-standing affiliation with sports hydration and focus on enhancing athletic performance aligns with our team’s needs. Similarly, V Energy’s vibrant and energetic brand ethos complements the dynamic and spirited nature of the Warriors. Together, these partnerships will support our players on and off the field.”
Chief commercial officer for Suntory Oceania Brad Erceg said the company was looking forward to backing the One New Zealand Warriors.
“Suntory Oceania is committed to supporting what matters most to Kiwis,” he said.
“As our local business continues to grow and evolve, we are proud to contribute to the spirit of Aotearoa with our energy and enthusiasm.
“It’s exciting for the Suntory whānau to officially join the One New Zealand Warriors and bring our Suntory spirit to the heart of the club.”
Chief marketing officer for Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania Allison Yorston shared her excitement about the brand partnerships.
“V Energy is a brand deeply rooted in New Zealand and so is Gatorade, a leader in sports hydration,” she said.
“These partnerships celebrate the energy, resilience and excellence that define both brands and the One New Zealand Warriors.
“We’re thrilled to support an iconic Kiwi team and celebrate the vibrant culture and passion that make this team so special.”
For more information on Suntory Oceania, please visit suntoryoceania.com
About Gatorade
Gatorade is proudly manufactured and distributed in New Zealand by Suntory Beverage and Food Ltd NZ under license from Stokely-Van Camp Inc.
About V Energy
V Energy is powered by a tasty, top secret recipe containing guarana. It is proudly manufactured and distributed in New Zealand by Suntory Beverage and Food Ltd NZ and available in a range of refreshing flavours including V Green, V Green Sugar-Free, V Blue, V Blue Sugar-Free, V Tropical Tang, V Raspberry Lemonade, V Refresh Citrus Lemonade, V Refresh Pineapple & Watermelon and V Refresh Green Apple Lemonade.
About Suntory Oceania
By harnessing the best of Suntory from across Australia and New Zealand, Suntory Global Spirits and Suntory Beverage & Food are partnering to create a new multi-beverage powerhouse – Suntory Oceania. Underpinned by quality, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of purpose, their combined portfolio of over 40 market-leading brands will be powered by two local manufacturing sites, five distribution centres, and more than 1500 Suntorians.
Critical to the delivery of the One Suntory Vision is their new, carbon-neutral Swanbank Manufacturing Facility in Ipswich, Queensland. This new +$400 million, 17-hectare greenfield site is the largest single FMCG investment into Australia in the last decade.
Working alongside their portfolio production sites in New Zealand, North America, Europe, and Japan, full ownership of their supply chain allows them to respond with greater agility to market needs and expand their capability and capacity. Preparation starts now to ensure the partnership is operational to go to market with their combined portfolio from mid-2025 in Australia and 2026 in New Zealand.
