CHICAGO, IL (Jan. 20, 2016) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has announced one of the world’s leading pasta brands, Giovanni Rana, as an official partner of the U.S. Ski Team. By sponsoring one of America’s top Olympic National Governing bodies and one of the world’s best ski teams, Giovanni Rana is reinforcing its commitment to healthy and tasteful eating and active living, and solidifying its prominence in the refrigerated food space.
“We know champions deeply care about nutrition, it's one of the essential pillars of athletic preparation,” said Gian Luca Rana, the CEO of Rana Meal Solutions. “But our challenge isn't just to provide them with the highest quality energy, but also with the most flavor! We are excited to share our love of fresh, filled pasta with the American team and give them the nourishment they need to succeed.”
This sponsorship is a significant investment from the acclaimed international pasta maker. Activation will focus on launching the product and company in America, tapping in to ski and snowboarding fans seeking nutritious and flavorful, complete meals in the refrigerated section of their local grocery store.
One of the key components of the partnership for U.S. Ski Team athletes will be presenting sponsorship of the “U.S. Ski Team Mobile Kitchen,” a semi trailer that will travel with the men’s and women’s alpine ski teams in Europe providing fresh food and a place to relax before and after the races. In addition, product will now fuel the kitchen at the USSA Center of Excellence, the team’s training base in Park City, UT, where the Giovanni Rana pasta and pasta sauces will become a major part of the nutrition program.
“We always strive to find partners that want to activate around our brands, athletes and events in truly authentic ways that also contribute to our goals of being the best ski and snowboarding teams in the world,” said Michael Jaquet, chief marketing officer at the USSA. “Since opening the Center of Excellence in Park City nearly seven years ago, we’ve been able to find partners that want to help develop our athletes to be the best. This partnership between our teams and Giovanni Rana can be a key part of its growth strategy here in America."
Further details of Giovanni Rana’s sponsorship with the U.S. Ski Team and other USSA brands will be announced as promotions and retail activations are finalized. For more information go to: //www.giovannirana.com/.
About Giovanni Rana
Giovanni Rana has been a leading pasta maker in Italy for over 50 years. In 2012, the Rana family launched its first state-of-the-art factory in the United States, outside of Chicagoin Bartlett, Illinois, which produces the retail line of pasta and sauces now distributed all over the country. The factory is home to proprietary machinery designed by Mr. Giovanni Rana that mimics the movements used to hand-roll dough to produce an exceptionally thin pasta with a delicate bite that cooks in minutes. The fillings are created from artisanal ingredients including D.O.P. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese imported by the wheel and D.O.P. Genovese basil. The Giovanni Rana line includes a large selection of authentic Italian pastas and sauces, with offerings such as: Tortelloni Prosciutto, Ravioli Chicken Rosemary, Ravioli Spinaci e Ricotta, Ravioli Caprese Duet, Tortellini Cheese “Delicato,” Basil Pesto, Bolognese, Alfredo, and Marinara.
About USSA
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) is the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding. The USSA provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, the USSA is committed to the progression of its sports and athlete success.
