News Release

Vlasic Pickles Named Official Pickle of the APP and Title Sponsor of Cincinnati Tournament

Feb 23, 2023, 7:30 AM EST

First-ever pickle brand to sponsor an official pro pickleball tour

CHICAGO (February 23, 2023) – The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) has announced a title sponsorship with Vlasic Pickles, the leading American pickle brand¹, to become the Official Pickle of the APP. The agreement makes Vlasic^® Pickles the first-ever pickle brand to sponsor an official pro pickleball tour. Pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport, now played by over 36.5 million people across America.

As part of Vlasic’s title sponsorship of the 2023 APP tour, pickleball players will compete this season in The Vlasic Classic™. The event will take place on the beautiful riverfront at Sawyer Point in Cincinnati, Ohio, from May 9-14. The tournament will be televised on CBS Sports Network and livestreamed on APPTV.

"We are thrilled to partner with the APP to support the pickleball community," says Lucy Brady, President, Grocery and Snacks at Conagra Brands. "Pickleball has grown significantly over the past few years, and we’re excited that Vlasic can be part of it.”

The 2023 Vlasic Classic™ will be the third USA Pickleball Golden Ticket event of the 2023 APP Tour, granting winners direct passage to the 2023 USA Nationals. The 2023 APP Vlasic Classic™ will feature several of the best pro pickleball players in the world, competing alongside hundreds of amateurs, senior and super senior pros.

“We are proud to welcome Vlasic Pickles into the APP family,” commented Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer. “This is a truly groundbreaking partnership. We are honored the team at Vlasic shares our vision for the sport’s growth and how it can benefit people across America. Not only is Vlasic investing in the APP Tour, it is helping us share our love for the sport with communities far and wide. Pickleball has so many positive attributes, from its fitness and community benefits, to its ability to be a platform for learning. We’re excited to have a partner like Vlasic Pickles to help us bring the sport to audiences across the country.

To stay updated on the APP, visit apptour.org, follow the APP via APPTour.org, on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Explore the flavors and varieties of Vlasic Pickles at vlasic.com

¹ Source: IRI US Total MULO 2022

About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye®, Marie Callender's®, Banquet®, Healthy Choice®, Slim Jim®, Reddi-wip®, and Vlasic®, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, Duke's®, Earth Balance®, Gardein®, and Frontera®, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com

About the APP
Founded in 2019, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) serves professionals, senior professionals and amateurs in the fastest growing sport in the USA. The first and only tour officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball, the 2023 APP Tour slate has 16 announced tournament stops, in addition to International and Collegiate Series events. The APP also prides itself on developing the next generation of pickleball champions through its Next Gen Series and other youth initiatives. To stay updated on the APP, visit apptour.org, follow on Instagram and Twitter and Facebook.

APP Media Contact:
Daniel Sagerman
e: dsagerman@intersport.global | p: (847) 800 8182