Gatorade - From The Pee Wees to The Pros

Growing up, Gatorade flowed like water at my house. I grew up in a very sports-oriented household, where weekdays consisted of long practices, hard games and pep talks from Dad. Weekends were for football games, Mom's homemade dinners, and lots and lots of rest and ice. I'm the oldest of 3, with two younger brothers who are currently finishing out their high school athletic careers. The sibling rivalry is real, and games at any and all levels are still, and probably always will be, a family affair. No matter what season it was or which one of us was playing (sometimes all 3 - sorry Mom and Dad), Gatorade was always present.

Q: So how did Gatorade become so synonymous with sports, trusted by athletes from little league to the majors? 

Players from every discipline have embraced the brand. The company is a sports giant, and has monopolized the market, outscoring their closest competitor Powerade on every front. Since it's early days in 1965, Gatorade has expanded, now selling quality workout gear, towels, water bottles and all kinds of other apparel.

A: Gatorade, who's parent company is Pepsi Co, is genius. The advertising and marketing plans have been second to none in the industry. 

Utilizing a variety of strategies, Gatorade has created a nearly perfect image to represent athletes everywhere.

First and foremost, the company loves using celebrity athletes.

 

(If players like Serena Williams, Jimmie Johnson, Brice Harper, Dwayne Wade, and Payton Manning drink Gatorade...I should drink Gatorade! I want to play like them!)

While maintaing this idea, Gatorade has embraced being associated with smaller scale athletics programs. The brand of course sponsors professional teams, but Gatorade also sponsors high school and college teams. In doing so, the company has earned a reputation around the sports world as a quality product for players of any level.

This awesome relationship has worked well for both the players and the brand. Gatorade sponsors individual athletes, gives scholarships, and donates money to various organizations and teams. In turn, athletes stay loyal to their favorite brand and their favorite flavor color of Gatorade.