#MLB #Oi Ocha #Shohei Ohtani

The Green Tea Revolution: Oi Ocha and MLB Unite Through Shohei Ohtani

In a groundbreaking announcement made on January 21, 2025, ITO EN Ltd., the leading maker of unsweetened green tea, confirmed a significant partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB). This collaboration, which will officially kick off in 2025, spans both Japan and the United States, enhancing the visibility of the brand 'Oi Ocha'—a favorite beverage of baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani.

A Strategic Partnership

This partnership marks a new chapter for Oi Ocha as it becomes the official green tea of MLB in Japan and an official partner in the U.S. What’s more, ITO EN has entered a local club partnership with the esteemed Los Angeles Dodgers. The excitement was palpable during the press conference held in Tokyo, attended by MLB star Mookie Betts and ITO EN’s Vice President, Shusuke Honjo. The goal of this collaboration is to elevate product awareness in both destinations, capitalizing on the cross-cultural appeal of baseball and green tea.

Ohtani’s Role as the Brand Ambassador

Shohei Ohtani, who has emerged as not only a phenomenal player but also a cultural icon, is at the heart of this initiative. His admiration for Oi Ocha has led to his role as the global ambassador for the brand since 2024. This partnership aims to leverage Ohtani's immense popularity to introduce various digital and in-store promotional activities, tailored for the diverse consumer bases in both Japan and the U.S.

"This is the second year of ITO EN's global ambassador partnership with Shohei Ohtani. We are thrilled to expand our collaboration to include MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers," said Honjo. The expansive network offered through the MLB is expected to bolster Oi Ocha’s presence, making it a household name in North America, while simultaneously enriching the tea culture back home in Japan.

The Global Reach of Oi Ocha

Founded in 1989, Oi Ocha has achieved remarkable sales, reaching over 45 billion bottles by the end of 2024. This local subsidiary, which began operations in New York City in 2001, has slowly developed into a brand recognized internationally, sold in over 40 countries. The brand's commitment to quality—sourcing high-grade tea leaves and employing cutting-edge technology—has enabled it to touch the lives of numerous consumers worldwide.

MLB: A Platform for Promotion

MLB, one of the most historic and successful sports leagues in North America, with 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada, provides an iconic stage for Oi Ocha. Under the leadership of Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB has seen remarkable improvements in fan engagement, attendance, and overall viewership. Partnering with such a prestigious organization aligns perfectly with ITO EN's vision of becoming the