Paris Baguette to Collaborate with LAFC for Unique Bakery Offerings and Engagements
In an exciting development for sports and food enthusiasts, Paris Baguette is partnering with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). This strategic collaboration aims to integrate the beloved bakery’s offerings with the thrill of soccer, particularly highlighting the talents of LAFC stars Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga, collectively known as the "Heung-Bu Duo."
Set to launch in 2026, this partnership marks a pioneering moment as it's the first collaboration of its kind between a Korean food company and a U.S. sports team. Paris Baguette, well-known for its rich culinary heritage, will introduce bakery products and merchandise that celebrate LAFC, marking the third global sports partnership for the brand following previous collaborations with Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.
The announcement was made during an official partnership ceremony held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, attended by notable figures including Jin Soo Hur, Vice Chairman of Paris Baguette, and Larry Freedman, Co-President of LAFC. This meeting represented not just a union of two brands but a shared vision of connecting fans through the joy of captivating athletic events and delightful baked goods.
As part of this initiative, Paris Baguette plans to roll out a series of LAFC-themed products, creating baked goods that reflect the spirit and enthusiasm of soccer. The collaboration will also feature customer engagement programs designed to deepen the connection between fans and the bakery. Events such as meet-and-greets with players and ticket giveaways are on the horizon, aiming to create memorable experiences that combine the excitement of the beautiful game with the pleasure of great food.
Jin Soo Hur expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, noting the global reach of sports as a means of connecting fans and creating lasting memories. He emphasized that through this collaboration, Paris Baguette hopes to craft enjoyable experiences that fans can share, combining the joy of game day with the pleasure of enjoying quality bread.
Larry Freedman echoed this sentiment, recognizing the potential for growing both brands through shared experiences that celebrate community and sporting culture. He affirmed that Paris Baguette is a cherished brand in the U.S. and beyond, known for its delicious offerings that resonate with consumers' tastes.
The synergy between Paris Baguette and LAFC is set against the backdrop of the club's rising popularity, especially following the addition of star player Son Heung-Min, who has drawn significant attention from international audiences, particularly in Korea. The partnership is poised to attract LAFC fans not only for their love of soccer but also for the delectable bakery items that will be introduced.
Moreover, Paris Baguette will leverage its marketing expertise, utilizing innovative strategies like stadium advertising and promotional campaigns to elevate brand visibility. The company has a track record of successful marketing initiatives, such as illuminating the stadiums with Korean-language messages that resonate with local fans, further solidifying its connection with the audience.
Currently, Paris Baguette operates a robust global network with approximately 3,400 stores in Korea and around 700 in 15 other countries, including the U.S. Expanding its presence further, the company is also on track to develop a local baking facility in Texas, aiming for a target of 1,000 storefronts in North America by 2030.
In conclusion, the partnership between Paris Baguette and LAFC represents a pivotal step in merging culinary excellence with the electrifying world of sports. As fans anticipate the unique offerings that will arise from this collaboration, it promises to enhance the experience of attending soccer matches and enjoying great food—making game days even more special.