Fresno State Jerseys Get New Brand Patches

The Wonderful Co. is partnering with Fresno State to place patches of its brands, including Wonderful Pistachios, Wonderful Halos, and Pom Wonderful, on the uniforms of all 18 athletic programs. This five-year agreement, announced on August 7, is the largest corporate partnership in the school’s athletics history.

Each program will carry a patch representing one of the three brands, with Wonderful Pistachios also having its logo on the field at Valley Children’s Stadium for home football games.

According to the filing, the partnership is an unusual move for a fresh produce marketer, but it reflects the company’s commitment to the Central Valley region. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, president of Fresno State, said, “There is no more natural partner for Fresno State than The Wonderful Company, whose impact on the Central Valley extends far beyond the products it grows and markets.”

Garrett Klassy, Fresno State director of athletics, added that the partnership celebrates iconic brands grown in the Valley while creating meaningful new opportunities for student-athletes and the university. They see this as a chance to support the local community.

The partnership allows Wonderful to test three distinct products against different audiences within one sponsorship, and with Fresno State entering the Pac-12 this year, the national visibility of every broadcast the patches appear in will increase. Journalists on the scene note that this move will help the company reach a wider audience.

The agreement also extends into EA Sports College Football, putting the patches and field branding in the video game, and covers game-day signage, sampling, concessions, hospitality space, campus events, and retail locations where permitted. It is a full agreement that covers many aspects of the university’s athletic programs.

Beyond the financial benefits, the partnership is also driven by a shared belief in the future of the Central Valley and the people who call it home, according to Andy Anzalo, COO of corporate social responsibility at The Wonderful Co. The company’s commitment to the region is evident in its philanthropic efforts.

The Resnicks, owners of The Wonderful Co., have invested heavily in the Central Valley region, with their foundations contributing more than $2.5 billion in philanthropy globally, including over $850 million in the Central Valley. This investment has made a significant impact on the local community.

Their prior Fresno State support includes the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union, which opened in 2022, and nearly 400 Wonderful College Scholars attend Fresno State this year out of 1,200 nationally. The Resnicks’ support for the university is ongoing.

The partnership is expected to create lasting opportunities and invest in the next generation of leaders. As the company continues to grow and expand its brands, including Fiji Water, Wonderful Seedless Lemons, Teleflora, and Justin, Lewis Cellars and Landmark wines, its commitment to the Central Valley region remains strong. For fans attending the games, they can find grocer options that support the local economy.