THE WESTERN Bulldogs are proud to announce the signing of Mission Foods as their new major partner for three years.

Mission Foods will be prominently carried throughout the club’s branding, in particular on-field apparel, while also bearing the naming rights of the 'Mission Elite Learning Centre' at Whitten Oval.

Western Bulldogs president David Smorgon OAM said, "We are extremely pleased to announce this ground breaking partnership with a leading worldwide manufacturer of flatbreads, Mexican and corn based products in the fast moving consumer goods category."

Mission Foods products will be distributed nationally and be available from all leading food retailers and independent supermarkets from Monday, January 19, 2009.

"Mission Foods have chosen to partner with the Western Bulldogs to spearhead their launch into the Australian market place for the Mission brand," said Smorgon.

This partnership, valued in the order of $4.5 million, will take both the Bulldogs and Mission brands nationally to consumers over the next three years.

"The Bulldogs 09 mission started today with this announcement of our partnership with Mission Foods," said Smorgon.

Established in 1949, Mission Foods is part of Mexican based group Gruma Corporation, with operations spanning Mexico, the USA, Central and South America, UK and now Australia.

Mission Foods are exclusively focused on the manufacture of flatbread and Mexican products and corn-based snacks with 60 years' experience manufacturing over a quarter of the world’s tortillas.

In addition to the Western Bulldogs partnership, Mission Foods will invest in a national TV, press and outdoor campaign launching the Mission brand and the related lines of products in February this year.

"The Western Bulldogs are a significant part of our campaign to establish the Mission brand in Australia. We are thrilled to have consummated our partnership and to be announcing it today" said an excited Mr Juan Gonzalez, president – CEO of Gruma Oceania.

For further information on Mission Foods products, click here.