Panda Global has announced it will be partnering with food delivery company Grubhub ahead of its upcoming Panda Cup Super Smash Bros. tournament circuit. Grubhub will become the Panda Cup’s primary delivery partner and title sponsor for the remaining qualifying events for the Panda Cup Finale in December. In addition, Grubhub will also collaborate with the Panda Cup on digital and in-person activations, but nothing has been announced yet.
The Panda Cup has also recently partnered with Nintendo, which allowed the company to host licensed tournaments for Super Smash Bros. On Grubhub’s end, while this is the company’s first 2022 deal, the delivery service has previously worked with the League Championship Series and ESL.
"Extra care and attention to detail is being put into every aspect of the Panda Cup with the help of our partners at Nintendo of America. Having Grubhub at our side means we can level up even further," said Dr. Alan Bunney, CEO of Panda.
Esports Delivery Partnerships
Panda Global Announces Grubhub as Title Sponsor for the Panda Cup
Trend Themes
1. Esports-food Delivery Partnerships - The growing trend of partnerships between esports events and food delivery companies provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in the food and beverage industry and the esports industry alike.
2. Digital-in-person Activations Collaboration - Collaborations between esports and food delivery companies on digital and in-person activations provide opportunities for disruptive innovation in marketing, events, and experiential branding.
3. Licensed Tournaments for Popular Games - The trend of licensed tournaments for popular games, such as the Super Smash Bros. tournaments hosted by the Panda Cup, provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in esports events, gaming, and brand sponsorships.
Industry Implications
1. Food Delivery Services - Food delivery services can capitalize on the growing trend of partnerships with esports events and offer unique opportunities for brand sponsorship, experiential marketing, and customer engagement.
2. Esports - Esports companies can explore collaborations with food delivery services on digital and in-person activations, as well as leverage the trend of licensed tournaments for popular games to offer unique experiences for fans and attract potential brand sponsors.
3. Gaming - Gaming companies can benefit from partnerships between esports and food delivery companies by offering unique gaming experiences and promoting brand synergy with food and beverage sponsors.