# Slam Dunk Vodka Endorsements Luv Shaq is Touted as an Athlete-Friendly Vodka By Jonathon Brown | Published 2012-12-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luv-shaq References: [incrediblethings](http://www.incrediblethings.com/food/shaquille-oneal-branded-vodka/) It probably won't make you grow over 7 feet tall, but Luv Shaq might give you a smile as big as [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victor-solomon-x-michelob-ultra) future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal. Luv Shaq is Shaq's new vodka and features his big goofy smile on the bottle. This packaging choice is obviously a ploy to cash in on his bigger than life personality and global notoriety as a former NBA superstar. The title itself is a play off the 1989 song Love Shack by The B-52's, which adds another layer of cultural relevance. Luv Shaq is a partnership between Shaq (who now works as a television basketball analyst) and Philly-based Devotion Spirits. In an effort to make the vodka appealing to athletes, Devotion Spirits created the drink to be sugar and gluten free. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Celebrity Alcohol Endorsements:** Opportunity for other celebrities to collaborate with alcohol brands to leverage their personal brand and reach. - **Sports-inspired Alcoholic Beverages:** Chance to create unique alcoholic beverages tailored specifically for athletes, considering their dietary and health preferences. - **Cultural References in Packaging:** Potential to incorporate popular songs or cultural references into product packaging to enhance brand recognition and consumer appeal. ### Where This Applies - **Alcohol Industry:** Opportunity for alcohol brands to collaborate with celebrities and create unique product offerings that cater to specific consumer segments. - **Sports Industry:** Chance for sports brands to capitalize on the growing market for sports-inspired alcoholic beverages and promote their brand through collaborations with alcohol companies. - **Packaging Industry:** Potential for packaging companies to offer innovative and customized solutions that incorporate cultural references and enhance the visual appeal of consumer products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oversized Athlete-Approved Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaqalicious-xl-gummies.md) - [Multi-Textured Candy Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaqalicious-slams.md) - [Rapper-Beverage Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smirnoff3.md) - [Soda-Collaborative Dynamic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaq-attaq-2.md) - [Artistic Vodka Bottle Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vodka-by-saintwoods.md) - [Sporty Vodka Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vodkade.md) - [Americana Cuisine Liqueurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laceys-vodkashake.md) - [Social Media-Inspired Vodka Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vk-squashka.md) - [Potato Chip-Branded Vodkas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lays-vodka.md)