Jennifer Hawkins' tequila brand teams up with LA Clippers

A tequila brand founded by Jennifer Hawkins and her husband Jake Wall has made a groundbreaking deal to partner with NBA franchise the LA Clippers.

Founded by the couple in 2015 with production in the Mexican state of Jalisco, Sesión Premium Tequila has been expanding its footprint in the US market with a focus on California. 

In 2016 the distillery's Mocha tequila won gold at the San Francisco World Spirits awards, while the Blanco and Reposado varieties picked up silver medals.

Now the brand is up for a season-long sesh with a basketball team that is now celebrating its 50th year. 

"It's been a very special week for Jake and I bringing our little girl Frankie into the world and now we are super excited to announce that our Aussie start up Sesión Tequila is partnering with the L.A. Clippers," says Hawkins.

"California was our first launch market in the USA and our focus is on growing Sesión's presence across the state, so it only felt natural to partner with such an iconic powerhouse.

"We are pumped about showcasing Sesión to a new audience as we continue to roll out across California. All three of us watched the clippers win their first game against the Lakers with the Sesión logo splashed around the stadium which was surreal and exciting!"

As part of the new partnership, Clippers season ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to sample Sesión's three core varieties -- Blanco, Reposado and Mocha -- inside the Clippers Season Ticket Club during key home games throughout the season.

Sesión will also be highlighted within Clippers' social media channels, radio promotions, digital newsletters and more, as well as within branded signage throughout the arena.

"We are excited to partner with Sesión for the 2019-20 season. They are a brand that shares the Clippers' commitment to excellence, and an incredible addition to the Clippers family," says the Clippers' chief global partnership officer Scott Sonnenberg.

Sesión works with eighth-generation tequila makers the Beckmann Family, created under the discretion of master distiller Francisco Quijanio and master agave farmer Jose Fernandez.

In December 2018, the AFR reported M&C Saatchi Australia's startup accelerator Saatchi Ventures had invested in Sesión through a cash-and-scrip deal valuing the company at US$30 million ($42 million).

Business News Australia