New Schnucks in-house products feature Mizzou athletes

Schnuck Markets has launched a partnership with the University of Missouri and Every True Tiger Brands to feature the school's top athletes on a new line of products exclusive to the St. Louis-based grocer.  

The series begins with “Pizza with the Mizzou Crew,” featuring University of Missouri Tigers football players Ty’Ron Hopper, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine. Packaging for the “mega meat, thin-crust frozen pizza” will include images and information about the student athletes, according to a press release.  

From left: Missouri Tigers football players Ty’Ron Hopper, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine.

The pizzas will run $7.99, and the athletes featured will be compensated for promoting the products. A new student athlete will be featured every month, the grocer said.  

“These items give our customers and Mizzou fans the opportunity to support University of Missouri athletics while enjoying delicious products they can pick up at their hometown grocery store,” said Schnucks Category Manager Scott Wilmoth in a statement. 

The promotion will adhere to the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rules established by the National Collegiate Athletics Association, which allow for student athletes to be compensated in marketing deals, Schnucks noted.

“Being able to do local partnerships with student-athletes in brand building is really the true intent of NIL,” said MU football Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz in a statement. “Thank you to Every True Tiger Brands for helping establish this marketing campaign with Schnucks. It’s a great opportunity for Mizzou football and our players who have earned the opportunity to be featured throughout the summer and fall on the pizzas.” 

Schnucks said it plans to expand the partnerships to potentially include branded ice cream, candy, snacks, coffee and cookies in the future. 

The new line of products will be available at all of Schnuck Markets’ Missouri locations and Southern Illinois locations in the St. Louis metro area. Schnucks operates 115 supermarkets across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.