Wonderful Pistachios has been named the official snack of Combo Breaker, a U.S. video game convention and tournament series dedicated to competitive fighting games.
According to a news release, Wonderful Pistachios will engage with an estimated 7,000 in-person attendees and additional online viewers to build awareness of the brand’s No Shells varieties, including its new No Shells Jalapeño Lime flavor.
Held annually since 2015 in the greater Chicago area during Memorial Day Weekend, this year’s event will take place from May 24-26. Players and fans can visit the Wonderful Pistachios booth to sample No Shells flavors, capture photo-worthy moments featuring a pistachio costume and enter a giveaway to receive a one-year supply of pistachios.
“ComboBreaker is at the heart of the grassroots gaming community with a dynamic and diverse crowd, which is a perfect fit for our brand.” Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing at Wonderful Pistachios, said in the release. “Just as each gamer brings their own unique style to the competition, our assortment of pistachios provides a perfect match for every taste preference and allows consumers to snack healthy without having to sacrifice flavors or fun.”
Video game fans tuning in to Combo Breaker through the Twitch livestreams will see Wonderful Pistachios’ humorous No Shells advertisements featuring Sheldon the tortoise.
The "2023 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry" report by Entertainment Software Association revealed that the percentage of the U.S. population playing video games is strong at 65%, with about 212 million weekly players, and encompasses players across all demographics including gender, race, ethnicity and age, making esports and gaming an appealing audience for Wonderful Pistachios, the release said.
According to a report by MRI Simmons, more than 80% of esports fans reported that they eat or drink while watching competitive gaming. Wonderful Pistachios, combined with the variety of flavors, offer protein, fiber and unsaturated fats for a trio of nutrients that may help keep snackers feeling fuller for longer, a beneficial combination for longer gaming sessions, the release said.