Maria Sharapova’s Candy Line, Sugarpova, Turning Into A Sweet Investment; Ready For Australian Open 2013

Maria Sharapova at launch of Sugarpova at Crowne Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, Australia (click to enlarge)

Maria Sharapova was already the world’s highest paid female athlete, with Forbes estimating that she made $27.1 million during the last year. Get ready to up those numbers. After investing $500,000 in a line of candies, which she decided to call Sugarpova, it looks like the career grand slam champion is a winner again. Buoyed by her massive social media following (9 million Facebook followers…including me) and her commitment to marketing as she tours on the circuit, the sweets have sold 250,000 bags the first 3 months and are estimated to remain strong sellers as they launch in new markets, reaching 1 million bags sold within a year. Masha receives $1.10 per bag sold. The premium candy sells for $5.99 per bag. Congrats to Masha on the success!

click to enlarge

As for her collarbone, which caused her to pull out of both an exhibition in South Korea and the 2013 Brisbane International, Masha says she is fine and is having no problems. I hope not. She’s won in Melbourne before and reached the final last year. Sharapova is certainly capable of winning another Australian Open title.

Masha also sat down with HEAD tennis and answered questions from her Facebook fans prior to this year’s Australian Open. I liked the Q&A especially because I forgot that she does have 2 doubles wins with Thai player, Tamarine Tanasugarn. Masha also has 1 doubles title apiece with Vera Zvonareva and Maria Kirilenko. But those 4 titles came in 2003 and 2004.