Welch’s And Red Sox Nation Raise A Glass In An Effort To Set World Record

World’s Largest Toast In Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Fenway To Take Place April 20

BOSTON, Mass., March 20, 2012 – Welch’s announced today that it will partner with the Red Sox to attempt the Guinness World Records® title for the largest toast in one venue while celebrating Fenway Park’s 100th anniversary. On April 20th, game attendees will raise thousands of glasses of Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice Cocktail to celebrate the history, tradition, and pride of Fenway Park, America’s Most Beloved Ballpark and the oldest operating Major League ballpark in the United States.

Red Sox fans will create history by collectively and simultaneously saying ‘cheers’ to Fenway Park prior to a game against their archrival, the New York Yankees. The 100th birthday toast is part of a full year celebration at the park.

As Fenway marks its centennial in Boston, celebrating with fellow local company Welch’s is a partnership steeped in tradition. Welch’s, the official juice and jelly of the Red Sox, is based in Concord, MA and recently celebrated its 140th anniversary.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Red Sox to celebrate this milestone in Fenway history,” says Matt Wohl, VP Marketing at Welch’s. “This partnership represents two hometown favorites coming together with their fans to pay tribute to a landmark that carries with it so many memorable moments. Families from all over have enjoyed games at Fenway and on April 20th we will raise a glass of our sparkling grape juice cocktail to celebrate those moments and to look forward to the next 100 years at Fenway.”

On April 20th, representatives from Guinness World Records will be on hand to verify the record has been set. The current record is at 27,126 participants, set in 2010 at the Tokyo Yakult Swallows vs Hanshin Tigers baseball game at Meiji Jingu Stadium in Tokyo. Fenway Park currently can seat 37,493.

“We wanted to make history on Fenway Park’s 100th birthday by attempting to break the record for the world’s largest toast in a single venue,” said Red Sox Executive Vice President/COO Sam Kennedy. “Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice Cocktail is enjoyed by our fans and the players at the park, so it was the natural choice for us when we decided to break this record. We are proud to partner with Welch’s – a company with deep roots in New England – as we embark on this endeavor.”

Welch’s fans across the country are encouraged to join the celebration by raising a glass of Welch’s with friends and family for a ‘cheers’ at home on April 20th. The birthday toast will kick off Welch’s partnership with the Red Sox for the 2012 season. Be sure to visit Facebook.com/WelchsGrapes throughout the season for information on promotions and activities.

About Welch’s
Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Welch’s is the processing and marketing subsidiary of the National Grape Cooperative. Welch’s is owned by 1,150 family-farmers across America and in Ontario, Canada, who make up this cooperative and who grow the delicious and inherently healthy Concord grape, used in Welch’s juices and other grape-based products. Welch’s is committed to research and development that will meet the growing demand for products that address consumers’ health and nutrition needs. Welch’s products are sold throughout the United States and in approximately 50 countries around the globe.

SOURCE: Welch’s