CARIBBEAN Foods Limited, through its Foska Oats brand, has signed Jamaica and West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell as its brand ambassador.

At the same time, the company has recommitted its support to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the local franchise, Jamaica Tallawahs, putting pen to paper at Chris Gayle’s Triple-Century Sports Bar yesterday.

Senior brand manager of Foska, Tamii Brown, told the Jamaica Observer that the brand is all about promoting a healthy lifestyle, and as such has aligned itself in the sporting arena.

“Being the largest oats producer in the Caribbean, we wanted to support something that is near and dear to the hearts of Jamaicans. Cricket is something that we grow up with and love, and so when CPL approached us to come back on board we knew we had to accept.

“We anticipate a second victory for Jamaica, and the Foska Oats team is gearing up for another eventful season of fuelling our Jamaica Tallawahs,” she said.

Brown also explained why Russell was chosen as brand ambassador.

“Andre has a lot of potential. He is at the peak of his career and he is also a crowd favourite. Like I said, we want our brand on something and someone that Jamaicans love, and Andre Russell is the perfect candidate.”

Executive of CPL James Wynne said it is really encouraging to have Foska back on board . “It is really encouraging based on the support that we got from them last year, and to see them coming back this year is testament to the fact that we’ve got a really good tournament,” he said.

Russell says the developments in his career will no doubt help to drive him to greater heights.

“This means a lot to me, it means I should keep working harder. You know whenever you get the first major sponsor, it is something that people can look at and know that you are doing well, and I now look at myself as a role model and will represent the Foska brand well,” said the all-rounder.

The dollar value of Russell’s arrangement with Foska was not revealed.

Captain of the Jamaica Tallawahs, Chris Gayle, who was also present at the public signing, said the team will be hoping to defend its throne as CPL kings.

“It is definitely good to have Foska back on track, Digicel has been doing a good job as well, they brought us luck and, as defending champions, we are hoping they will bring us more luck,” he said.