In a significant industry move reported by Retail Beauty in August, Kao Corporation, the renowned Japanese multinational, acquired Bondi Sands, the beloved Australian tanning and skincare brand, in a $450 million deal.

Kao’s interest in Bondi Sands was driven by the brand’s impressive broad-spectrum sunscreens, especially their SPF 50+ range.

Bondi Sands has announced an extension of its collaboration with Tennis Australia as the Official Sunscreen Partner for the Australian Open 2024, solidifying the partnership for three more years.

Following a successful tenure reaching millions of Australians, Bondi Sands continues to prioritise sun safety at the Australian Open, distributing over 500,000 Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen samples during the 2023 event.

Shaun Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of Bondi Sands, expressed excitement about extending the partnership, emphasising the brand’s dedication to sun protection.

“As we have become a globally recognised brand and market leader in suncare, extending our partnership with Tennis Australia for the Australian Open has formed a major part of our strategy for the Bondi Sands suncare category,” he said.

“Our team have been working hard to continue to deliver sun protection to fans at the Australian Open, and 2024 will be bigger and better than ever.”

Meanwhile, Cedric Cornelis, Tennis Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to announce that Bondi Sands has extended its partnership with the Australian Open as the Official Sunscreen Partner for another three years. Their commitment to sun safety aligns perfectly with our dedication to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all fans throughout the Summer of Tennis.”

Coinciding with the partnership extension, Bondi Sands has launched the new Wet Skin SPF 50 Lotion to its Sport SPF range, with 600,000 samples to be available at the Australian Open 2024, and also available to buy at the Chemist Warehouse on-site pop up store. The formula is lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and suitable for wet or dry skin.

From January 14 to 28, 2024, at Melbourne Park, Bondi Sands will feature misting stations along with sunscreen sampling throughout the Australian Open precinct, including a dedicated activation on Grand Slam Oval accessible to all attendees, ensuring an immersive sun protection experience.

To celebrate the partnership, Bondi Sands hosted an intimate lunch at QT Rooftop for 40+ VIPs. The guest list included glamour girls of tennis including Costeen Hatzi, Morgan Riddle, Ayan Broomfield, Priscilla Hon, Paige Lorenze, Mia Savio and
Hannah Dal Sasso. Attracting TikTok stars from around the country, the
brand also hosted Ashley and Olivia Mescia, Pia Muehlenbeck and husband Kane Vato, Annalise Dalins, Brooke Blurton, Olly Bowman, Lily Bowman and Emily Brogan.

Images from the launch event below:

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