With less than a month until the World Cup arrives in New York, snack brand Little Debbie has begun distributing a new line of soccer-themed treats. The 'Summer of Soccer' series, now stocked at grocery stores across the city, features classic snack cakes with limited-edition packaging. Shoppers at the Fairway Market on Broadway spotted boxes designed with soccer balls and the tournament’s blue-and-green color scheme on Friday morning.
The promotion coincides with a marked uptick in soccer-related marketing throughout Manhattan. Merchants along Fordham Road in the Bronx have begun displaying banners for international teams, and several Midtown delis have added quick-service sandwiches named after star players.
Little Debbie’s parent company, McKee Foods, has not announced any public viewing events or tie-ins with local bars. However, company representatives said the snacks are expected to appear at pop-up fan zones and select stadium concession stands during the tournament.
With school winding down and warm weather bringing larger crowds to parks, the company aims to attract families and students gathering for afternoon games. At a Brooklyn bodega near Prospect Park, a cashier reported steady interest in the new snacks since their arrival earlier this week.
The World Cup will bring matches to MetLife Stadium and viewing parties across the five boroughs starting in June. Retailers anticipate continued demand for themed food and merchandise through mid-summer.