Maria Sharapova Launches Sugarpova Candy Line

Tennis superstar and Manhattan Beach resident Maria Sharapova is getting even sweeter Saturday as she launches her new candy line, Sugarpova, in the Los Angeles area at Tabula Rasa Essentials in downtown MB.

The 4-time Grand Slam tennis champion, currently ranked No. 2 worldwide, is making an appearance from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the store to sign purchased bags of her candy. There will be a special drawing to win an autographed racket from Maria. Anyone may enter. 

A percentage of the proceeds from Saturday's event will be donated to the local charity organization, Walk With Sally, and to the Maria Sharapova Foundation.

The tennis champ first launched Sugarpova, sold online at sugarpova.com, in August at New York fashion retailer Henri Bendel and recently launched in Australia.

The line of gummy candy, made at a factory in Spain, is available at stores in the United States and also in high-end London department store Selfridges.

Sharapova, 25, who was born in Russia and came to the U.S. when she was 7, has promoted a variety of brands during her career, including Nike and Cole Haan.

She has also said she wants to create her own brand, which could include hair accessories, cosmetics and fashion items.

To set her candy line apart, she has named each flavor after a personality trait. Names include Quirky, Flirty, Sporty and Chic.