The two contracts, which will be Tier Two sponsorship deals, are likely to be highly sought after as the providers will have exclusive rights to the Rio 2016 brand and become the official product on sale at Games-time.

"Rio 2016 has started the selection process for partners in the beer and packaged foods industries," said a statement.

"Both will be considered Tier Two (Official Supporter) Partners as part of the Olympic Games Business Plan.

"Companies must operate in Brazil and have a large distribution capacity to participate in either category."

"The required documents may be requested from Rio 2016 until this Friday (October 26)."

At London 2012, Dutch-based brewer Heineken was selected as the official beer for the Olympic and Paralympics Games.

It was a move that was widely criticised as many wanted London's only remaining traditional family brewer Fuller's Brewery to be given the contract.

Heineken was the official beer for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games

Meanwhile, although London 2012 did not have a packaged food industries supplier, Cadbury was the official treat provider of the Games, supplying confectionery and ice cream, while Nature Valley was the official cereal snack bar supplier.

At present, Rio 2016 has five Tier One Partners – Bradesco, Bradesco Seguros, Claro, Embratel and Nissan – and one Tier Two Supporter in Ernst & Young Terco.

Companies interested in the contracts can find more details here.

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