NEW YORK: Maria Sharapova (pic) has gone into the sweets business, reported Eurosport.

The former Wimbledon champion and world number three has launched her brand of sugary snacks - called 'Sugarpova'  - with 12 different types of goodies for sale.

It is far from the first time that she's attached her name to a product: her combination of looks and talent have made her the best-paid female athlete in the world.

Her gear endorsement with Nike alone is worth an astonishing $70 million over eight years, while she also has deals with the likes of Land Rover, Canon, Tag Heuer, Tiffany's and high-end fashion house Cole Haan, for whom she designs handbags and shoes.

But while this might seem like another straightforward cash in for the willowy Russian blonde, she seems genuinely excited by the new string to her bow - and that's because this time the company is very much her own baby.

"It's the most exciting project that I've ever done.  It's my own business, my own investment, my own money," said the 25-year-old.

- mD