Content about Gum

NEW YORK — Dentyne is boosting its gum portfolio with the introduction of a new flavor and new packaging.

Dentyne said its Ice Mint Frost flavor brings a unique profile to the Dentyne lineup of intense breath-freshening gums. The company noted the new flavor is supported by the new Split2Fit pack, which designed to hold one-third more pieces of gum by holding 16 pieces of gum (versus the 12-piece pack) and can be split into two smaller, sleeker and easier-to-carry packs.

NEW YORK — Certain chewing gum companies are introducing smaller packs that will carry a lower price tag, according to a new report.

According to MarketWatch, Kraft Foods is expected to introduce five-piece packs of Trident and Stride gums, which will cost 50 cents. Additionally, confectioner Wrigley, which is owned by Mars, is expected to roll out smaller and more affordable chewing gum in 2012.

Kraft's gum portfolio includes Dentyne, in addition to Trident and Stride. Wrigley produces such brands as Big Red, Doublemint, Extra and more.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — Kraft Foods is boosting its marketing efforts for its Stride gum brand with a new campaign.

NEW YORK — Wrigley is packing a new type of gum in its "down under" market.

The company launched in Australia and New Zealand new Extra Professional Calcium, a sugar-free line of gum that contains microgranules that are designed to whiten teeth and feature added calcium. The company said that chewing Extra gum products stimulated saliva, which contains more bicarbonate, calcium and phosphate to help remineralize tooth enamel.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — The ridiculously long-lasting gum has tapped a snowboarding and skateboarding champion to serve as the brand's spokesman.

Shaun White, an Olympic gold medalist, inked a two-year deal with Stride to be the gum's official brand spokesman and will be featured in a variety of promotional activities. Stride said it is planning giveaways, digital and social media campaigns, and public relations efforts throughout the coming months.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — The active gum category has a new functional addition. Kraft Foods recently introduced Stride Spark, a gum that contains vitamins B6 and B12, two essential nutrients known for helping to release energy in the body.

Manufacturers have been boosting new gum flavors with vitamins and supplements in an effort to help consumers meet their daily nutritional requirements and keep the category exciting. The strategy has worked — gum has seen steady growth over the past few years, outpacing many other confection segments.

CHICAGO — Juicy Fruit said that it has expanded its sugar-free gum offerings with a new mystery-flavored gum.

Juicy Secret gum builds on the 2009 launch of Juicy Fruit's foray into sugar-free treats with its pellet gum that it available in parent company Wrigley's Big E-pak.

Juicy Secret will be available in a 15-stick slim pack nationwide.

NEW YORK — Bazooka, which is part of The Topps Co., has strengthened its portfolio with the acquisition of Sharkies organic fruit chews, according to published reports.

Sharkies organic fruit chews, which currently have retail distribution in such chains as H-E-B, Safeway and Target, among others, will boost The Topps Co.'s snacks business.

The Topps Co.'s current candy lineup includes Bazooka chewing gum, Baby Bottle Pop, Push Pop and Ring Pop.

CHICAGO — Trident, which is owned by Kraft Foods' Cadbury unit, is rolling out a new gum lineup called Trident Vitality that includes a new flavor, Vigorate, which contains "10% of the daily value of vitamin C" in each piece, according to the company.

NEW YORK Confectioner Bazooka announced it is extending its Baby Bottle Pop line to include rattle-shaped lollipops.

Debuting in Berry Blast and strawberry flavors, Baby Bottle Pop Rattlerz rattle just like the infant toy and makes noise when shaken.

“The rattle-like, whimsical shape and sound of Rattlerz encourages consumers to let loose and have fun, which is what the Baby Bottle Pop brand is all about,” said John Budd, VP marketing at Bazooka.

Bazooka is a division of The Topps Co.

ATLANTA Revolymer is launching a new brand of gum that is eco-friendly and has long-lasting flavor.

New Rev7 gum will be available in both peppermint and spearmint flavors, with additional flavors slated to launch next year. The gum, the company said, also can be readily removed from clothes using soap and water; and environment tests have shown that more than 50% of its chewing gum is removed by conventional street cleaning, and any gum washed into the drains will degrade into minerals, biodegradable products and inert materials.

CHICAGO —Capitalizing on the popularity of its 5 brand of sugarless gum, Wrigley recently introduced 5 React in two flavors: mint and fruit. The gum has an “undefined” flavor, which each chewer experiences differently.