Bubble Yum is a brand of bubble gum that has been enjoyed by many for decades. The gum was first introduced in 1973 by Life Savers, Inc. and quickly became popular due to its soft and chewy texture. Bubble Yum is credited with creating the soft-chunk gum category, which led to the creation of competing brands such as Hubba Bubba and Bubblicious.
Despite its popularity, Bubble Yum faced a rumor in 1977 that claimed the gum contained spider eggs. The Life Savers Company quickly addressed the issue with an official full-page rebuttal printed in prominent U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times, to dispel the rumor and restore public confidence. The brand continued to thrive and was eventually purchased by Nabisco Brands, Inc. in 1981. The Hershey Company has been the proud producer of Bubble Yum since 2000, ensuring that this beloved gum continues to be a part of our lives.
Origins of Bubble Yum
Invention
Bubble Yum, a brand of bubble gum marketed by The Hershey Company, was first introduced in 1975 by Life Savers. The bubble gum was the first soft bubble gum created, which was invented by a housewife in Fisk, Missouri. The housewife named it “rubber bubblegum” and gave some to her son to pass out at school. The gum was so popular among his friends that she soon sold the recipe to the Life Savers candy division in St. Louis.
Initial Release
The first soft bubble gum marketed in the U.S., Bubble Yum, was first produced in 1973 by Life Savers. It was initially released in the flavors of Original, Grape, and Mixed Fruit. The bubble gum was a huge success and became the leading brand in the U.S. The product helped spur a major resurgence in bubble gum sales in the late ’70s. Bubble Yum’s enormous success also led to a slew of new competitors rising up, including the likes of Bubblicious and Hubba Bubba. Since 2000, The Hershey Company has been producing Bubble Yum gum. Today, dozens of bubble gum brands are available to choose from.
Brand Development
Acquisition by Life Savers
Bubble Yum was first introduced to the market in 1973 by the Life Savers Company. The gum was an instant hit due to its unique soft and chewy texture. However, in 1977, rumors began to spread that the gum contained spider eggs, which led to a decline in sales. To dispel the rumor and restore public confidence, the Life Savers Company addressed the issue with an official full-page rebuttal printed in prominent U.S. newspapers, including The New York Times.
Marketing Strategies
Despite the initial setback, Bubble Yum continued to grow in popularity. The gum was acquired by Nabisco Brands, Inc. in 1981, and the brand continued to expand with the introduction of new flavors. In 2000, the Hershey Company purchased the mint and gum brands, including Bubble Yum, for $135 million, making it the third-largest gum manufacturer at the time. Hershey still produces and distributes Bubble Yum to this day, and remains in the top five gum manufacturers in the world.
One of the key marketing strategies that contributed to the success of Bubble Yum was its targeted advertising directed towards children. The brand was known for its catchy jingles and colorful packaging, which appealed to young consumers. Bubble Yum also sponsored various events and contests, such as the Bubble Yum Bubble Blowing Championship, which helped to further establish the brand as a fun and playful product.
Product Evolution
Original Flavors
Bubble Yum was first introduced in 1975 as the first soft bubble gum created. It was initially marketed by Life Savers, a candy division in St. Louis, Missouri. The bubble gum was created by a housewife in Fisk, Missouri, who named it “rubber bubblegum”. She gave some to her son to pass out at school, and soon after, she sold the recipe to Life Savers.
The original Bubble Yum was available in just one flavor, Original. It was an instant success and helped spur a major resurgence in bubble gum sales in the late ’70s. The bubble gum’s soft texture and long-lasting flavor made it a favorite among kids and adults alike.
New Variants
Over the years, Bubble Yum has introduced several new flavors and variants to its product line. Some of the most popular ones include Grape, Watermelon, and Cotton Candy. These new flavors have helped Bubble Yum stay relevant and appeal to a wider audience.
In addition to new flavors, Bubble Yum has also introduced new product formats. For example, the brand now offers Bubble Yum Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry Bubble Gum, which is a collaboration with the popular candy brand. The gum comes in a box of 12 packs, each containing 2.8 ounces of gum.
Overall, Bubble Yum has continued to innovate and evolve its product line to keep up with changing consumer tastes and preferences. Its commitment to quality and innovation has helped it remain a leading brand in the bubble gum market.
Cultural Impact
Pop Culture References
Bubble Yum’s popularity in the 1970s and 1980s made it a cultural icon. It was mentioned in numerous TV shows, movies, and songs. In the 1985 movie “The Goonies,” one of the main characters, Chunk, is seen eating Bubble Yum. The gum was also referenced in the 1982 song “Valley Girl” by Frank Zappa and his daughter Moon Unit.
Advertising Campaigns
Bubble Yum’s advertising campaigns were also memorable. In the 1980s, the company ran a series of commercials featuring a character named Floyd D. Turbo, who touted the gum’s softness and flavor. The commercials were so popular that the character became a cultural phenomenon, and even appeared on Saturday Night Live.
The company’s advertising campaigns also included a promotion where consumers could send in their Bubble Yum wrappers for prizes. This promotion was so successful that it was repeated several times over the years.
Overall, Bubble Yum’s cultural impact can be seen in its continued popularity and references in pop culture.
Controversies
Urban Legends
Bubble Yum, the popular chewing gum brand, has been at the center of many urban legends over the years. One of the most persistent rumors was that the gum contained spider eggs. However, this rumor was quickly dispelled by the makers of Bubble Yum, who took out full-page ads in major newspapers to reassure the public that there were no spider eggs in their product.
Another urban legend that surrounded Bubble Yum was that it contained a chemical that would cause cancer. This rumor was also false and was debunked by the American Cancer Society, who stated that there was no evidence to support the claim.
Health Concerns
In the early 1980s, there were concerns about the health effects of chewing gum, including Bubble Yum. Some studies suggested that chewing gum could cause dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease. However, these concerns were largely unfounded, and most dentists agreed that chewing gum in moderation was not harmful to dental health.
Another health concern was related to the artificial sweeteners used in Bubble Yum and other chewing gums. Some studies suggested that these sweeteners could cause cancer, but again, there was no conclusive evidence to support this claim.
Overall, while Bubble Yum has been the subject of various controversies over the years, most of these concerns have been either debunked or found to be largely unfounded.
Manufacturing Process
Ingredients
Bubble Yum’s ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, gum base, citric acid, artificial flavors, and BHT (a preservative). The gum base consists of elastomers, resins, fats, and waxes. The specific ingredients and proportions used in Bubble Yum’s recipe are proprietary and kept secret.
Production Techniques
The manufacturing process for Bubble Yum involves mixing the ingredients together in large vats, heating and stirring the mixture until it becomes a homogeneous mass, and then feeding the mass through a series of rollers to form thin sheets. These sheets are then cut into strips and coated with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. The gum is then packaged and shipped to stores.
One of the key factors that sets Bubble Yum apart from other chewing gums is its soft texture. To achieve this texture, the gum base is heated to a higher temperature than other gums, and the mixture is agitated vigorously during the mixing process. This creates a more elastic gum that is easier to chew.
Overall, Bubble Yum’s manufacturing process is a closely guarded secret, but its unique texture and flavor have made it a favorite among gum chewers for decades.
Global Reach
International Markets
Bubble Yum’s popularity quickly spread beyond the United States, and it is now available in many countries worldwide. The brand has been a hit in Canada, where it is sold in various flavors and packaging sizes. It has also gained a following in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Localization Efforts
To cater to different markets, Bubble Yum has made efforts to localize its products. For example, in Japan, the brand has introduced unique flavors such as green tea and wasabi. In Brazil, Bubble Yum has partnered with local celebrities to promote the brand and increase its visibility. In addition, the packaging and marketing materials have been adapted to suit local preferences and cultural norms.
Overall, Bubble Yum’s global success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to local markets while maintaining its core brand identity.
Consumer Reception
Sales Milestones
Bubble Yum was an instant hit when it was introduced in 1973, quickly becoming one of the most popular brands of bubble gum on the market. The brand’s large, soft pieces of gum and its ability to blow huge bubbles made it a favorite among children and adults alike. In fact, by 1977, Bubble Yum had captured a 27% share of the bubble gum market, according to a report by The New York Times.
Over the years, the brand continued to grow, expanding into new flavors and packaging options. In 1981, Life Savers, Inc., the original manufacturer of Bubble Yum, was purchased by Nabisco Brands, Inc. The Hershey Company acquired the Bubble Yum brand from Nabisco in 2000, and has been making the bubble gum ever since.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback for Bubble Yum has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers praising the brand’s unique texture and ability to blow large bubbles. In fact, according to a report by Statista, Bubble Yum was one of the top-selling brands of chewing gum in the United States in 2020.
Despite its popularity, Bubble Yum has faced its fair share of controversy over the years. In 1977, rumors began to circulate that the gum contained spider eggs, prompting the Life Savers Company to issue a full-page rebuttal in prominent U.S. newspapers to dispel the rumor and restore public confidence.
Overall, Bubble Yum has remained a beloved brand of bubble gum for decades, thanks to its unique texture, great flavor, and ability to blow huge bubbles.