Fruit Stripe Gum is a popular chewing gum known for its bright and bold stripes of color and strong fruit flavor. The gum was first introduced in the 1960s by the Beech-Nut company and has since become a staple in the gum industry. Fruit Stripe Gum is known for its unique packaging, which includes temporary tattoos on its wrapper.
The history of Fruit Stripe Gum is rather convoluted, as it has changed hands several times over the years. The gum was originally distributed by the Beech-Nut company, but it was later acquired by Warner-Lambert and then by The Hershey Company. In 2003, the Fruit Stripe brand name was acquired by Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company, which is now part of the Ferrara Candy Company. Despite these changes in ownership, Fruit Stripe Gum has remained a beloved gum by many.
Today, Fruit Stripe Gum continues to be widely available in the United States and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Its unique packaging and strong fruit flavor make it a standout in the gum industry. In this article, we will delve into the history of Fruit Stripe Gum and explore how it has become the iconic gum that it is today.
Origins of Fruit Stripe Gum
Fruit Stripe Gum was first invented by a man named James Parker in the 1960s. Parker created the gum as an extension to the then-popular Beech-Nut line of gum. The gum was initially available in five different flavors, including orange, lemon, grape, strawberry, and cherry.
The rights to Fruit Stripe Gum were eventually acquired by the Farley’s and Sathers Candy Company, who acquired it from the famous Hershey Company in the year 2003. The gum quickly became a hit among children and adults alike due to its unique fruity flavors and colorful packaging.
The gum’s popularity was further boosted by its fun characters, including an anthropomorphic gum pack with limbs and a face known as the Fruit Stripe Gum Man. The brand also introduced a chocolate version named Chocolate Stripe in the late 1970s.
Today, Fruit Stripe Gum is still widely available in the United States and is part of the Ferrara Candy Company. The gum continues to be enjoyed by many as a sweet treat, thanks to its iconic fruity flavors and fun packaging.
Brand Evolution
Early Branding
Fruit Stripe gum was invented in the early 1960s by James Parker, and it is a flavor mix of five that is packaged in zebra-striped packaging. Beech-Nut began selling this brand as a chewing gum line in the 1950s. The gum’s packaging has always been the most distinctive feature of the brand, with bold and bright stripes of color that have become synonymous with the product.
Ownership Changes
In 2003, The Hershey Company sold the Fruit Stripe brand to Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company. The new owners kept the packaging and flavors the same, but they added temporary tattoos to the wrappers, which became a staple of the brand. In 2012, Farley’s & Sathers merged with the Ferrara Pan Candy Company to form Ferrara Candy Company, which still owns the Fruit Stripe brand today.
Marketing Strategies
Over the years, Fruit Stripe has used various marketing strategies to promote the brand. In 1996, Fruit Stripe donated five cents from every sale of the Variety Multipack and the Jumbo Pack of Fruit Stripe Gum to help fund the World Wildlife Fund, which existed to attempt to protect the habitats and lives of endangered animals. The brand has also used TV commercials, social media, and influencer marketing to reach new audiences and maintain its loyal fan base.
Overall, Fruit Stripe gum has remained a popular chewing gum brand for over 60 years. Its unique packaging, bold flavors, and fun temporary tattoos have made it a favorite among children and adults alike.
Product Development
Original Flavors
Fruit Stripe Gum was first introduced in the early 1960s by the Y&S Candies company. The original flavors included orange, lemon, grape, strawberry, and cherry. The gum was an instant hit among children and adults alike, thanks to its fruity flavor and colorful packaging.
Over time, the company experimented with different flavors and introduced new ones such as mixed fruit and cotton candy. However, the original flavors remained a fan favorite and continue to be sold to this day.
Packaging Innovations
Fruit Stripe Gum was one of the first gums to introduce colorful packaging with bold stripes that corresponded to the flavor of the gum. The packaging was eye-catching and made it easy for consumers to identify their favorite flavor.
In addition, the company also introduced a unique packaging design that featured a zebra mascot. The zebra became synonymous with the brand and was used in all of its advertising campaigns.
To this day, Fruit Stripe Gum continues to innovate its packaging and has introduced new designs that appeal to a wider audience. The company has also introduced limited edition packaging that features popular characters from movies and TV shows.
Overall, Fruit Stripe Gum has remained a popular brand among consumers due to its innovative packaging and delicious flavors.
Cultural Impact
Advertising Campaigns
Fruit Stripe Gum has been known for its colorful and playful advertising campaigns. The gum’s mascot, a zebra, has been featured prominently in various TV commercials and print ads throughout the years. The commercials often show the zebra dancing and singing, promoting the gum’s five different flavors. The catchy jingle “Yipes! Stripes!” has become synonymous with the brand and is still remembered by many today.
Nostalgia Factor
Fruit Stripe Gum holds a special place in the hearts of many who grew up in the 60s and 70s. The gum’s bright colors and fruity flavors were a hit with kids and its popularity continued well into the 80s and 90s. Many people today still have fond memories of chewing on Fruit Stripe Gum during their childhood. The gum’s packaging and zebra mascot have become iconic symbols of nostalgia for those who grew up during that time period.
Overall, Fruit Stripe Gum has left a lasting cultural impact on American society. Its playful advertising campaigns and nostalgic appeal have made it a beloved brand that is still enjoyed by many today.
Economic History
Market Performance
Fruit Stripe Gum was first marketed by the Beech-Nut company in 1969. The gum was an instant hit, thanks to its unique five-flavor blend and colorful packaging. Over the years, the brand has remained popular among consumers, particularly children and teenagers.
In 1996, Fruit Stripe Gum launched a campaign to donate five cents from every sale of the Variety Multipack and the Jumbo Pack to the World Wildlife Fund, which aimed to protect the habitats and lives of endangered animals. This campaign not only helped to raise awareness about environmental issues but also boosted the brand’s reputation as a socially responsible company.
Competitive Landscape
Fruit Stripe Gum has faced stiff competition from other chewing gum brands, including Wrigley’s, Trident, and Dentyne. However, the brand has managed to maintain its market share by offering a unique product that appeals to a specific demographic.
In 2003, the Farley’s & Sathers Candy Company acquired the Fruit Stripe brand name from The Hershey Company. The acquisition helped to expand the brand’s reach and distribution channels. Today, Fruit Stripe Gum is sold in major retail stores across the United States and is also available for purchase online.
In conclusion, Fruit Stripe Gum has had a successful economic history, thanks to its unique product offering and innovative marketing campaigns. Despite facing stiff competition from other chewing gum brands, the brand has managed to maintain its market share and expand its reach.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite its popularity and colorful packaging, Fruit Stripe gum has faced some controversies and criticisms over the years. One of the main criticisms of Fruit Stripe gum is its lack of long-lasting flavor. Many consumers have reported that the flavor fades quickly, leaving them with a bland taste in their mouths.
Another criticism of Fruit Stripe gum is its use of artificial ingredients. Some consumers have expressed concern over the use of artificial colors and flavors in the gum, citing potential health risks associated with these ingredients.
In addition, there have been rumors circulating that Fruit Stripe gum may be discontinued due to declining sales. However, these rumors have been debunked by the Ferrara Candy Company, which currently owns the brand. While it is true that no new flavors of Fruit Stripe gum have been released in recent years, the brand is still widely available in the United States.
Despite these criticisms, Fruit Stripe gum remains a beloved treat for many consumers, particularly children who are drawn to its bright colors and fruity flavors. While it may not be the longest-lasting or healthiest gum on the market, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.
Current Status and Availability
Fruit Stripe Gum has been a popular chewing gum brand for several decades. The brand has undergone several changes over the years, including changes in ownership and packaging. Currently, the brand is owned by Ferrara Candy Company, which acquired the brand in 2018.
Despite its popularity, Fruit Stripe Gum has faced some challenges in recent years. Some consumers have reported that the gum loses its flavor quickly, and there have been no new flavors released in recent years. However, the brand still has a loyal following, and its unique fruity flavors and colorful packaging continue to attract consumers.
Fruit Stripe Gum is widely available in the United States and can be found in most grocery stores and convenience stores. It is also available for purchase online through retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. The brand offers several different flavors, including cherry, grape, mixed fruit, lemon, and cotton candy. Consumers can also purchase Fruit Stripe Gum in a variety of packaging, including single packs, multi-packs, and bulk packages.
Overall, Fruit Stripe Gum remains a popular choice for consumers who enjoy fruity chewing gum. While it may not have the same level of popularity as it did in the past, the brand still has a dedicated following and is widely available for purchase.