Starburst Fruit Twists have been a beloved candy for many years, but what is the history behind this delicious treat? Originally launched in 1997, the unique twist-shape and variety of flavors quickly made Fruit Twists a favorite among candy lovers. Unfortunately, Starburst decided to discontinue the candy in the early 2000s, leaving many fans with a void in their hearts.
Despite the discontinuation of Fruit Twists, Starburst has continued to thrive as a brand. First introduced in the United Kingdom in 1960 as Opal Fruits, Starburst quickly became popular in many countries around the world. In the United States, Starburst made its debut in 1967 as a brand of chewy fruit-flavored candy. Over the years, the brand has expanded to include a variety of flavors and varieties, including Tropical, Sour, FaveREDs, and Superfruit. The history of Starburst is a fascinating one, and the story of Fruit Twists is just one chapter in this candy’s long and successful history.
Origins of Starburst Fruit Twists
Starburst Fruit Twists were a popular candy that was launched in 1997. The candy quickly became a favorite among candy lovers due to its unique twist-shape and a variety of flavors. The candy was a product of Mars, Incorporated, an American multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other food products.
Inception and Brand Evolution
The Starburst brand was originally launched in the United Kingdom in 1960. The candy was initially called Opal Fruits and was marketed with the slogan “Made to make your mouth water”. The candy was introduced in the United States in 1967, where it was renamed Starburst. The brand quickly gained popularity in the US and became one of the most popular chewy candy brands in the country.
Over the years, the Starburst brand has evolved and expanded to include a variety of products. In addition to the original Starburst candy, the brand has also introduced Starburst GummiBursts, Starburst Jellybeans, and Starburst Minis. The brand has also released limited edition flavors, such as Tropical Punch, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon.
Starburst Brand Expansion
In the early 2000s, Starburst decided to discontinue the Fruit Twists, leaving many fans of the candy with a void in their hearts. However, the brand has continued to expand and innovate, introducing new products and flavors to meet the changing tastes of consumers.
Today, the Starburst brand is known for its bold and fruity flavors, and is a favorite among candy lovers of all ages. The brand is sold in over 100 countries around the world, and continues to be a leader in the chewy candy market.
Product Development
Starburst Fruit Twists were developed by Mars Inc. in the late 1990s as a new addition to their line of fruit-flavored candies. The candy was created to offer a new twist on the classic Starburst candy, with a unique texture and flavor profile.
Recipe Formulation
The recipe for Starburst Fruit Twists was carefully formulated to create a candy with a soft, chewy texture that would be easy to eat. The candy was made using a combination of sugar, corn syrup, and other ingredients to create a chewy base, which was then flavored with a variety of fruit extracts.
The candy was then shaped into a twisted rope, which gave it a unique appearance and texture. The twisted shape also helped to create a candy that was easy to eat, as it could be easily pulled apart into smaller pieces.
Flavor Selection and Testing
The development team at Mars Inc. spent a great deal of time testing different flavor combinations to find the perfect blend for Starburst Fruit Twists. The goal was to create a candy that would be both sweet and tangy, with a strong fruit flavor that would appeal to a wide range of consumers.
After extensive testing, the team settled on four flavors for the initial launch: strawberry, orange, cherry, and lemon. These flavors were chosen for their popularity and their ability to complement each other when eaten together.
Overall, the development of Starburst Fruit Twists was a careful and deliberate process, designed to create a candy that would stand out on the shelves and appeal to candy lovers of all ages.
Marketing and Advertising
Initial Campaigns
When Starburst Fruit Twists were first introduced in 1997, the company launched a massive marketing campaign to promote the new candy. The campaign included TV commercials, billboards, and print ads in popular magazines. The ads featured bright colors and bold graphics, which helped to capture the attention of the target audience. The commercials were particularly effective, as they showcased the candy’s unique twisted shape and bold flavors.
Target Audience and Branding
The target audience for Starburst Fruit Twists was primarily children and teenagers, as the candy’s bright colors and fun packaging appealed to this demographic. The company also marketed the candy as a healthier alternative to other sweets, as it contained real fruit juice and had no artificial flavors or colors. This branding strategy helped to position Starburst Fruit Twists as a fun and tasty treat that parents could feel good about giving to their kids.
To further promote the candy, Starburst also partnered with popular children’s TV shows and movies, such as Nickelodeon’s “Rugrats” and the Disney movie “Hercules”. These partnerships helped to increase brand awareness and generate buzz around the new candy.
Overall, the initial marketing campaigns for Starburst Fruit Twists were highly successful in generating interest and excitement around the new candy. The bold branding and fun packaging helped to position the candy as a must-try treat for kids and teenagers, while the partnerships with popular TV shows and movies helped to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
Manufacturing Process
Starburst Fruit Twists are a popular candy that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for many years. The manufacturing process of Starburst Fruit Twists involves several steps that are carefully executed to ensure that the final product is of high quality.
Production Techniques
The production of Starburst Fruit Twists begins with the mixing of ingredients such as corn syrup, sugar, palm kernel oil, fruit juice concentrate, citric acid, and tapioca. The mixture is then heated and stirred until it reaches the desired consistency. The candy is then shaped into thin, twisted strands and cut into small pieces.
The candy is then coated with a layer of wax to prevent it from sticking together. The wax coating also helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the candy. Once the candy has been coated, it is packaged and sent to retailers for sale.
Quality Control Measures
To ensure that the final product is of high quality, several quality control measures are put in place during the manufacturing process. These measures include regular testing of the ingredients to ensure that they meet the required standards.
The candy is also regularly inspected during the manufacturing process to ensure that it meets the required quality standards. Any candy that does not meet the required standards is discarded.
Overall, the manufacturing process of Starburst Fruit Twists is carefully executed to ensure that the final product is of high quality and satisfies the taste buds of candy lovers all over the world.
Distribution and Availability
Domestic Market Reach
Starburst Fruit Twists have been a popular candy in the United States since they were first introduced in 1997. The candy quickly gained a following among candy lovers and became a staple in many households. Starburst Fruit Twists were widely available in grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines across the country.
However, in recent years, the availability of Starburst Fruit Twists in the domestic market has decreased. Many fans of the candy have reported difficulty finding it in stores. Despite this, Starburst Fruit Twists are still available for purchase online through various retailers.
International Presence
Starburst Fruit Twists have also been available in international markets. The candy has been sold in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In these markets, Starburst Fruit Twists were typically available in grocery stores and convenience stores.
However, it is unclear whether Starburst Fruit Twists are still available in these international markets. The candy has been discontinued in the United States, and it is possible that it has also been discontinued in other countries.
Cultural Impact
Influence on Popular Culture
Starburst Fruit Twists have had a significant impact on popular culture. The candy’s unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among candy lovers for decades. The candy has been featured in various movies and TV shows, including “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” In addition, the candy has been referenced in numerous songs, including “Starburst” by 6ix9ine.
Consumer Reception and Trends
Starburst Fruit Twists have been well received by consumers since their introduction in 1997. The candy’s unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among candy lovers of all ages. The candy has also been the subject of various trends and challenges on social media, including the “Starburst Challenge,” which involves eating as many Starburst Fruit Twists as possible in a short amount of time.
Overall, Starburst Fruit Twists have had a significant cultural impact and continue to be a beloved candy among consumers.
Variations and Related Products
Limited Edition Flavors
Over the years, Starburst has introduced a variety of limited edition flavors for their Fruit Twists product line. These flavors have included Watermelon, Blue Raspberry, and Mango. These limited edition flavors were often released for a short period of time and were popular among fans of the candy.
Spin-Off Products
In addition to the Fruit Twists, Starburst has also released other products with similar flavors. One of these products is the Starburst Gummies, which are chewy gummy candies with the same fruity flavors as the Fruit Twists. Another spin-off product is the Starburst Jelly Beans, which are jelly beans with the same fruity flavors as the original Starburst candies.
Starburst has also released a product called Starburst Minis, which are small, bite-sized versions of the original Starburst candies. These minis come in a variety of flavors, including the classic strawberry, lemon, orange, and cherry, as well as newer flavors like FaveReds and Tropical.
Overall, Starburst has continued to innovate and expand their product line, while still maintaining the same fruity flavors that have made their candies popular for over 50 years.