The
company has announced its acquisition of Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews
from Sharkies, Inc. The
company, known for iconic confections such as the Ring Pop and Bazooka
bubblegum, hopes that the natural snack will expand its portfolio to
include organic snacking options.
“Consumer
attitudes toward health and wellness continue to evolve and it was apparent
that we needed to diversify our portfolio or products to offer our consumer and
customers healthier snack alternatives,” says John Budd, v.p. of marketing for
the Topps Company, Inc, which owns the Bazooka Candy Brands.
Budd
says the 2011 sales projection for local organic foods includes a 25%
increase from 2010.
“The
market is clearly booming and it’s consistent with consumers changing attitude
to what they consider healthy food,” he explains.
While
this deal is a new venture for Bazooka, it isn’t the only healthy endeavor
they’re taking on.
A
sugar-free version of the Ring Pop already exists, but Budd says they’re
looking into an all-natural formulation. Budd made sure to note that with only
60 calories and no fat, the Ring Pop isn’t as unhealthy as a typical chocolate
bar.
For
now, Bazooka has no plans to alter the Sharkies product. All of
the Bazooka candies fall into what Budd deems the “edible entertainment”
category, delivering a great tasting treat with an entertainment experience.
Eventually Bazooka would like to incorporate Sharkies into that
brand, but for the short term the snack will stay separate.
“This
product was born from the brain of an athlete,” says Budd. “We don’t want to
jeopardize its authenticity or credibility with the organic, natural and
athletic set.”
Sharkies,
Inc. started in 2003 after two competitive athletes and parents, Dwight and
Kelly Sinclair, wanted to make a portable, healthy product for their kids. The
couple developed a gluten-free and 100% vitamin C fruit chew made with only
natural ingredients.
The
natural ingredients are key to Budd, who says that Sharkies will allow Bazooka
to become prevalent in areas previously inaccessible, like the organic
snack aisles.
“It
allows us an entry point into new channels, new accounts, and new store
locations where we currently don’t compete,” exclaims Budd.
For
more information visit www.topps.com and www.sharkiesinc.com
-G.W.
