Tic Tac to take custom vessel to space and send messages to extraterrestrials

Brand plays up interest into ‘UFO in the shape of a Tic Tac’ spotted in 2004.

Tic Tac is fanning the excitement and fun speculation surrounding the Tic Tac UFO phenomenon with a trip to space.

On Aug. 4, Tic Tac will be sending a custom vessel into space that will transmit refreshing messages submitted by consumers to help make connections with extraterrestrials.

The vessel will also be filled with limited edition packs and enter orbit with the help of aerospace company Sent into Space, the world leader in high altitude balloon flights.

Though officially heading to space for the first time ever next week, Tic Tac was spotted in the atmosphere in 2004 by Navy Lt. Commander Alex Dietrich who reported a UFO in the shape of a Tic Tac breath mint. The newly de-classified video footage of the incident has resulted in worldwide fanfare and additional speculated sightings. The most recent witness account occurred just last month in the United Kingdom spawning continued interest from believers around the globe.

"Tic Tac has a very strong connection with the history of space, having launched the same year that American astronauts landed on the moon in 1969 and the UFO reference that has made news for over 15 years now," said Noah Szporn, senior v.p., Ferrero Sugar Confections North America. "Our fans have been so receptive and excited by the UFO connection, especially in the last few months, that it seemed fitting to send our own Tic Tac vessel into space containing the universal mints while displaying their personal words into the galaxy."

The Tic Tac packs in the space vessel include fan-favorite flavors, Freshmint, Orange, and Fruit Adventure. They will feature phrases that inspire moments of connection prompting a kind, refreshing encounter with our alien friends.

The exterior of the vessel will project messages and greetings on a scrolling ticker-tape board.

Consumers can go to the Tic Tac Twitter @tictacusa, Instagram @tictacusa or Facebook @TicTacUSA channels by August 1 to submit their own refreshing messages for a chance to have them projected into the atmosphere.

Upon landing back on Earth, 100 lucky fans can get their hands on a pack that went to space by following instructions to come on the Tic Tac social channels, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Everyone will be able to purchase the limited edition Tic Tac breath mints later this year at major retailers nationwide.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.