Date Posted: 07/23/21
NCP Blog: Chew On This: Gum Sales Are Up Big Time!
In a sign of the times as we move past the pandemic, chewing gum sales have bubbled up in the past few months. As we toss off our masks, we must ensure our breath is minty fresh. I know that’s what I want!
In the four weeks ending Feb. 27, chewing gum dollar sales had fallen more than 30% from the same period a year ago, according to NielsenIQ figures. Then by the four weeks ending May 1, gum sales climbed more than 23% from a year ago. In fact, Americans purchased nearly 15 million more packs of gum in May compared with January 2021 levels.
Why Gum Sales Declined
Demand for chewing gum dropped during the pandemic for several obvious reasons, according to Bloomberg.com. Americans weren’t leaving the house or socializing, and required masking plus six-foot distancing meant consumers weren’t in need of fresh breath as in the good old pre-pandemic days.
Now, of course, it’s time for some fun facts about gum!
– During WWII, U.S. military personnel spread the popularity of chewing gum by trading it and giving it as gifts to people in Europe, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere around the world.
– Cinnamon, spearmint, and peppermint are among the most popular flavors of chewing gum today.
– The color of the first successful bubble gum was pink because it was the only color the inventor had left. The color “stuck,” and today bubble gum is still predominantly pink.
Related Links
Vending Machines Are Everywhere (March 4, 2021)
All About Barcodes (December 13, 2019)