SKITTLES

Introduction

SKITTLES, a beloved fruit-flavored candy brand, had its inception in 1974 by a group of confectioners who aimed to create a unique and vibrant confectionery experience. Although initially introduced in the United Kingdom, SKITTLES found its way to the United States in the early 1980s. It has since been under the ownership of Mars, Incorporated, which has propelled the brand into a global phenomenon recognized for its colorful, chewy candies. The founders sought to capture the joy of fruit flavors in a playful and visually appealing format, which seems to have been successful given the brand’s enduring popularity.

The philosophy behind SKITTLES centers on the notion of embracing individuality and celebrating diversity, encapsulated by its slogan, "Taste the Rainbow." This mantra speaks to both the variety of flavors and colors that SKITTLES offers, as well as the brand's commitment to inclusivity. Over the years, SKITTLES has created an emotional connection with its consumers through innovative marketing campaigns, quirky mascots, and the incorporation of fun, engaging experiences. The brand exudes a playful vibe that resonates particularly well with younger audiences but appeals to candy lovers of all ages.

What makes SKITTLES special is not just its distinctive flavors and eye-catching colors but also its consistent ability to innovate while remaining true to its core identity. From limited-edition flavors to colorful packaging, SKITTLES has continuously reinvigorated its offerings to keep fans excited. Furthermore, the brand has also made strides toward sustainability and social responsibility, aiming to connect with consumers who value ethical practices. This combination of daring creativity and social consciousness helps ensure SKITTLES remains a beloved and relevant player in the candy market.

Signature Products

SKITTLES' diverse array of products is instrumental in defining the brand's vibrant identity. Each offering reflects the philosophy of celebrating individuality through a prism of flavors and colors.

• Original SKITTLES : A combination of classic flavors like strawberry, lemon, grape, green apple, and orange, providing a quintessential rainbow experience.
• SKITTLES Wild Berry : A twist on the original, featuring berry-inspired flavors including strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry, igniting a fruity explosion.
• SKITTLES Sour : Infusing a tangy kick, these candies deliver a unique sour flavor profile before transitioning into sweetness.
• SKITTLES Tropical : Offering flavors like banana berry, kiwi lime, and strawberry starfruit, transporting consumers to a tropical paradise with each bite.
• SKITTLES Darkside : Featuring bold flavors such as forbidden fruit and midnight lime, these candies offer a mysterious twist on the familiar SKITTLES experience.
• SKITTLES Gummies : A chewy, gum-like texture infused with a burst of SKITTLES flavor, catering to those who enjoy a different take on the original candy.

Materials and Ingredients Used by SKITTLES

• Carnauba Wax : This ingredient is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It is used in SKITTLES to provide a glossy finish and help improve the texture of the candy, making it visually appealing and enhancing its overall mouthfeel.
• Citric Acid : A natural preservative with a sour flavor, citric acid is utilized in SKITTLES to enhance the fruity taste and balance the sweetness. It also acts as a stabilizer to help maintain the product's freshness over time.
• Corn : Corn is often used in the form of corn syrup in confectionery products. In SKITTLES, it serves as a sweetening agent and helps create the chewy texture that consumers expect from the candy.
• Gelatin : This ingredient is derived from animal collagen and provides a chewy texture to SKITTLES. It is used to give the candy its characteristic bite and enhance the overall mouthfeel for a more enjoyable eating experience.
• Sugar : A fundamental ingredient in most candies, sugar is the primary sweetener in SKITTLES. It is essential for achieving the desired level of sweetness and contributes to the overall flavor profile of each piece.
• Sunflower : Often referred to in the context of sunflower oil or sunflower lecithin, this ingredient is used in SKITTLES as a processing aid. It helps prevent sticking and ensures a smoother production process, allowing for consistent quality in each candy.
• Water : Water serves as a solvent in the mixture of ingredients for SKITTLES. It is crucial for dissolving sugars and acids during the cooking process, helping to achieve the right consistency and texture in the final product.
• Yellow 5 : Also known as Tartrazine, this synthetic dye is used in SKITTLES to provide vibrant color to the candy. It enhances the visual appeal, making the product more attractive to consumers.
• Yellow 6 : Another synthetic dye, yellow 6 is included in SKITTLES to give the candy its distinct yellow hue. It contributes to the overall color variety of the product, appealing to consumers' preferences for visually delightful treats.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From SKITTLES

Deforestation:

Carnauba wax and sugar production are associated with deforestation. Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of the carnauba palm, native to Brazil. To increase cultivation, areas of the Amazon rainforest are sometimes cleared, leading to habitat loss and contributing to climate change. Similarly, sugarcane farming has been linked to deforestation in tropical regions like Brazil and Southeast Asia. The clearing of forests not only displaces wildlife but also releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.

Labor Exploitation:

The production of carnauba wax and sugar has been criticized for labor exploitation. Reports indicate that workers, including children, often work long hours in harsh conditions for minimal pay in carnauba wax production in Brazil. Similarly, sugar plantations in countries like Thailand and the Philippines may employ workers under conditions that lack fair wages and safe environments. It's essential to ensure fair labor practices are enforced to maintain social sustainability.

Chemical Runoff:

The production of citric acid, typically through microbial fermentation, can result in chemical runoff if not managed correctly. Wastewater from citric acid manufacturing contains acids and salts that can leach into nearby water bodies, affecting aquatic life and water quality. This kind of pollution requires stringent waste management protocols to mitigate environmental damage.

Monoculture Farming:

The cultivation of corn often involves monoculture farming, which can diminish soil health and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases. This farming practice reduces biodiversity and can lead to significant ecological shifts. In the U.S., where corn is extensively grown, monoculture farming has resulted in soil depletion and increased use of fertilizers and pesticides that can harm surrounding ecosystems.

Pesticide Use:

Corn and sunflower production are associated with heavy pesticide use. Pesticides can cause pollution by seeping into water supplies and harming non-target species, including beneficial insects and birds. Over-reliance on pesticides also leads to resistance, prompting farmers to use even more potent chemicals, further compounding the environmental impact.

Water Usage:

Corn and sugar production are high water consumers. The irrigation needed to cultivate these crops strains water resources, particularly in areas already suffering from water scarcity. Over-extraction of water for agriculture can lead to depleted aquifers and reduced water availability for local communities and ecosystems, necessitating careful water management strategies.

Resource-Intensive Processing:

Gelatin production is resource-intensive as it requires boiling animal parts like bones and skin, consuming large amounts of water and energy. Additionally, ethical concerns arise from animal welfare issues associated with the livestock industry, from where gelatin is sourced. Sustainable practices in livestock rearing and resource management are crucial to address these concerns.

Chemical Production Waste:

The production of synthetic dyes like Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 involves processes that can generate chemical waste. Manufacturing these additives requires phthalates and benzidines, which are known to pollute air and water if not correctly handled. Moreover, regulatory concerns surround these dyes due to potential health impacts, leading to restrictions on their use in various regions.

Water Scarcity:

Water as a material presents issues in terms of scarcity and pollution. Accessing clean water is a fundamental challenge in many parts of the world, exacerbated by factors like industrialization and climate change. Companies using large volumes of water must invest in sustainable extraction and purification methods to minimize environmental impact and ensure equitable access for surrounding communities.