Orbit (gum)

Orbit is a brand of sugarless chewing gum from the Wrigley Company. In the United States, where it was re-launched in 2001,[1] it is sold in cardboard boxes with 14 individually wrapped pieces of gum per package. In the UK, where it was launched in 1977,[2] it was sold as a traditional long-stick gum. Wrigley's recently introduced the 14 package (as in the United States) in the UK.

Orbit White, packaged in blister packs of 12 pieces, was released to compete with Cadbury Adams's Trident White gum in 2001.[3]

In late 2007, Orbit sugar-free gum was granted the American Dental Association's seal of approval and Indian Dental Association's approval based on its ability to improve oral health. As of May 2009, Orbit has come out with a new gum subline. Orbit Mist (called Excel Mist in Canada) is the new Orbit gum subline that has "micro-bursts," small polka dot chips filled with a flavor contrast to the rest of the stick. It is also meant to create "a hydrating sensation", as claimed on the box. There are three flavors: Peppermint Spray, Watermelon Spring and Mango Surf. It is advertised as a "premium gum." The gum contains phenylalanine and other sweeteners, as well as the preservatives BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene).

History

Orbit was launched in 1944 in the United States as a replacement brand by Wrigley due to rationing of gum-making ingredients in World War II. The ingredient list of Orbit gum during the Second World War was gum base, sugar, corn syrup, softeners and artificial fruit flavors.

The gum reappeared in Europe in 1977 as the first sugar-free chewing gum from the Wrigley Company before launching Extra gum. It was again relaunched in 2001. The advertising campaign for Orbit is centered around the Orbit Gum Girl, a British character who always appears in awkward situations wearing all white, a scarf and a smile. The actress who plays the Orbit Gum Girl is Farris Patton. [4]

Flavors

Flavour Orbit Orbit White Orbit Mist
Peppermint Available Available Available (in Canada as Excel Mist)
Spearmint Available Available Available (in Canada as Excel Mist)
Bubblemint Available Available Not Available
Wintermint Available Not Available Not Available
Cinnamint Available Not Available Not Available
Citrusmint Available Not Available Not Available
Crystal Mint Available Not Available Not Available
Sweetmint Available Not Available Not Available
Mint Mojito Available Not Available Not Available
Raspberry Mint Available Not Available Not Available
Maui Melon Mint Available Not Available Not Available
Fabulous Fruitini Available Not Available Not Available
Fruit Punch Available Not Available Not Available
Sangria Fresca Available Not Available Not Available
Strawberry Mint Available Not Available Not Available
Positively Pomegranate Available Not Available Not Available
Melon Breeze Not Available Available Not Available
Fruit Sorbet Not Available Available Not Available
Peppermint Spray Not Available Not Available Available
Watermelon Spring Not Available Not Available Available
Raspberry Lemon Dew Not Available Not Available Available
Mango Surf Not Available Not Available Available
Lemon Mint Not Available Not Available Available
Piña Colada Limited Availability (As of April 2010) Not Available Not Available
Berry Red Available Not Available Not Available
Lime Melon Available Not Available Not Available
Tropical Remix Available Not Available Not Available
Perfect Peach Available Not Available Not Available
Strawberry Remix Available Not Available Not Available

References

  1. ^ Wrigley press release, wrigley.com. Retrieved 2006-06-15.
  2. ^ Wrigley press release, wrigley.co.uk. Article retrieved 2006-06-15.
  3. ^ "Category Wars: Wrigley Returns To Orbit In Whitening Showdown" by Mike Beirne, Brandweek, 5/17/2004, Vol. 45 Issue 20, p11.
  4. ^ Evan, Suzy. "Farris Patton Is Living Her Dream as the Orbit Girl". Backstage. http://www.backstage.com/bso/news-and-features-features/farris-patton-is-living-her-dream-as-the-1005342772.story. Retrieved 21 September 2011. 

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