SKITTLES
A COLORFUL BEGINNING
Skittles were first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1974 by Jack Candies, a British distributor for Mars, Incorporated. The small, colorful fruit-flavored candies featured a crisp sugar shell with a chewy, flavorful center and were named after the traditional British lawn game skittles. The candy steadily gained popularity throughout the United Kingdom, building a loyal following during its first five years on the market before being introduced to the United States in 1979. Skittles quickly flourished in the United States, where chocolate candies dominated the market, and mass production began in 1982.
EXPANDING THE RAINBOW
A few years later, Skittles launched its iconic "Taste the Rainbow" slogan and advertising campaign, marking a major turning point for the brand. The colorful, imaginative commercials strengthened Skittles' identity and helped make it a household name. The company also expanded its product line with the introduction of Tropical, Wild Berry, and Sour Skittles, offering consumers an even wider variety of fruit flavors. Although early sales figures are unknown, today more than 200 million Skittles are produced each day in the United States alone, making them one of the world's best-selling candies. More than 50 years after their introduction, Skittles continues to be celebrated for its vibrant colors, fruity flavors, and enduring place in popular culture.
