130 Years—And Beyond!

Thomas Adams acquired chicle for a rubber business from the then-exiled Mexican President Santa Anna. Instead of rubber, Adams created Black Jack as America’s first flavored chewing gum in 1884!

1891 was the year basketball was born in America—giving us a new sport to enjoy with our favorite gums and candies!

The auto industry was on the rise in the 1900’s thanks to Henry Ford. The industry of travel would be changed forever and Americans would enjoy their favorite treats in their cars for years to come!

Booming industry gave rise to entertainment and leisure. It also gave us a bit more pocket change to spend on popular sweets—like chewing gum!

Thanks to an innovation in manufacturing and processing, candy and gum were produced at faster rates on assembly lines!

The 1930’s were regarded as the “Golden Age” for Hollywood. Timeless classics were produced in cinematic form and sweet treats became part of the enjoyment of going to the movies!

Chewing gum became a taste of home to American troops who found themselves fighting alongside the Allies in WWII.

Chewing gum worked its way into professional sports as baseball players became star-studded spokespeople of the sweet treat!

Gum joined the space race with new shapes like planets, satellites, and even rockets to fit into our growing curiosity around the universe.

With the rise of the disco era, everyone was tossing gum in their back pocket and hitting the dance floor to bust a move.

Synthesizers, neon colors, and high fashion—the 80’s brought forth an age of new trends in music, clothing, and candy!

Sugar-free gums exploded in the market, and soon chewing gum was seen as a great way to freshen breath and clean teeth after a meal.

A technology revolution gave us phones and computers that fit in our pockets—right next to our favorite gums!

Social media gives rise to influencers and brand personalities for a new way to interact with our favorite treats, and remind you that “It’s back, baby!”