Chewing gum companies must arm themselves with data that refutes health concerns about their product and highlights the health benefits it offers. There is no shortage of news stories suggesting that artificial sweeteners used in some chewing gum brands pose a variety of health risks, from unwanted weight loss to the possibility of toxic effects on the digestive system.

Chewing gum news and trends is not just for manufacturers. If you're a chewing gum distributor, the news affecting even bubble gum manufacturers also affects you in terms of your customers' demand and your ultimate sales. Staying abreast of the latest health concerns related to chewing gum requires a broad outlook:

1. Get the latest news about the dangers of artificial sweeteners that affects chewing gum companies.

2. Monitor medical data suggesting other health risks chewing gum manufacturers have to answer for.

3. Access data and literature suggesting many chewing gum brands contain health benefits.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Reach out for recent health announcements about gum sweeteners that impact chewing gum prices

Chewing gum producers realize how influential public health data is in determining customer demand which ultimately impacts prices. Marketing and public relations personnel employed by chewing gum companies must get the facts so they can properly respond to consumers' concerns, particularly as they relate to questions about the safety of artificial sweeteners used in sugar-free gum.

I recommend: The Food Intolerant Consumer tracks research that suggests sorbitol leads to irritable bowel syndrome. Write to the Children with Diabetes Foundation, which routinely monitors medical literature concerning the health effects of sorbitol, including the risk of unwanted weight loss.

Access data suggesting other health concerns that chewing gum presents

The latest research points to other potential health problems associated with chewing gum use.

I recommend: Contact the International Agency for Research on Cancer for data suggesting that substances found in chewing gum might be cancerous. This organization is highly regarded around the world for its research focusing on identifying the causes of cancer. In addition, Chet Day's Health & Beyond offers research by Dr. Ben Kim on the harmful effects from chewing gum.

Collect literature identifying health benefits of chewing gum

Advertising and marketing professionals need to arm themselves with data pointing to the health advantages of chewing gum use so they can prepare product literature and advertisements that help drive sales.

I recommend: The Wrigley Company, since 1891, has been a market leader in the chewing gum industry. Today, The Wrigley Company promotes the health benefits of chewing gum. You can use their facts in product literature and advertisements that promote your company's chewing gum brands. ElimiTaste manufactures chewing gum that the company suggests helps the fight against tooth decay and bad breath.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Chewing gum producers don't always face an uphill battle against negative news stories. They frequently remind consumers that their products do not contain any ingredients that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not approved for sale.

The average consumer doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about chewing gum. In fact, most only consider their options as they are standing in the checkout line waiting to pay for their other items. As a retailer, it's up to you to create an enticing line up of bubble gum that will excite their eyes and taste buds and force them to buy a pack or two before heading out the door.

Gum manufacturers want your business, but as a store owner you have a lot of other things to tend to day in and day out and would have trouble keeping track of each and every manufacturer. This is why finding a good chewing gum distributor is going to be crucial to your success. These companies supply with you a wide variety of products in one convenient place. You can find different categories of products like:

1. Bubble gum makers.

2. Chewing gum makers.

3. Candy and gum manufacturers that make hybrid products.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what the different chewing gum manufacturers have to offer

Chewing gum companies strive to get their product out into the marketplace, and they can't do it without your support. Find out if the company in question has a website, then spend some time looking at the different products that they have available. Most companies will be happy to send out samples of their new product lines as well; all you have to do is ask.

I recommend: Attend the annual All Candy Expo or the NCA Showcase, both sponsored by the National Confectioners Association. There you can sample thousands of different types of gum and candy, learn about trends in the industry and talk with the companies directly to set up a line of distribution.

Compare prices with different bubble gum manufacturers

Bubble gum prices can vary greatly depending on where you live and what exactly you are looking for. Sometimes going to the company itself is cheaper, while other times going through a chewing gum wholesaler just makes more sense. Get quotes from several different places, and don't be afraid to haggle to get the best price possible.

I recommend: Start off with the major players and work your way to the specialty companies. You can learn pricing directly through a company that interests you, such as Wrigley, or you can contact a company that sells a variety of brands wholesale, such as Candy Warehouse.

Stock your store with a variety of different chewing gum brands

Variety is the spice of life, and that is especially true for chewing gum. You should have a good base stock of spearmint, peppermint and fruity gums but you should also have a few specialty gums to entice your buyers into buying more. Start off with a small inventory, and rotate out depending on the popularity of the gum brand.

I recommend: Find yourself a good chewing gum distributor. You need to find a company like CandyXpress who is able to supply you with a wide variety of products to suite your needs. Once you have your staples purchased, then you can go out and stock your store with specialty items like Zolt gum, which is available through GumRunners, LLC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always keep an eye out on the competition. Browse the gum and candy aisle in your competitors' shops to find out what sort of product line up they have.

Chewing gum has been a staple confectionery sold by retailers in the United States for many decades. It has also been a favorite item among retailers because of its relative low cost that allows businesses to mark up the price considerably and still realize a profit.

Pricing and costs of chewing gum vary according to where you buy the products and what kind of products you buy. Both manufacturers and suppliers offer discounts on high volume orders. Stick to the standard chewing gum types for the most competitive deals. Consider higher priced specialty gums for patrons who chew gum for health-related reasons. Whatever your ultimate choice of products may be, you'll have no trouble locating chewing gum suppliers.

1. Contact chewing gum producers and bubble gum manufacturers who offer discounts on special orders.

2. Establish an account with a chewing and bubble gum supplier for the greatest selection of brand name products.

3. Consider the costs of specialty chewing gums so you can appeal to a larger audience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Reach out to chewing gum companies for special prices on high volume orders

Some chewing gum manufacturers will allow you to bypass a chewing gum distributor and purchase your products directly from their warehouses.

I recommend: Contact Ford Gum & Machine for chewing gum prices so you can supply your vending machines. This company is a nationally recognized manufacturer of chewing gum in the United States. Shop online at the Richardson website to place your bulk chewing gum order. Contact The Topps Company to ask how you can order supplies of their well-known bubble gum products straight from the warehouse. All three companies prefer to quote prices directly to a buyer.

Deal with well known chewing gum suppliers that offer great selection and discounted prices

You can usually establish a close working relationship with a supplier, especially one in your area.

I recommend: Contact Candy Direct, a giant chewing gum wholesale distributor that offers a wide selection of popular chewing and bubble gum brands, many of which sell between $11.00 and $36.00 for 30-count packages. CandyXpress.com, based in New Jersey, has 60 years of experience in the distribution of candy and chewing gum products. Customers include confectionery stores, supermarkets and vending machine suppliers. Bubble gum averages $6.50 for a 120-count package while flavored chewing gum brands average between $10.00 and $20.00.

Offer chewing gum that promotes good oral hygiene and other health benefits

Some chewing gums do more than just satisfy the urge to chew a minty tasting confection. Specialty chewing gums promote good health and help with weight loss.

I recommend: TheraBreath sells specialty chewing gums that aid in fighting bad breath, dry mouth and sour taste. Check out prices of TheraBreath, averaging between $9.00 and $49.00 for most brands, and other specialty chewing gums sold by the same company. Contact the Apple Patch Diet Company for pricing on its special brand of chewing gum that promotes weight loss. The gum is composed of all natural ingredients that release compounds into the system that curb appetites.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask either a chewing gum manufacturer or distributor about putting together a custom price for you that is based on your supply needs.

Whether you're interested in stocking the newest flavors or getting the healthiest gum available, knowing the terms associated with chewing gum can help you achieve your goal. Chewing gum is promoted as a healthy activity that can even help people lose weight. It is also recommended by dentists who find chewing gum helps their patients keep their teeth clean or possibly even prevent cavities.

Spend some time learning about the different ingredients used in chewing gum. Learning the key terms in the gum making process can also help you make a more informed consumer or retail decision.

Action Steps
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Liquid vs. powdered sweetener

Liquid sweetener is used to coat gum that will have a hard coating, such as gum balls. A powdered sweetener coats gum in stick form to create a nonstick surface before it is packed.

I recommend: Read the explanation for liquid and powder sweeteners at the National Association of Chewing Gum Manufacturers.

Sapodilla

Sapodilla is the original tree used to make chewing gum. The sap from the tree was extracted and used as the main ingredient in chewing gum. There are now many other replacement ingredients used, but sapodilla is still used in some gums.

I recommend: Read about the Sapodilla tree at BoloKids, which explains what the tree, fruit and latex are used for.

Sorva

Sorva is another main ingredient often found in gum. The tree produces a sweet, guava-like fruit and latex used in the gum-making process.

I recommend: Read about the Sorva tree at Trade Winds Fruit.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener added to some gum that actually boasts cavity-prevention qualities. Research has shown that it not only doesn't cause cavities, it can actually help fight them.

I recommend: Read all about Xylitol, the ingredient used in some sugar-free gums, at Xylitol.org.

Sorbitol

Sorbitol is a sugar substitute used in many foods including many sugar-free gums. The polyalcohol sugar is used to sweeten gum without adding calories.

I recommend: Read about sorbitol and its different uses at CalorieControl.org.

Scoring

Scoring takes place when the gum manufacturer cuts long ribbons of gum into the smaller-size pieces. The process is usually done using a large robotic machine.

I recommend: Wrigley, manufacturer of gum, explains the entire gum-making process, including scoring.