MENTOS HISTORY

Who sparked the beginning of a Fresh New World? Scroll down and see the success story of Mentos.

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1900

Van Melle was founded
van Melle founded in Breskens, Netherlands.
Van Melle was founded
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1932

Mentos becomes a reality
In 1932, brothers Michael and Pierre Van Melle discovered the recipe for soft fruit caramels which they soon launched under the name “Fruitella”. Inspired by this product, the brothers created a caramel with a peppermint taste and dragee coating. They called this product Mentos, which sparked the beginning of a Fresh New World!
Mentos becomes a reality
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1946

Perfetti was founded
Perfetti founded in Lainate, near Milan.
Perfetti was founded
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1950

New Mentos production
Mentos production moved to Rotterdam. International orders to France, Germany and the UK marked the beginning of the New Freshness spreading across the world.
New Mentos production
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1960

Mentos in a roll
The sixties! Revolutions in fashion, sex, music and Mentos. The first Mentos roll found its way to consumers across the globe.
Mentos in a roll
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1973

New Mentos varieties
While the original Mentos was tickling the taste buds of The King of Nepal, new varieties were introduced. In the US, Mentos lovers got to try cinnamon and menthol, while European addicts were presented with fruit flavored mints.
New Mentos varieties
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1976

First TV commercial
Mentos made its small screen debut with the first Fresh TV commercial.
First TV commercial
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1990

The Freshmaker
Mentos introduced the Freshmaker campaign that proved to be right on target: straight after its introduction Mentos sales went through the roof!
Mentos introduced the Freshmaker campaign that proved to be right on target: straight after its introduction Mentos sales went through the roof!
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2001

Perfetti Van Melle merger
The year 2001 was a special year for Mentos that saw the Dutch company van Melle and the Italian company Perfetti join forces, making Mentos available in shops everywhere.
Perfetti Van Melle Merger
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2011

Tennant and Ruttle Distribution Ltd
In January 2011, Perfertti Van Melle appoited Tennant and Ruttle Distribution Ltd, as their distributor for Ireland.
Tennant and Ruttle Distribution Ltd
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2014

Two new flavours
Mentos introduced two new and exciting flavours, Mentos Choco & Mint and Mentos Choco & Caramel
Two new flavours
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