ERLANGER, Ky. -- Perfetti Van Melle has launched new limited-edition Mentos for its Pay It Forward Campaign, a collaboration with nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
The Mentos are called “Say Hello” candies, with each individual mint inscribed with a greeting message, such as “High Five,” “Fist Bump” and “Tell a Joke.”
Perfetti has committed to donating up to $100,000 during the campaign, which will run until Oct. 31. Shoppers can text the word “Mentos” to a designated code seen on a Mentos/Pay It Forward store display to receive a digital Mentos coupon. For every text, Perfetti will donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“Every day, Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates in every state across the country create meaningful, supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships between young people and caring adult volunteers,” said Pam Iorio, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “These connections change lives and inspire youth to reach their full potential. We are proud to partner with Mentos as they introduce their campaign to create connections.”
This initiative comes on the heels of change for Perfetti. On Aug. 13, the brand introduced Sylvia Buxton as its new president and CEO. Former leader Mehmet Yuksek resigned from the company in July and was immediately replaced by interim CEO and CFO Fred King.
“We’re going to help the millions of people who buy Mentos not only make fresh connections but also Pay It Forward for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,” said Buxton.
Tampa, Fla.-based Big Brothers Big Sisters provides one-on-one volunteer mentorships to children needing improved education, safety and more. Big Brothers Big Sisters was founded in 1904 and has 275 affiliates throughout the United States today.
Lainate, Italy-based Perfetti Van Melle is a privately owned confectionery company that was established in March 2001 through the merger of Perfetti SpA and Van Melle Group B.V. The company manufactures and markets candy and chewing gum in more than 150 countries worldwide. Besides Mentos, its products include Frisk, Chupa Chups, Smint, Fruittella, Alpenliebe, Golia, Vivident, Airheads, Happydent and Big Babol. Perfetti’s U.S. headquarters are in Erlanger, Ky.
Photos courtesy of Perfetti Van Melle.
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