Walgreens has found success with its “Gummy Mango” candy, which has become a viral sensation among GenZers. The candy, part of Walgreens’ Nice! house brand, is unique in that it is peelable, adding an element of interactivity and fun for consumers. Despite facing challenges like debt, employee unrest, and increasing competition, the popularity of the mango gummies has provided some much-needed good news for the drugstore chain.
The unexpected success of the mango gummies aligns with Walgreens’ strategy of strengthening its front-of-store departments. The candy’s popularity has been driven by social media, particularly TikTok, where videos of consumers peeling and enjoying the gummy have gained millions of views. While the exact sales figures for the product have not been disclosed, the company has seen a significant increase in demand and has had to rush to restock shelves.
The trend of peelable candies had emerged in Asia, and Walgreens seized the opportunity to introduce it to the US market. The candy’s appeal to younger consumers, who favor retro and vintage trends, has contributed to its success. As the non-chocolate candy segment, including gummy candies, continues to grow in popularity among Gen Z and millennial consumers, Walgreens is capitalizing on this trend with its unique and interactive product offerings.
Following the success of the mango gummies, Walgreens is preparing to launch a new flavor – banana gummies. The company plans to expand the availability of its peelable candies to more stores, with the banana gummies set to launch in May. This expansion comes at a time when the company is facing challenges and undergoing leadership changes, with new CEO Tim Wentworth looking for opportunities for growth and cost-cutting within the organization.
The candy’s success highlights the importance of Walgreens’ front-end business, which includes the sale of private label merchandise like snacks and candies. This segment is seen as more profitable than the prescription dispensing business, making it a key focus for the company’s future growth. By introducing innovative and on-trend products like the peelable candies, Walgreens aims to attract more customers and drive sales in its front-of-store departments.
