Home > New taste the rainbow innovation set to unlock category growth

New taste the rainbow innovation set to unlock category growth

This article has been produced and shared by Mars Wrigley

Mars Wrigley is strengthening its fruity confectionery line-up with the launch of Skittles® Flavour Flip – hitting shelves nationwide from June 2026.

The range features £1 PMP Treat Bag (109g) and Pouch (136g) to recruit younger adult shoppers with a shareworthy, multi-sensory taste experience. Each pack contains a classic round Skittles® lentil with 2 in 1 flavour and colour combinations in every bite.

There are five sweet and sour varieties to discover: Strawberry & Watermelon, Lemon & Raspberry, Pomegranate & Apple, Lime & Cherry and Mandarin & Pineapple – with a fruity crisp shell and contrasting soft chewy centre – designed to ‘flip’ tastebuds.

As a £63m[1] brand leader in the chewy category, Skittles® Flavour Flip is primed to grow the fruity confectionery segment – valued at £1.7bn[2] – with data showing 53% of UK consumers seek unusual flavours to enhance the moment.  A further 74% of those buying limited-edition flavours are spontaneous shoppers, set to drive up impulse sales alongside pre-planned purchases[3].  

With 55% of Skittles® consumption moments containing four or more people[4], shareability is the key driver across audience groups: exploration seekers age 16-34 looking for immediate indulgence with friends on-the-go, and teen-influenced households who opt for at-home sharing experiences.

Emily Owen, senior brand manager at Mars Wrigley, comments: “This launch is all about flipping ordinary moments into a share-worthy experience with the twice the flavour in every chew. Fruity confectionery has the highest dwell time with shoppers looking to discover novelty sweets products.  Skittles® Flavour Flip satisfies a growing desire for multi-sensorial experiences – mood boosting and uplifting moments which promise flavour experimentation. 

“We know younger sweet-eating adults want a break from always-on life. This monotony-free mindset is shaping fruity confectionery with NPD driving 64% of category growth[5] — creating a significant opportunity to drive penetration. Our latest innovation invites consumers to taste the new Skittles® rainbow with pack formats designed for sharing occasions – from the big night in to grab-and-go socialising.”

To support the launch, Skittles® is rolling out a summer campaign: ‘Flip Your Tastebuds Inside Out’ – with omni-channel touchpoints for strong awareness and trial.   

[1] NielsenIQ Scantrack Data total GB Coverage Latest 52 weeks w/e 09/05/26)

[2] NIQ Total Cov Sales Value Lates 52wks 24/01/2026

[3] Sugar and Gum Confectionery, UK, Mintel, 2025

[4] NeilsenIQ (2022)

[5] NielsenIQ Scantrack Data total GB Coverage L52W to 13/03/26

[ins-carousel border=1 background='#eee' type='products' category='products' heading='Related products' hide=1]
[ins-carousel border=1 background='#eee' type='recipes' category='recipes' heading='Related recipes' hide=1]

More articles

Sign up to Retail Bites

Join our newsletter for ideas, inspiration, and insight straight to your inbox!