Toronto, ON – Big Sky Brands Inc. today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Sunkist Growers Inc.   The confectionery company will be expanding its trend setting line-up with new Sunkist Citrus Burst, a line of refreshing sugar free citrus mints featuring all natural premium citrus flavors.

Established in 1893, Sunkist is well recognized as the world’s leading citrus fruit brand, and has expanded its presence to a broad spectrum of product categories encompassing a variety of beverages, snacks and frozen fruit confections.  With Sunkist Citrus Burst, Big Sky is introducing the Sunkist brand to the mint category for the very first time.

Sunkist Citrus Burst is the first product line to combine the authentic taste of all natural fruit flavors with a low calorie sugar free formulation.  Flavors for the product line were inspired by Sunkist’s specialty citrus varietals including Valencia Orange, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Eureka Lemon and Key Lime.  The proprietary blend of ingredients also features a light cooling effect, resulting in a refreshing alternative to typical breathmints.

“We’re honoured to become a part of the Sunkist family,” says Luke van Vliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands.” With our existing line of innovative breathmints and candy, Big Sky is particularly well positioned to launch the Sunkist brand into our established network of confectionery retailers and wholesalers across the United States and Canada.”

“When Big Sky approached us with the idea of making Sunkist Citrus Burst, we felt this was a great opportunity to showcase our Sunkist brand in a whole new way,” says Mazen Safadi, Director of Licensing for Sunkist Growers.   “Our partnership with Big Sky brings new vitality and excitement to our family of Sunkist licensed products and opens a variety of new market segments.”

The product will be packed in sleek metallic containers with eye-catching designs and strong Sunkist branding.  Suggested retail for Sunkist Citrus Burst is $1.49-$1.69 per 60-piece tin.  Merchandising options include 12-ct. trays, 48-ct. mixed counter displays, 72-ct PowerWings and 144-ct. Floor Displays.  Special beverage cooler door displays will also be made available for alternative merchandising where Sunkist Soda is sold.  All formats available to ship February 1st, 2010.

Sunkist Citrus Burst is a fresh new creation from Big Sky Brands Inc., producer of leading edge confectionery lines geared to the youth and young adult markets including Warp Energy Mints, Jones Soda Carbonated Candy and Yogen Fruz Smoothies.  Big Sky Brands is the exclusive licensing partner of Sunkist for the mint category.

Toronto, ON – Big Sky Brands is pleased to announce the expansion of the Yogen Früz Smoothies line for Fall 2009  to six unique flavors with the addition of Verry Berry, Peach Berry Sunset and Wild Cherry.

 Yogen Früz Smoothies candy features a proprietary formulation combining real yogurt with all natural fruit flavors and pure cane sugar.  Each piece is only three calories with zero fat. The new flavors were inspired by real smoothie beverage blends available at Yogen Früz, the world’s leading retail frozen yogurt chain with over 1,100 locations in 20 countries.
Smoothie beverages have become a force in the marketplace with $2.4 billion in retail sales (up 139% since 2007).  The category is expected to see continued annual growth of 10-13% over the next 5 years (Mintel, Apr. 2008). Big Sky continues to leverage the growing interest in yogurt based smoothies with the Yogen Früz line.

“We have been extremely pleased with the market’s reaction to Yogen Früz,” says Luke Van Vliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “the launch of the new flavors is very exciting and gives consumers a terrific variety to choose from”.

The launch of the new flavors follows the great success of the three original Yogen Fruz Smoothies flavors – Strawberry-Banana, Bluberry Breeze and Tropical Storm.

Yogen Früz Smoothies are widely distributed throughout North America at national chains including Couche Tard, Whole Foods, Cost Plus World Markets, as well as a strong network of distributors and independent retailers.  Each tin retails for around $1.99.  Yogen Fruz Smoothies are also available internationally in Japan, Korea, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland.

Yogen Früz Smoothies merchandising options include shelf ready 8-ct. open stock trays as well as 24-ct 3-flavor couner units and 48-ct 6-flavor counter units.

Toronto, ON – Big Sky Brands is “tapping” into its Canadian roots with the exciting launch of new Maple Ice Mints.  These deliciously cool treats offer the refreshment of a mint, combined with the natural sweetness of real Canadian maple sugar. Maple Ice Mints are available in two uniquely refreshing flavors, Original Maple and Wild Blueberry Maple.

The world famous maple forests of Eastern Canada produce more than 80% of the world’s maple syrup.  In a centuries old Native tradition, mature maple trees are tapped during the brief four to six week spring thaw, during which a combination of freezing nights and warm sunny days induce the slow flow of sweet maple sap.  Once boiled down to caramelize and concentrate the liquid, a single precious ounce of pure maple syrup can be extracted from forty ounces of raw maple sap.  The process is highly labor intensive and costly but the result is a flavor so special that it has become sought after the world over.

“We are very pleased to be offer this quintessentially Canadian product,” says Luke vanVliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “Maple Ice Mints capture the unique flavor of one of Canada’s most prized national treasures in a whole new way.”

Maple Ice Mints are packed 30 pieces per tin, each designed with an attractive wood grain finish and featuring embossed logo graphics.  Suggested retail is $1.99 per unit.   Available merchandising displays include 9-ct. open stock trays and a 36-ct. mixed flavor counter unit that features both original maple and wild blueberry maple flavors.

Maple Ice Mints will be available through Big Sky’s network of specialty retail and distributor partners.

Maple Ice Mints are a fresh new creation from Big Sky Brands Inc., producer of leading edge confectionery lines including Sunkist Citrus Burst, Jones Soda Carbonated Candy, Yogen Fruz Smoothies, Playboy Peppermints and Warp Energy Mints.  With one eye to the stratosphere and one eye to the streets, Big Sky Brands continues to widen the horizons of innovation and style in the confectionery category.

(Toronto, ON) – Big Sky Brands Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of three special edition assorted flavor packs to the popular Jones Soda Carbonated Candy line.  These new items will be marketed under the quirkily designed “Jones Jumble” brand. Three different custom flavor assortments will be available, each with their own wildly imaginative eye-catching graphics.

The Jones Jumble concept was inspired by the recent launch of new Jones Jumble Sodas by Jones Soda Co., which also feature various mysterious blends of the most popular Jones Soda flavors, mixed together in a single bottle.

Jones Soda is the hottest name in the premium soda category with a cult like following among teens and young adults. Big Sky Brands entered an exclusive licensing agreement with Jones Soda Co. in 2006 to develop and distribute Jones Soda branded confectionery lines.  Jones Soda Carbonated Candy is a premium hard candy that delivers a blast of the most popular Jones Soda flavors, along with an oddly enjoyable tongue-tingling sensation.

“Consumers have often asked us when we are going to offer a mixed flavor candy,” said Luke van Vliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “Jones Jumble is the perfect vehicle to finally make it happen.”

Jones Soda Carbonated Candy is widely distributed at national chains including FYE, Hot Topic, Zumiez, Wet Seal and other specialty retailers, as well as a strong network of distributors and independents.  Each tin retails for around $1.99.

Jones Jumble will be merchandised in 8-ct open stock trays as well as 24-ct 3-tier counter displays.
Jones Soda Candy will continue to be promoted alongside Jones Soda beverages at Jones sponsored events around the country, and by the Jones team of sponsored athletes.

Jones Soda Co. is the hottest new name in the premium soda category with a cult like following among young adults.

Under the agreement Big Sky is launching eight top selling proprietary Jones flavors -  Fufu Berry, Green Apple, Berry Lemonade, Cream Soda, Grape, Orange & Cream, Cola and Root Beer.  The Jones logo will be emblazoned on stylish new tins co-designed with Jones Soda Co.  Individual tins will sell for $1.69-$1.99.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the Jones Soda revolution. The extension of the Jones brand into confectionery is a natural fit with potential for expansion into new and established retail markets for Jones,” said Steve Yacht, Director of Sales and Marketing at Big Sky Brands. “With our existing line of teen and young adult oriented candy and mints, Big Sky is particularly well positioned to launch the Jones brand into our established network of candy retailers across the United States and Canada.”
Big Sky will participate in all Jones Soda consumer promotion activity including sampling at numerous  Jones Soda sponsored events.
Merchandising options will include 8-ct. trays, 48-ct. mixed counter displays, 144-ct. mixed floor displays, power-wings and “1-Inch Wonder” 6-ct. sleeves.  Special acrylic displays will also be made available with suction cup attachments for alternative merchandising on beverage cooler doors where Jones Soda is sold.

Toronto, ON –Big Sky Brands Inc. is pleased to introduce Jones Soda Carbonated Sours, the latest addition to the Jones Soda Candy product line.

Jones Soda Candy is based on the original Jones Soda beverage brand, the leader in the premium soda category. Jones has developed a cult-like following among teens and young adults with innovative branding, deliciously unconventional flavors, and unique labels graced with ever-changing, often eccentric photos submitted by consumers. Jones Soda Carbonated Candy has quickly developed a similar following, with national distribution achieved in less than two years on the market.

The exciting addition of Jones Soda Carbonated Sours represents the first entry of the Jones brand into the ever-popular sour candy category. Jones Sours deliver mouthwatering tangy flavor, intensified by zillions of tongue-tingling nano-bubbles in every piece. Each tin features a different “sour face” photo submitted by Jones fanatics. Consumers are encouraged to “Pop Some Sours…Take a Picture”. The wildest shots will be added to our continuously growing series of tins.

Jones Sours are available in Spiked Punch, Limes with Orange and Electric Lemonade flavors. Each 50-piece tin retails for around $1.99.

“We are thrilled to give our fans the opportunity to get their sour faces on our tins,” said Luke van Vliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “Jones Sours really strikes the core of the Jones Soda brand and creates a strong connection with the end consumer”.

Jones Sours is launching nationally on January 1st, 2008. Original Jones Soda Candy is already sold nationwide at retailers including Target, Kroger, Speedway SuperAmerica, 7- Eleven, Spencer’s, Hot Topic and Albertson’s, Circle K, Meijer and other chains, as well as a strong network of national and regional distributors and independent retailers.
Merchandising options include 8-ct. trays, 24, 36 and 48-ct. mixed counter displays, 72 power wings, 144-ct. floor displays and beverage cooler door displays. Big Sky will also offer its ever popular “1-inch Wonder” 6-ct. sleeves, which require only 1” of linear shelf space per SKU.

Jones Soda Candy will continue to be promoted alongside Jones Soda beverages at Jones sponsored events around the country, and by the Jones team of sponsored athletes.

“Run with the little guy… create some change.” -  Jones Soda Co.

Toronto, ON – Jones Soda Co. and Big Sky Brands Inc. are proud to introduce Jones Activated Energy Boosters – a unique new “high-energy candy” concept based on the popular Jones Energy drink brand.

Jones Energy Boosters combine the great taste and high-octane energy formulation found in Jones Energy drinks, including Taurine, Vitamin B6, B12 and Niacin.  Now transformed into a hard candy, Jones Energy is available in convenient pocket sized tins, for an instant boost anytime and anywhere.

Jones Activated Energy Boosters follow the successful brand extension of Jones Soda Carbonated Candy into the confectionery category earlier this year.  Both product lines are distributed by Big Sky Brands Inc., a company specializing in cutting-edge youth oriented confectionery lines.

“Jones Energy Boosters are going to give consumers a whole new way to get their energy,” says Luke vanVliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “These little babies have all the attitude and punch that consumers have come to expect from Jones.”

The Jones logo will be emblazoned on stylish new tins co-designed by Jones Soda Co. and Big Sky Brands.  Individual tins will sell for $1.99-$2.99, and are available to ship immediately.

Jones Soda Co. is the hottest name in the premium soda category with a cult like following among teens and young adults.  From independent roots, Jones Soda and Jones Candy now sell nationally at chains including Target, Kroger, 7-Eleven, Albertson’s, Jewel, QFC, Fry’s, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Speedway SuperAmerica, Hot Topic, Spencer’s, Zumiez and tens of thousands of additional outlets across the country.

Merchandising options include 8-ct. trays, 24-ct. mixed counter displays, 144-ct. mixed floor displays, power-wings and cooler door displays.  Big Sky will also offer its famous “1-inch Wonder” 6-ct. sleeve for the ultimate in planogram space efficiency.

(Toronto, ON)  Introducing the new Playboy Peppermints – Vintage Cover Collection, featuring six classic Playboy Magazine covers from the 1960’s and 70’s. These collectible tins capture the era from which they originate and make a great addition to the Playboy Peppermints line.

Playboy Mints are produced by Big Sky Brands Inc., a company specializing in the development of cutting-edge confectionery and mint lines.

“This concept has really turned some heads,” says Luke vanVliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “The Vintage Cover Collection has a retro-cool style and evokes a more innocent era during which the Playboy brand was originally established.”

Playboy Mints are packed 50 sugar-free mints per tin.  The mints are specially balanced to combine the intensity of a high-powered breath freshener with a subtly sweet finish.  Each mint is embossed with the iconic Playboy Bunny logo. Suggested retail is $1.99 per tin.

The Playboy Vintage Cover Peppermint Collection as well as the original Playboy Bunny Mint Collection are available through Big Sky’s network of specialty retail and distributor partners.

Playboy Vintage Cover Mints are a fresh new creation from Big Sky Brands Inc., producer of leading edge confectionery lines including Warp Energy Mints, Jones Soda Carbonated Candy and Yogen Fruz Smoothies.  With one eye to the stratosphere and one eye to the streets, Big Sky Brands continues to widen the horizons of innovation and style in the confectionery category.  For further information, please feel free to contact us at the number or e-mail listed above.

Toronto, ON – Big Sky Brands Inc. is pleased to introduce our exciting new line of licensed Playboy peppermints. Available in six tin styles, Playboy Peppermints are formulated to offer a quick blast of fresh breath during those unexpected encounters when you need it most. The collectible tins are easy on the eyes, with graphics inspired by the chic Playboy lifestyle.

“We’re pleased to be working with one of the most well recognized brands in the world,” says Luke vanVliet, Marketing Manager at Big Sky Brands. “Playboy Peppermints will offer another great way for consumers to connect with this luxury brand while complementing the already stunning line-up of Playboy licensed products.”

Playboy Mints are packed 50 sugar-free mints per tin. The mints are specially balanced to combine the intensity of a high-powered breath freshener with a subtly sweet finish. Each mint is embossed with the iconic Playboy logo. Suggested retail is $2.99 per tin.

Playboy Mints will be available through Big Sky’s network of specialty retail and distributor partners.

Playboy Mints were developed by Big Sky Brands Inc., a company specializing in the development of leading-edge confectionery and mint lines, including Warp Energy Mints, Warp Green-T, Jones Soda Carbonated Candy, Jones Sours, Diablo and Make Out Mints. With one eye to the stratosphere and one eye to the streets, Big Sky Brands continues to widen the horizons of style in the confectionery category, with trend-setting innovation and design for the active lifestyle. For further information, please feel free to contact us at the number or e-mail listed above.

Toronto, ON – It’s a natural, energy boosting alternative to our coffee swilling, caffeine guzzling habits – and it comes in the form of tiny, power-packed energy tablets. Warp Energy Charged Mints is an innovative new product that combines the familiar boost of an energy drink with the breath-blasting effects of an intense mint.
”It’s the first and only natural high energy mint,” says Warp Mints Marketing Director, Shaun Park. “It’s the ‘Red Bull™’ of the mint category.” What sets Warp Energy Mints apart is that each mint is infused with a formulation of herbal elements: ginseng – for increased endurance; and guarana – for a natural thrust of energy. “Companies were coming out with one energy drink after another,” says Park. “We thought, why does it always have to be a beverage? Why not bring the energy concept to a completely new category? So we did that with Warp Mints and now we’re the only game in town.”

Warp Energy Mints bring electrified styling to the mint category for the first time, fusing edgy design with cool packaging. According to Marketing Manager Sean Park, “Warp took a cue from the extremely popular energy drink category, offering the same natural energy stimulants along with exceptional convenience and undeniable style.” To build momentum, Warp is blasting into the market with widespread product sampling and promotional programs.

Warp Hyper Charged Mints are sold internationally through a wide range of progressive retailers including action-sports outlets, cafes & juice bars, night clubs and urban clothing & accessory boutiques. Each reusable, pocket-size tin contains 50 mints.

Big Sky Brands Inc. is headquartered in the western industrial district of Toronto, Canada, with a U.S. distribution center in Chicago, Illinois. With one eye to the stratosphere and one eye to the streets, Big Sky Brands continues to widen the horizons of style in the confectionery category, with trend-setting innovation and design for the active lifestyle. For further information, please feel free to contact us at the number or e-mail listed above.