Wrigley moves Eclipse Mints production to Sydney

Posted by Nicole Eckersley on 14th September 2010

The Wrigley Company has begun production of Eclipse mints at its factory in Asquith, Sydney, marking the end of imports for Australia’s leading mints brand.

“The new line will meet demand for all Eclipse Mints for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and help us continue to drive investment at retail and grow the category,” said Wrigley Pacific Managing Director Hamish Thomson.

“Eclipse Mints have recorded fantastic growth in Australia, seizing market leadership within 12 months of their 2005 launch and maintaining their top position ever since,” he said. “For five years, Eclipse mints have generated average category growth rates of over 7% year on year in a category that was otherwise stagnant.

“This is a terrific result for us and for retailers. We are very appreciative of the support our customers continue to give us, and thrilled that as a result of the success of this brand we have been able to invest in our own local production line and local employment.”

As Australia’s leading mints brand, Eclipse commands a 44% market share in the Petrol and Convenience channel, and a 32% share in Grocery.

Wrigley, owned by food giant Mars Incorporated, also boasts in its portfolio almost all of Australia’s most popular chewing gum brands, including Extra, Juicy Fruity, P.K., Airwaves, Eclipse Gum and Hubba Bubba, as well as confectionary lines Starburst, Skittles and Kenman Kandy.

The company said the investment is further proof of its commitment to local operations and best in class manufacturing technology.

The Asquith factory in Sydney recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the company has been manufacturing in Australian for 95 years.

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