FRANCE. Perfetti Van Melle is set to present the latest variants and sharing packs from its flagship brands, Chupa Chups, Mentos and Fruit-tella, at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes (M59 Green Village), taking place on 29 September-2 October.
The confectionery specialist will spotlight its snacking, sharing and refreshment offerings for travel retail in 2026, alongside new product developments (NPDs) set to debut in Cannes.
PVM has five key strategy pillars for travel retail in 2026:
Expanding refreshment
Catering to travellers’ demand for a refreshing boost after long flights, the confectionery specialist will introduce Mentos Sour Gum flavours Sour Strawberry and Sour Green Apple, enhancing its refreshment portfolio.
The company has put a strong focus on refreshment after its Mondelez acquisition, with its new flavours among the highlights at Cannes, where meeting rooms will introduce refreshment themes and branding.
Mentos’ updated refreshment visuals aim to communicate the brand strategy in-store – capturing impulse, highlighting innovation and reinforcing a strong family identity across the gum and mints portfolio.
Alongside Mentos Gum, PVM will promote localised opportunities for its new travel retail brands, highlighting Stimorol’s continued strength in Scandinavia and Trident’s roll-out into strategic markets.
Build snacking and sharing
Recognising snacking and sharing as key consumption moments in travel retail, PVM is enhancing its product line-up to respond to these consumer trends.
The company’s 2026 roll-outs will include Fruit-tella Sharing Bags, featuring a 200g assortment of sticks in Strawberry, Berries & Cherry and Summer Fruits blends.
PVM expects Fruit-tella to emerge as its third-leading brand next year, as it bolsters the brand’s presence in the channel.
Fruit-tella is set to deliver more NPDs, developed specifically with travel retail partners in mind, the company said.
Revive gifting
Enhancing its presence in the gifting segment, PVM outlined its plans to update several of its key products for next year, with new flavours and formats.
Building on the strong performance of the Chupa Chups Sour Pouch Bag, the company is set to release the Sour Mega Chupa Chups Lollipop, featuring Sour Strawberry, Sour Apple and Sour Lemon.
Additional product updates include new colourways and a reduced-plastic box for the Chupa Chups Crazy Plane, while the Fruit-tella Jumbo Stick expands with a third flavour, Berries & Cherry, joining Strawberry and Summer Fruits.
Optimise top airports
PVM also plans to further develop in-store airport activations in 2026 and beyond, partnering closely with retailers at key locations.
To maximise visibility in busy airports, the company will launch hero units for Chupa Chups and Mentos, with Fruit-tella scheduled for roll-out later in 2026.
PVM International Shopper Marketing, GTR Emma Helleman said, “These eye-catching displays are designed to grab attention, create instant brand recognition and drive impulse purchases. With interactive traveller engagement elements, we hope our new displays will make the shopping experience more engaging and memorable.”
Focus on border stores
As part of its travel retail strategy, PVM is focusing on border stores with NPDs set for release next year.
The line-up includes the Mentos Mini Fruit Mix Bag with 18 Mini Rolls in Apple, Strawberry and Orange, along with the Mentos Gum Rolls Value Pack in Freshmint, Bubblefresh and Tropical flavours.
PVM Marketing Manager, GTR Lauren Potter said, “2025 has been a busy year for regional activations in the Americas and Europe with our recent shop-in-shop launch in Barcelona, providing inspiration for interactive and larger retail footprints, where space allows.
“With a wide range of innovative NPDs due to launch for 2026, we will be working very closely with our travel retail partners to ensure PVM’s ambitions across all our growth pillars are met.” ✈
