History
Who sparked the beginning of a Fresh New World? Scroll down and see the success story of Mentos.
1900
Van Melle was foundedVan Melle founded in Breskens, Netherlands.
1932
Mentos becomes a realityOn a train ride to Poland, brothers Michael and Pierre van Melle came up with the vision of a peppermint flavored caramel candy to go by the name of Mentos. This was the beginning of a Fresh New World.
1946
Perfetti was foundedPerfetti founded in Lainate, near Milan.
1950
New Mentos productionMentos production moved to Rotterdam. International orders to France, Germany and the UK marked the beginning of the New Freshness spreading across the world.
1960
Mentos in a rollThe sixties! The first Mentos roll found its way to consumers across the globe.
1973
New Mentos varietiesWhile the original Mentos was tickling the taste buds of The King of Nepal, new varieties were introduced. In the US, Mentos lovers got to try cinnamon and menthol, while European addicts were presented with fruit flavored mints.
1976
First TV commercialMentos made its small screen debut with the first Fresh TV commercial.
1990
The FreshmakerMentos introduced the Freshmaker campaign that proved to be right on target: straight after its introduction Mentos sales went through the roof!
2001
Perfetti Van Melle mergerThe year 2001 was a special year for Mentos that saw the Dutch company van Melle and the Italian company Perfetti join forces, making Mentos available in shops everywhere.
2005
Introduced Mentos GumMentos went Gum! Mentos Gum made its debut in Europe and beyond. The refreshing taste, the unique shape and texture and many different flavors found new fans everywhere.
2007
Setting World RecordsThe World Record was set for the most Diet Coke and Mentos explosions at one time. The record was set on Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
2011
Mentos goes socialMentos went social by opening up a Facebook account in South Africa.
2015
New Mentos rollThe New Mentos Tutti Frutti is launched in South Africa.
2015
Mentos gum bottles in South AfricaMentos gum bottles with 35 pieces are launched in South Africa.
