Walgreens’ latest viral sensation, the Gummy Mango candy, has taken off among Gen Z consumers thanks to TikTok. Despite facing various challenges such as debt, employee unrest, and increased competition, the success of the mango gummies has provided a much-needed win for the drugstore chain. The product aligns with Walgreens’ long-term strategy of enhancing its front-of-store departments, offering a unique peelable gummy candy for just $1.99 per bag.
The popularity of the mango gummy took off after a TikTok video by @Trinhdoesthings garnered millions of views, showcasing the candy’s unique peelable feature. Other TikTok videos compared the treat to similar products from Asian brands and suggested ways to enhance its flavor. Walgreens confirmed that they did not work with paid influencers to promote the product and that the success was organic. The interactivity of the candy has been a key factor in its appeal, sparking discussions about the best way to enjoy it.
Encouraged by the success of the mango gummies, Walgreens is planning to introduce a new flavor – peelable banana gummy – priced at $1.99 a bag. The retailer is expanding its distribution to 8,000 stores by May, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for non-chocolate confections. The new flavor aligns with the trend of fruit-flavored gummies preferred by Gen Z and millennials, driving a 12.1% increase in dollar sales for the segment in 2023.
The introduction of the mango gummies was inspired by a trend identified by Walgreens’ supplier in Asia, emphasizing the appeal of peelable candies to younger consumers. As the demand for the product increased, Walgreens faced challenges with production and had to airfreight additional supplies to meet the surge in sales. Despite the obstacles, Walgreens is now better prepared to meet the demand and expand the availability of the mango gummies nationwide.
With a new CEO, Tim Wentworth, at the helm, Walgreens is reassessing its growth strategies and focusing on areas with potential for expansion and cost-cutting. The success of the mango gummies has highlighted the importance of the front-of-store departments in driving profitability for the company. As Walgreens looks towards the future, innovations in product offerings like the peelable gummy candies are expected to play a key role in driving growth and attracting younger consumers.
