To commemorate America's final shuttle launch on July 8th 2011, Mars Chocolate North America created the official NASA space-themed M & M's. The milk-chocolate treats have been traveling on NASA's spaceships since the first mission in 1981, aboard the Columbia shuttle. Having been a part of space crews' diets for over 130 missions, M & Ms can very well be these individuals' favorite treat. While one side of the commemorative candies still bears the company's trademark logo, the other features one of three designs -- a small space shuttle sketch, "July 8th, 2001," or "3... 2... 1... Lift Off!"
The red, white and blue NASA space-themed M&M's have not been made available to the public, but it seems likely they'll be brought out in the future as a collector's item. The special edition candies are a simple and sweet thank-you to the space program and crew for all they've done in the last few decades.
What's Driving This Trend
- Space-themed Collectibles
- The creation of NASA space-themed M&M's presents an opportunity for businesses to tap into the market of collectible space-themed merchandise.
- Corporate Sponsorship in Space Exploration
- The collaboration between Mars Chocolate North America and NASA highlights the potential for businesses to form partnerships with space exploration agencies and promote their brand through space missions.
- Nostalgic Branding
- The release of commemorative NASA M&M's allows businesses to leverage nostalgic branding strategies, appealing to consumers who have a connection to the history of space exploration.
Who This Affects Most
- Confectionery
- The confectionery industry can explore the creation of limited edition space-themed candies to attract collectors and space enthusiasts.
- Space Exploration
- The collaboration with Mars Chocolate North America opens up opportunities for the space exploration industry to forge partnerships with private companies for funding and sponsorship.
- Marketing and Advertising
- The NASA space-themed M&M's provide inspiration for marketing and advertising agencies to explore unique promotional strategies that leverage nostalgia and a sense of adventure.
