Bazooka to release Despicable Me 2 candy

Candymaker also will tie in two online games to the promotion.

Bazooka is getting downright Despicable this summer.

The candy company is joining forces with Despicable Me 2, and releasing limited-edition Minion-themed candy after the movies’ popular yellow characters, including themed Ring Pops, Juicy Drop Pops, Jumbo Push Pops and Baby Bottle Pops. They’ll also be re-launching a favorite flavor with a movie tie-in and fun Minion-themed wraps. Despicable Me 2

Bazooka also will be debuting Minion-themed television and online advertising campaign that will lead consumers to two custom Despicable Me 2 games at Candymania.com, a candy-centric gaming, activities and pop-culture platform. Mission ImPOPsible is a multi-level game that takes kids through the plot of Despicable Me 2 so they can live out the action for themselves. The second game, Minion Golf, lets users try to putt their favorite candy to their excited Minion friends.

Bazooka will create a custom TV spot — featuring the candy brands as well as footage from the film and the online games — that will direct kids to visit Candymania.com. The spots will debut this month and will air through the opening weekend of Despicable Me 2’s release in North America.

“The hilarious Minions showcase the fun our brands always encourage with consumers,” says Anthony Trani, Bazooka Candy Brands’ v.p. of marketing. “With the debut of this limited-edition line, fans of Despicable Me 2 can embrace the spirit of fun with both the characters and our products before and after they leave the movie theater.”

Universal and Illumination’s highly anticipated 3D-CG comedy adventure boasts an all-star cast featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions, and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.

The limited edition candy will be available worldwide, making this Bazooka’svery first international promotion extending beyond the United States and into Europe, Asia, Latin America and South Africa. All products will be available in retail outlets nationwide.

Crystal Lindell, Former editor-in-chief of Candy Industry Magazine. While here she has worked on Candy Industry Magazine, Food Engineering Magazine and Food Safety Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois – Springfield and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Illinois University. And her favorite breakfast is a cup of espresso and Twix bar.