Perfetti Van Melle is expanding its U.S. presence with Fruit-tella Soft Gummies, a "better-for-you" category offering made with real fruit puree.

Fruit-tella Soft Gummies have no high fructose corn syrup and are made with pectin (not gelatin) and flavors from natural sources. In addition, Fruit-tella gummies are peanut- and tree-nut free. 

"We are thrilled about the upfront consumer response to our Fruit-tella Soft Gummies since we introduced our real, fruit-flavored soft gummies to the U.S. market in late 2020," said Craig Cuchra, v.p. of marketing for Perfetti Van Melle North America. "We have been voted as a 'choice' product by our e-commerce customers for our Fruit-tella Mixed Berry variety and are receiving rave reviews from consumers nationwide. As more consumers seek out 'better-for-you' offerings when it comes to confectionery, we are passionate about delivering a flavorful fruity candy that is the best of both worlds." 

With a 90-year heritage as a leading candy brand in Europe in the non-chocolate category, Fruit-tella is continuing to expand its market in the U.S., even amid the pandemic. With more retailers coming on board, the Fruit-tella Soft Gummies are currently available at select Walmart, Rite Aid, Raley's, Food Lion locations and more, as well as nationwide via e-commerce at Amazon and online grocery retailers. 

Fruit-tella Soft Gummies come in two fruit flavor combinations: Mixed Berry (Strawberry & Raspberry) and Peach & Mango, and two peg bag sizes: 3.2 oz. (S.R.P.: $1.79) and 5 oz. (S.R.P.: $2.49). Each package contains a variety of fun and playful character shapes to appeal to kids of all ages. 

"We don't want today's families thinking they have to sacrifice flavor from their candy,” Cuchra said. “Fruit-tella Soft Gummies give the whole family the option for a fun and permissible indulgence that is big on taste while boasting natural ingredients and real fruit puree."

Known for its imaginative products and brands in more than 150 countries, Perfetti Van Melle first unveiled the Fruit-tella "square sweet" in 1932 in the Netherlands and the gummies innovation was introduced in Europe in 2001. Today, the Fruit-tella brand has its roots in Abruzzo, Italy, with a U.S. operations facility in Kentucky.