Aucklanders will be among the first in the country to experience a new soft-format version of one of New Zealand’s most popular confectionery products.
Kiwis consumed over one million bags of original Skittles across the nation last year.
For the first time since they were launched in 2003, global FMCG giant MARS has introduced a new chewy, textural twist on the familiar fruity favourite to the local market - Skittles Cloudz.
As part of the product launch, Auckland commuters can trial the free product and benefit from a colour therapy experience designed to combat the emotional toll of winter.
“Kiwis aren’t just looking for new flavours, they want new textures too. The new product reflects growing demand for new sensory experiences in confectionery,” said Shane Hammond from MARS.
“It offers a soft, bouncy chew that’s completely different to the original, but still delivers those familiar fruity notes that Skittles fans love.”
The Skittles ‘Taste The Rainbow’ colour burst, at the city’s busiest train station, Britomart on the 4th of July, will take inspiration from colour and taste therapy to help lift moods during the darkest part of the year.
Psychologist Sara Chatwin said winter can be especially difficult for Kiwis, with shorter days and lower light levels contributing to a widespread drop in mood and energy. When light is in short supply, colour can activate positive sensations and change perceptions.
“Colour has a powerful psychological effect on our emotional state. When natural light is in short supply, we can actively use vibrant colour to stimulate serotonin production and help offset the low moods associated with winter,” she said.
The initiative came as data from the Mental Health Foundation suggested that as many as one in ten New Zealanders experience symptoms of low mood or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the colder months.
While not everyone develops SAD, Chatwin added that the winter blues can be a very real experience for many.
“This kind of sensory activation through colour, light, taste and tactile experiences helps re-energise people, especially at the beginning or end of the work day. Even a 20-minute interaction with a bright environment can help reset your internal rhythm and lift your state of mind.”
The Skittles installation has been designed to be fun and inclusive, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in vibrant hues, taste the rainbow of colours and experience how colour can affect emotional wellbeing.
In addition to the impact on mood, colour significantly influences the perception of taste. For example, the colour red is often associated with sweetness; this may be because red fruits, such as cherries, apples, or ripe strawberries, are naturally sweeter, whereas colours like green and yellow are perceived as having a more sour profile.
“Our takeover of Britomart Station is about more than just product, it’s about creating a moment of brightness in people’s everyday routine; connecting them with moments of everyday happiness,” added Hammond.
“We know that even small sensory experiences can make a difference to how people feel, especially during the darker months. If we can help bring a bit of joy and colour to someone’s commute, then we’ve achieved something worthwhile.”
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