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Soft drink disruptor Candy Can is expanding its novelty-led portfolio through a new licensing partnership with Perfetti Van Melle, bringing the Bubblicious brand into the ready-to-drink space for the first time.
The collaboration debuts with a special-edition Bubble Gum flavour, inspired by Bubblicious’s 'The Original One,' translating the brand’s signature sweet, juicy profile into a carbonated beverage format. The launch signals the first in a planned pipeline of co-branded SKUs, with additional variants, including a Watermelon flavour, already slated for release.
Positioned squarely at the intersection of nostalgia and innovation, the new product reflects Candy Can’s strategy of reimagining familiar confectionery experiences as modern beverages. The drink is designed to evoke childhood associations while appealing to contemporary consumers seeking playful, limited-edition offerings.
Sander de Jonge, founder of Candy Can, said: "We are thrilled to partner with Bubblicious to create a beverage that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. This collaboration captures the essence of fun, flavour and creativity. As we continue expanding our line-up, flavours like this allow us to surprise consumers in unexpected and exciting ways.”
The special edition Bubble Gum will roll out in major retailers across Canada beginning April, featuring bold and energetic packaging that merges Bubblicious’ visual identity with Candy Can’s colourful, flavour-driven design style.
Carla Fernández-Moreno, food and beverage licensing manager at Perfetti van Melle, added: "This collaboration is a fantastic way to bring Bubblicious’ iconic flavour, along with its brand-new eye-catching look, into an exciting new format. Doing so alongside Candy Can makes perfect sense, as both brands share the spirit of fun, creativity, and innovation."
The product will roll out across major Canadian retailers from April, supported by packaging that blends Bubblicious’ vibrant, youth-oriented branding with Candy Can’s colourful design language.
For Perfetti Van Melle, the move reflects a broader push to extend core IP into adjacent categories. Bubblicious joins a roster of globally recognised brands, including Chupa Chups and Mentos, a being actively developed through licensing into food, beverage, and lifestyle segments.
For Candy Can, the partnership underscores its evolution from niche novelty brand to a more structured innovation platform. The company has built momentum through limited-edition drops and flavour experimentation, leveraging social media engagement and collectable-style releases to drive consumer interest.
Looking ahead, Candy Can confirmed further launches in 2026, including an Ice Pop flavour inspired by North America’s classic rocket popsicles, another play on retro taste profiles designed to resonate across generations.