ERLANGER, KY – September 23, 2025 – Perfetti Van Melle, the makers of the iconic Airheads® Xtremes candy, and Graeter’s Ice Cream, America’s oldest family-owned and operated craft ice cream maker, have come together from both sides of the Ohio River to launch two bold, flavor-packed frozen creations in celebration of the America’s River Roots Festival. These limited-time treats are available exclusively at Graeter’s Scoop Shops in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area now through October 12.
“We’re thrilled to bring together two iconic regional flavors: Graeter’s handcrafted ice cream, a Cincinnati staple, and Airheads Xtremes, proudly made in Northern Kentucky,” said Sylvia Buxton, president and CEO of Perfetti Van Melle Americas Business Unit. “It’s a sweet tribute to the communities on both sides of the Ohio River—where flavor and local pride flow together.”
The Xtremes Offerings Include:
- Xtremes Freeze
A frosty explosion of lemon sorbet, lemonade, and blue raspberry syrup, blended with ice and topped with whipped cream and Airheads Xtremes Bites
- Xtremes Lemonberry Sundae
A decadent scoop of Lemon Meringue Pie ice cream layered with strawberry topping, whipped cream, cherry, and finished with a burst of Airheads Xtremes Bites
“This limited-time offering was designed to capture the spirit of the America’s River Roots Festival and the creativity that drives both our brands,” said Chip Graeter, fourth-generation owner and chief of retail operations at Graeter’s Ice Cream. “At Graeter’s, we believe partnering with innovative brands like Perfetti Van Melle is one of the best ways to celebrate the communities we’re part of and the locally-made flavors people love.”
These treats are only available through October 12, so head to the nearest Graeter’s Scoop Shop today.
About Airheads
Airheads is a brand long loved by people of all ages for its chewy texture, tangy fruit flavors and bright colors. Invented in Erlanger, KY, Airheads are available in original bar form as well as chewy and intense bite-sized pieces called Airheads Bites. For a sweetly sour candy that packs a punch, Airheads Xtremes belts and bites are available. Airheads are perfect for a quick treat, social gatherings and for sharing with others.
About Perfetti Van Melle
Perfetti Van Melle (PVM) is a privately owned company that manufactures and distributes confectionery and chewing gum in more than 150 countries. PVM is a global leader in the confectionery industry, thanks to delighting consumers around the world with its innovative, diverse, and most loved products.
The company boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic local and internationally recognized brands cherished by generations such as Mentos, Chupa Chups, Alpenliebe, Airheads, Center, Fruit-tella, Big Babol, Vivident, Golia, Vigorsol, Smint and Frisk. In addition, Trident, Hollywood, Dentyne, Stimorol, V6 and Bubblicious in the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 2024 Perfetti Van Melle Group reported net sales above € 4 billion. U.S. operations are based in Erlanger, KY with factories in Erlanger and Rockford, IL.
About Graeter’s Ice Cream
Since 1870, five generations of the Graeter family have remained committed to handcrafting only the most indulgent ice cream available. From humble beginnings serving ice cream from a cart in Cincinnati to the nationwide presence of Graeter’s Ice Cream today, the family has stayed true to the traditional “French Pot” method and is the only company in the world that still makes ice cream at scale this way. Graeter’s has 50+ retail stores and ships more than 300,000 pints annually. The brand can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states.
For more information, visit Graeters.com or follow Graeter’s on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, or X (formerly known as Twitter).
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Casey Kroger, Communications Manager
Casey.Kroger@perfettivanmelle.com