Erlanger, KY –(May 12, 2026) — Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. announces the launch of Airheads Xtremes Mega Bites, a new format that takes the Airheads Xtremes franchise to the next level. Featuring a larger candy piece size and a bold 2-in-1 bite flavor experience, Mega Bites are designed to stand out in the sour candy set. This new and highly anticipated offering will be available to U.S. retailers nationwide beginning this winter in both 5.5oz and 8.5oz packs.
Airheads Xtremes Mega Bites feature mega-sized, center-filled candy pieces with two bold flavor combinations in every bite, topped off with the signature sour coating Airheads Xtremes fans know and love. Flavors include Cherry & Blue Raspberry, Strawberry & Pink Lemonade and Watermelon & White Mystery. The larger piece size is designed to deliver a wholly different eating experience to delight consumers and complement existing Xtremes Belts and Bites offerings. An engaging, fun new option for shoppers seeking multi-flavor candy experiences.
“With Mega Bites, we went all in on what fans love most about Airheads Xtremes,” said Chris Borges, Non-Chocolate Category Director for Perfetti Van Melle North America. “We took the bold sour kick, paired up two intense flavors, and made the bites mega, so every piece delivers a bigger, louder, more fun candy experience.”
Multi-sensory experiences are key in driving sales and excitement in the candy category according to the National Confectioners Association’s 2026 State of Treating. Airheads Xtremes Mega Bites is the first to combine extra-large size with a multi-texture and multi-flavor experience that shocks and delights the senses.
About Airheads
Airheads is a brand long loved by people of all ages for its chewy texture, tangy fruit flavors and iconic 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 2025 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Casey Kroger, Communications Manager
Casey.Kroger@perfettivanmelle.com