Chewits facts for kids
Chewits are popular chewy sweets made by a company called Cloetta. They are shaped like small blocks and are known for being very chewy!
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The History of Chewits
Chewits first appeared in 1963. They were originally called "Chewzits" and made in Southport. In 1965, the company changed its name to "Chewits".
The sweets were first made in England. Later, in 2006, the factory moved to Slovakia.
Chewits started with classic flavours like Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Orange, and Banana. Over time, they added many new and exciting tastes. Some special limited edition flavours included Ice Cream, Cola, and Rhubarb & Custard.
In 2000, sour flavours like Apple and Tutti Frutti were launched. Today, you can find popular flavours such as Strawberry, Blackcurrant, Fruit Salad, Ice Cream, Cola, and Orange.
Did you know? Ice Cream Chewits were first released in 1989. They became so popular that fans asked for them back. So, in 2009, they were brought back because of online petitions!
Chewie the Chewitsaurus: TV Ads
Chewits first appeared on television in 1976. Their advertisements often featured a famous mascot named Chewie the Chewitsaurus. Chewie looked a bit like Godzilla and was always searching for something super chewy to eat!
In the early ads, Chewie would humorously chomp on famous landmarks. He munched on places like a bus depot, a London block of flats, and even the Taj Mahal. The only way to stop Chewie was with a pack of Chewits!
These early adverts used a special animation style called claymation. This was similar to the effects seen in movies by Ray Harryhausen.
A fun computer game called The Muncher was released in 1988. It was based on Chewie's adventures.
Later, in 1995, a new ad showed Chewie trying to chew on other rubbery items. He sampled Wellington boots and a rubber boat. This was all to get ready for the chewiest chew of all – Chewits!
In the late 1990s, Chewits tried ads with dinosaur puppets as newscasters. Their advice was always "do it before you chew it."
By 1999, Chewie the Chewitsaurus returned with a new look. He was now a colourful 2D animation. In one ad, Chewie roller-skated through a city. In another, he went waterskiing. These ads used a catchy song, "I like to Chewit Chewit."
In 2003, Chewie the Chewitsaurus was officially brought back as the main mascot. Then, in 2009, he got a modern, computer-game-style design. This new Chewie appears on all Chewits packaging.
In late 2019, Chewie's design was updated again. He got a new paint effect and more expressive mouth and teeth.
Chewits Slogans
Over the years, Chewits has used many memorable advertising slogans:
- "Chewits, even chewier than a 15-storey block of flats"
- "No fruit chew chews chewier"
- "Do it before you Chewit"
- "He likes to Chewit"
- "For monster chewers only"
- "Born to be chewie"
- "Unleash the taste adventure"
- "Can you handle it?"
Chewits Promotions and Sponsorships
Chewits has been involved in many fun activities and sponsorships. They once had a log flume ride at Pleasureland in Southport!
More recently, Chewits has supported sports programs for children in the UK. They partnered with Premier Sport to offer sports courses during school holidays. These courses help many children stay active. Famous athletes like Lawrence Dallaglio have supported these programs.
Chewits also sponsored the Lancashire County Cricket's junior club, the Lancashire Thunderbolts, starting in 2009.
In 2009, Chewits launched a program to help young athletes. This "Young Sporting Ambassador" program gave financial support and coaching to promising athletes. This helped them prepare for big events like the London Olympics in 2012.
In 2011, Chewits teamed up with Team Extreme. They held extreme sports road shows to promote their Xtreme range of products.
Dietary Information for Chewits
Chewits are made without hydrogenated fats. They also do not contain artificial colourings.
Most Chewits products are free from artificial flavourings. The exceptions are Strawberry, Ice Cream, and Xtreme Sour Tutti Frutti.
Chewits supports the Betreatwise program in the UK. This program encourages people to enjoy treats as part of a balanced diet. It also helps them understand nutritional information on food packs.
Many Chewits flavours are suitable for those who keep kosher. Also, Chewits are suitable for vegetarians.
Current Chewits Products
- Blackcurrant, Fruit Salad, Strawberry, Ice Cream and Cola individual packs
- Fruit Multipack
- Xtreme Sour Apple
- Xtreme Tutti Frutti