People have been chewing gum for centuries. Prehistoric men and women chewed on lumps of tree resin, making them the first gum chewers in history. As time went on, chewing gum became commercialized, improved upon, diversified, and popularized. Wrigley's Orbit Gum has an interesting and long history as well. It most notably became the first chewing gum to carry The American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance.
Orbit Gum's beginning can be traced back to World War II. Wrigley generously shipped overseas to the U.S. Armed forces their entire production of Juicy Fruit, Spearmint and Doublemint gum, leaving none of these available for the public. Wrigley introduced Orbit Gum to take their place and then discontinued Orbit Gum in 1946 when the others returned for consumers.
In 1976, Orbit returned to the market in Germany, Switzerland and Holland. It was the first time a sugar-free gum was sold under the Wrigley name. Orbit's popularity brought it to Canada, Australia, England, Norway, Poland and Israel.
In 2001, Orbit was reintroduced in the United States in Spearmint and Wintermint. It was hailed for its "Just Brushed Clean Feeling" and became the fastest growing brand in the gum category.
Orbit Peppermint debuted in 2002 and Orbit White was launched as a sugar-free pellet sub brand. In 2003, Bubblemint and Cinnamint came on the market. Orbit White received a makeover in 2004 with Peppermint and Spearmint.
In 2005, Orbit Sweetmint and Citrus Mint were born. Lemon Lime and Crystal Mint followed in 2006. Mint Mohito and Raspberry, and Melon Breeze hit the shelves in 2007. Maui Melon Mint, Strawberry Mint, Positively Pomegranate, Fabulous Fruitini, Sangria and Fresca flavors were introduced in 2008. Orbit Mist, containing micro-bursts, was launched in 2009.
On the back of each Orbit gum wrapper produced during the World War II rationing was the following note: "All our prewar materials have been used up so there is no more Wrigley's Spearmint, Doublemint, or Juicy Fruit being made. Orbit is the best gum we can make now. It is pure and wholesome but not quite good enough to carry the Wrigley label. You may still get Wrigley brands but they will be older than Orbit."
Comeback
In 2005, Orbit Sweetmint and Citrus Mint were born. Lemon Lime and Crystal Mint followed in 2006. Mint Mohito and Raspberry, and Melon Breeze hit the shelves in 2007. Maui Melon Mint, Strawberry Mint, Positively Pomegranate, Fabulous Fruitini, Sangria and Fresca flavors were introduced in 2008. Orbit Mist, containing micro-bursts, was launched in 2009.