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Gum: Orbit
Sugarless chewing gum accounted for nearly two-thirds of the $1.8 billion gum, mint, and breath-freshener market in 2009, according to researcher Mintel International Group. The gum was first developed in 1944 by Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., which was bought by Mars in 2008. Orbit has differentiated itself with its crunchy coating, box packaging, and a higher-than-average price tag, which helped make it into an iconic brand with 2009 sales of approximately $206 million, according to Mintel. Last year Orbit launched its latest innovation, the Orbit Mist product line, which the company says contains "micro-bursts to deliver a hydrating sensation" and comes in flavors that include mango surf and raspberry lemon dew. Trident, which once ruled the gum market, now sits at No. 2, with $146 million in 2009 sales. It aims to topple Orbit with a new product called Trident Layers, which sandwiches two flavors together, such as wild strawberry and tangy citrus. —Esmé Deprez
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2. Trident
3. Wrigley's Five
4. Wriglely's Extra
5. Wrigley's Eclipse
