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© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
Dubble Bubble was the first true bubble gum brand. It remained the only bubble gum on the American market until Bazooka bubble gum appeared after World War II in 1947.
This is Dubble Bubble's history.
1906: Fleer Chewing Gum Company
Frank Fleer founded the Fleer Chewing Gum Company in Philadelphia in 1906. His first product was chewing gum called "Blibber Blubber." But his first chewing gum failed commercially because it was too sticky and broke easily when bubbles were blown.
1928: Walter E. Diemer
Walter E. Diemer, a 23-year-old accountant, worked at the Fleer Company. He accidentally invented the first successful bubble gum while experimenting with gum recipes in his spare time. After his first success, Diemer couldn't recreate the formula for four months. He later figured out how to do it and produced a 300-pound batch.
Diemer's bubble gum formula was never patented, allowing competitors to create similar bubble gum products in the future.
Late 1928: Launched in pink
Dubble Bubble was pink because pink was the only food coloring available in sufficient quantity at the Fleer factory that day. This accident made pink the standard color for bubble gum.
To test the market, the company wrapped 100 pieces using a saltwater taffy wrapping machine and took them to a local candy store. They priced Dubble Bubble at one penny each. All 100 pieces sold out on the first day.
1928-1929: $1.5 million in sales
Dubble Bubble brought in $1.5 million in its first year. The future looked bright for Dubble Bubble.
1930: Dub and Bub
Fleer introduced "Fleer Funnies" in 1930. It was a color comic strip on the wrappers of gum featuring characters "Dub and Bub." These comics included "Fleer Fortunes and Dubble Bubble Facts."
The comic was released during the Great Depression when most products were too pricey. Dubble Bubble remained affordable at just one penny.
1950: Pud and his pals
The original mascots, Dub and Bub, were replaced by "Pud and his pals" in 1950. Pud was initially much more rotund than later versions.
1957: 6-pack
Fleer introduced the first gum 6-pack of Dubble Bubble in 1957.
1942: Sugar and latex rations
Due to World War II, sugar and latex became rationed, forcing Fleer to halt Dubble Bubble production. Prior to this, Dubble Bubble was distributed to military personnel and included in soldiers' food packs and MREs. But Fleer wasn't able to provide for the military anymore, either.
1951: Resuming manufacturing
Fleer resumed manufacturing Dubble Bubble after World War II ended. The bubble gum continued to grow again in the post-war era.
1998: Concord Confections
Concord Confections purchased Fleer in 1998 and acquired the Dubble Bubble brand. Their distribution network expanded the brand to 60 countries worldwide.
1999: Dubble Bubble Gumballs
Concord introduced Dubble Bubble as a gumball format in 1999.
2004: Tootsie Roll
Tootsie Roll Industries acquired Concord Confections in 2004, where the Dubble Bubble brand calls home today.
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