I enjoy being on stage, doing presentations, and generally playing host. Therefore, when I was asked to be the MC for HARIBO‘a new product launch, in the form of a summer pool party, I was ecstatic to say “yes”.
Not only was I able to attend what sounded like a fun afternoon in the sun, but had the ability to talk about candy and gummies with those of a similar mindset. This was a treat (excuse the pun).
The event was held at Hyatt Hotel’s rooftop pool. Event goers were welcomed into the space, decorated with HARIBO branding materials introducing them to their new Tropifrutti gummies There was a feature wall decorated withTropifrutti’s gummy shapes, a faux green wall adorned with tropical leaves, a banner that served as a photo backdrop, and additional cardboard cut outs of gummy fruit hung around.
Guests also had the opportunity to meet, Gold Bear, HARIBO‘s official mascot featured on their best selling, classic gummy bears bags. This was a giant golden yellow teddy bear wearing a red bow, as depicted on their packaging. On top of hugs, he and his handler were passing out mini bags of gummy bears as well.
For refreshments, there was is a mocktail station with a non-alcoholic version of a piña colada being shaken to order. This was created by the Hyatt’s bar team and made available at their lobby level Grain restaurant and bar. It had tropical notes of tangy fruit, designed to pair well with the gummy of the hour; which used as garnished on top of each cup.
There was also flavoured water adjacent, to help beat the heat. As soon as it hit midday the shade that we once had from all the surrounding skyscrapers were moot, as the sun had us directly overhead.
For food, guests were welcomed to graze on full table’s worth of charcuterie. A decorative collection of meats, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, crackers, and of course HARIBO gummies.
However, the best way to enjoy the new Tropifrutti gummy was at the tasting station, which I was tasked to man. After my MC duties of welcoming everyone into the space, I invited them to join me at the side table for a guided walkthrough of this new gummy collection. Released at the beginning of the year, Canada’s newest HARIBO gummy is available at numerous grocery stores, convenience marts, and gas stations. Basically where ever you re-up on your regular candy.
This is a bag specifically formulated for Canada due to its stringent food laws and food dye requirements. This also lend to the gummy‘s smokey pastel colour, as all dyes are required to from natural food sources and not artificial laboratory colours.
There are 6 flavours total. They include pineapple, tangerine & mango, passionfruit, pomegranate, watermelon, and banana. Guests were invited to collect one of each and help themselves to more of their favourites. We walked through their surprising texture despite the look of the gummy. Everyone agreed that it was a lot softer than they seemed with almost a firm shell, revealing a chewy gel-like centre. The biggest selling point for me was the fact that the gummies did not stick to the bottom of your teeth.
My job was to interact with the guests finding out which was their favourite, pulling out their specific stories invoked by certain flavours. In essence, soliciting them to write a poetic taste description in order to win a HARIBO swag prize pack.
Overall, this was a fun and fast-paced event kept lively with a live DJ. Here, you are able to mix and mingle, enjoying sweet treats and fun on this rooftop oasis. I think we achieved our goal and made new fans of the brand, as many walked away with a gift box full of Tropifrutti gummies and a new found appreciation for them.
