An Inside Look at Skittles Packaging in the Supply Chain
It's a rainy afternoon and you find yourself craving something sweet to brighten your day. Reaching into your pocket, you pull out a bright, colorful package of Skittles. As you tear open the wrapper and pour candy-coated fruity flavors into your mouth, you likely don't think much about the intricate supply chain that brought this iconic treat from factory to store shelf. But for Skittles, packaging plays a pivotal role in operations.
With billions of Skittles produced globally each year, developing packaging that's functional, efficient, and eye-catching is no small task. According to Suzanne Noble, Associate Director of Packaging Purchasing at Mars Wrigley Confectionery, packaging accounts for about 35% of the product's manufacturing costs. That means striking the right balance between cost, quality, and appeal is critical.
From a logistics perspective, the packaging must protect Skittles during shipment and storage while optimizing space efficiency. The standard 71g stand-up pouch box holds enough plastic-coated candies to fill approximately 85 truck trailers annually. Procurement experts also analyze packaging trends and negotiate contracts to get the best rates on materials. #supplychain #packaging
Of course, beyond logistics the packaging must also catch the consumer's eye. Skittles are known for their color, so displaying the rainbow of flavors is key. In 2009, Skittles transitioned from a bag to box to better showcase the candies. In 2013, they unveiled their first ever limited-edition colorless packs for Halloween. With bright graphics and inventive shapes, the packaging visually communicates the playful Skittles brand. #marketing
For supply chain professionals passionate about leveraging packaging in creative ways, companies like Mars offer opportunities to innovate. As Noble says, "We're constantly challenging ourselves to find new, sustainable packaging materials and methods to surprise and delight our customers." She notes that packaging often reflects wider cultural trends that procurement and logistics teams must stay on top of.
Whether you're a packaging engineer, logistics coordinator, or procurement manager, Skittles provides inspiration for how smart packaging can impact costs, efficiency, and customer experience. To explore packaging and other supply chain roles, check out SCM.Jobs today. With a focus on careers in procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and more, SCM.Jobs helps you unlock your potential to deliver supply chain solutions as colorful as Skittles themselves.
So next time you tear open a pack of Skittles, appreciate the rainbow-filled reward of stellar supply chain packaging. What will your next great candy packaging idea be?
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